Bhangra Beat - South Woodford

The wonder of Indian food has taken Britain by storm over the past two decades, to the point where it is a serious rival to other ethnic cuisines. Considering curry was originally created for the British in India this a slightly ironic twist to events, but it could explain why every self respecting town, and many villages now have their own Indian restaurant, and the phrase "nipping down for an Indian" has taken on a significance that excites the tastebuds like crazy.

So no surprise at all to find that South Woodford, historically part of Essex, and located where the North Circular Road starts some kind of uneasy relationship with the M11, hosts one of the best Indian restaurants to be found, Bhangra Beat, which has its sister branch in Covent Garden. The driving force behind both restaurants is Shamim Ahmed Khan, whose aim is to offer excellent food and value for money, if not exactly on the same plate at least in close relationship to each other.

Their speciality, without any doubt, is the creation of sizzling Balti Tandoori dishes, and in a world where too many people seem to suffer from a desire to make life complicated, this simple, wholly worthy aim is amply supported by legions of regular customers, as well as the newcomers.

But first the décor, a cool setting of gentle colours, with sparkling wooden floors, spotless table settings gives an overall impression of solid comfort and creates the right mood. At the weekends live jazz music brings some of the best jazz acts in London to the restaurant, giving a special lift without shifting the balance of pleasure from the table.

Shamim has not been slow to recognise the take-away, and the quality of their meals to take home is superb in every detail. A Bhangra Banquet for 4 contains a medley of flavours that offer to a convert the opportunity to get to know Indian cuisine, and also serves as a reliable statement to those who are already addicted to this wonderful experience. Free delivery on all orders over £10 is offered over a wide area covering twelve postal codes.

Customers are encouraged to create their own meals, with any starter or vegetable side order, any main course, any rice and any naan bread, at £10.95 to take away or £13.95 to eat in, with a £3 surcharge for some of the more exotic dishes. This is real value for money.

Amongst Bhangra's Best is the Special Balti, with lamb, chicken and duck, Balti duck delight, tender duck fillets with pineapple and honey in a sweet and sour sauce or a Raj hot Balti that relies heavily upon Rajastani crushed peppers.

Lifelong carnivores may find that some of Bhangra's vegetarian dishes are worth more than passing consideration. The spicy, hot sabji jhalfry Balti relies on a wide range of vegetables combined with green peppers and tomatoes, and a Korma version gives a mild option with creamy yoghurt sauce.

Reliability in any restaurant is a cardinal virtue, particularly where a cuisine other than one's own is concerned. The host of compliments received by both regular and new customers at Bhangra is a sure indication this has been achieved.

Find out more by a clicking on their straightforward Website.