Masala Art

Real Curry Eater (15 January 2008)

Despite Leicester's large Indian population and its title of being the curry capital, it is actually very difficult to find an Indian restaurant that serves real Indian food. While one reason for this is that most Indian restaurants are run by Bangladeshis, the other is the food served is concocted, apparently to suit English tastes and is also easier and cheaper to produce. Masala Art does try to serve authentic food and is quite different from the usual Indian eateries there. I have dined there several times with small groups of people, and therefore, have tried quite a variety of dishes. Several starters are very good but some main courses do not meet the standards of authenticity.

The last time I went there, I tried rogan josh and ordered it a little hot. But when it arrived it had no better taste than bistro gravy poured over stewed lamb. When I complained I was given an entirely different kind of lamb dish, which, I later realised, was lamb balti. This was much hotter, but did not have a pleasant taste. Even the lamb was tough with some gristle. Though I did not complain again, it spoiled the evening and my wife vowed that she would never go there again with me. This happened months ago, and from then on we have never returned.