In a small town like Shoeburyness, restaurants such as Polash on West Road are a glimmer of life for those seeking to satisfy their taste buds with some spicy Indian food. With sparkling flavours and robust cooking techniques, here's a place that does more than just serving authentic cuisine, the friendly, neighbourhood feel keeps the crowds trotting in steadily.

If you'd like to dispel fears of the unfamiliar then the wait staff are always on hand to recommend dishes in addition to the menu that feature set specials with interesting names. Take 'The Passage to India' for instance, which takes in tandoori chicken, rogan josh, king prawns and niramish, a vegetarian dish prepared with mixed vegetables, or 'Kipling's Favourite' of mutton tikka, tandoori king prawn masala, mushrooms and pilaf rice. Diners could also choose from the à la carte where the kitchen treads on a familiar curry territory from the pathias and vindaloos to dhansaks and Kashmir.