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Located in the heart of Leicester Square, Maharaja of India promises authentic Indian cuisine, but opinions among diners are mixed. One diner found the mixed starter enjoyable, praising the nice flavors, though noting the chicken lacked some punch. Another, however, had a less-than-stellar experience, feeling unwelcome upon arrival and disappointed by the mixed grill, with bland tikka pieces and a dry, burnt bhaji. The garlic chilli chicken and Iranian special lamb mains also fell short, with dry chicken and fatty, chewy lamb. Despite the owner's late recognition of the diner's status as part of a serious curry club, the overall experience failed to impress. On the other hand, one diner was thrilled with the food quality, describing it as 'absolutely dynamite,' from the mixed starter to the Maharaja masala and specials, all bursting with juicy flavors. The busy, albeit cramped, central location added to the ambiance, though mistakes in the order were quickly rectified by attentive staff. However, another diner found the lamb chop sizzler disappointing, with one chop tough as leather, though the flavors redeemed it somewhat. The Iranian lamb table curry fared better, delivering a good spice kick, although some curries felt repetitive. Customer service proved lacking for many diners, even when the staff knew they were part of a curry club, with complaints ranging from a lack of menu and salad to unhelpful responses when accidents occurred. Despite varying experiences, Maharaja of India seems to offer a mixed bag of delights and disappointments, leaving diners with differing impressions of its authenticity and service quality." Customer Care Rating - 5.25 Service Rating - 7.0 Value Rating - 6.08 Quality Rating - 6.25 Atmosphere - 7.67 Overall 6.45/10

With the autumn weather turning the leaves, the nights drawing in and conditions getting bleaker, a Friday night OCC meet was very welcome to warm the soul. Appropriately, this month’s meet happened to fall on Diwali weekend so some hearty Indian fare was certainly in order. Would our selected restaurant of Mumbai Delight succeed in delivering? Set on the South Lambeth Road in the residential area between Vauxhall and Nine Elms, the small establishment was somewhat dwarfed by the new tower blocks and skyscrapers built opposite. The venue accommodated about 25 diners and was already full upon our arrival. The OCC were sat at our table, given our menus and we waited patiently to place orders. And waited. And waited…. An ominous start for somewhere that was evidently popular amongst locals. After finally being served and placing our orders (45 minutes for drinks and poppadoms to be delivered, 65 minutes for starters) the food started to come out. Was it worth the wait? Well, my portion of succulent and juicy lamb chops certainly did not disappoint. Full of flavour and perfectly cooked they were amongst the best that I’ve had the pleasure of eating. Service picked up and the mains came out after another round of drinks had been ordered, sufficient time to allow the starter to be savoured. The portions were of a good size and thankfully we listened to the friendly waiter’s advice with our rice and bread orders. I opted for the chef’s signature Murg Hariyali Masala which I requested to have added spice and was liberally garnished with fresh green chillies. The chicken was moist and the sauce full of flavour with the added chillies giving a nice little punch. The table shared some tasty onion bhajis and a portion of Paneer Butter Masala which was smoky, smooth and beautiful. The coconut rice was good and the breads were lovely and fluffy and freshly cooked. I also sampled some of the lamb jalfrezi which again was tasty with perfect tender lamb, although the sauce was quite thick and had elements of goulash about it. Nonetheless, it was still very pleasant. The bill for food and drinks (approximately 3 rounds) came in at £52.07 per person including service – worked out by the waiter, otherwise the OCC would’ve rounded up. With the quality of the food and the customer care we were given, it’s hard to argue against that price for value. It was a very good curry in a lovely little venue with a good atmosphere (when people had the decency to close the door fully). The poor start with the long wait for even poppadoms and drinks was hard to ignore but the overall experience was enough to redeem Mumbai Delight and make them worthy recipients of the OCC sticker of approval. Customer Care -​6.93 Service -​​6.57 Value -​​​7.11 Quality -​​8.00 Atmosphere -​​7.71 TOTAL -​​7.27

The Oakham Curry Club recently visited Currify, nestled in the heart of Raffles City Shanghai, with high hopes of indulging in a delightful curry experience. Unfortunately, our culinary journey fell short of expectations, leaving us with a lukewarm impression. This was especially disappointing as it was the return of a founding father who had been a revolutionary in the Indian culinary scene. Service, unfortunately, proved to be a weak point during our visit. The pacing of the courses was inconsistent, and there were noticeable delays between each dish (which wasn’t helped by the chef leaving half-way through). The staff struggled to provide insightful recommendations or answer questions about the menu, contributing to a sense of disorganization. Requests were met with a certain indifference (or surprise that we requested multiple beers), and there was a notable absence of proactive engagement. Currify which is based on a shopping mall was always going to struggle to provide the atmosphere expected by the OCC and it turned out to be the case. The bright lighting and restaurant layoff made it feel like a soulless experience. The quality of the food at Currify was satisfactory, though not exceptional. While some dishes showcased authentic flavors and fresh ingredients, others fell short of the mark. The inconsistency in execution left our palates wanting more, and the presentation lacked the finesse expected from a venue of this caliber. One extra addition was the beautiful chutney that was brought to the party by the OCC which added some delicious flavour to the dishes. One area where Currify managed to shine was in terms of value. The prices were reasonable for the location, and the portion sizes were adequate. However, the value was somewhat offset by the underwhelming customer care and service aspects. In summary, Currify in Raffles City Shanghai left the Oakham Curry Club with mixed feelings. While the value for money and food quality were commendable, the lackluster customer care, mediocre service, and uninspiring atmosphere detracted from the overall experience. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend Currify as an OCC-approved venue (overall rating 6.2).

As the nights draw in and we enter the winter period, the OCC turned east to Limehouse in search of their latest curry quest, Holy Cow - Fine Indian Dining. Set in a spacious, ground floor space just near the best basin that London has to offer, is a modern curry house that boasts beautiful interior decor and a most welcoming set of staff. The restaurant had a smattering of other customers but it would be difficult to call it lively, and so we settled in to our table underneath a large “holy cow” decoration, watching over us as we got stuck in to both our OCC business and our poppadoms. Holy Cow opts for the less favoured basket of broken pops to share between us, we usually like 2 whole ones each so a few felt hard done by. The sauces weren’t much to write home about either with just your usual staples. As the staff took our orders, customer care was making a move as they allowed us to customise our curries with options to make it saucier, or spicier. But unfortunately after this we saw where the main issues lied with this curry house, and that was with the speed of service. It took around 2 hours for our mains to arrive, with the meet lasting over 3 hours in total, which is simply not good enough. Holy cow run a successful delivery operation at the same time, and with many bags of food going out in that time in front of us, you couldn’t help but feel 2nd best to that operation. When we did get our food, most members agreed that it was very tasty. Our starters were a mix of chilli chicken, mixed grill and spiced momos, with the mains ranging from Saag chicken to an outrageous lamb shank curry (clearly the star of the show). A big shoutout to the naan breads which were top tier, light but crisp on the bottom, steaming hot and flavoured well. Overall, unfortunately the lovely staff and great food were not enough to outdo the long waiting times that we had, hopefully it was an off night for the restaurant but sadly no sticker on this occasion. A very enjoyable meet for most nonetheless! Customer Care - 6.39 Service - 4.72 Value - 6.94 Quality - 7.39 Atmosphere - 5.89 Overall - 6.27

On a wet and windy Friday night, intrepid members of the OCC ventured across Shanghai to the Hongqiao Hub to visit Lazeez Indian Restaurant. Due to work trips, holidays and no shows only seven members turned up for their monthly curry meet. The Magnificent Seven were joined by two special guests who immediately raised the standard of conversation; welcome Emma and Bella to the OCC! The meet kicked off slightly later than the standard OST due to the maze of Hongqiao Hub where the pre-meet drinks were held at Bourbon Cook House. Led by the Chairman himself we turned up late, Dan even later!!!! Once all had made it to the restaurant we were warmly welcomed by the staff, who took care of all our needs graciously and efficiently. This excellent customer care resulted in a 8.9 customer care rating. With a wide choice of dishes to choose from, the ordering for the night was done by the stand in Vice Chairman Sammy. A plethora of starters arrived to be eagerly consumed; Pea and Potato Samosas, Onion Bhaji, Sheek Kebab, 3 different types of Naan too name a few. Not one but two homemade chutneys were then produced for the OCC members to sample and critique with the starters. ”Feedback being a gift” one of the key mantras of the OCC. Whilst all were chowing down on the delicious starters the Chairman gave us all a run down on all Global OCC activities. The mains now started to arrive with the likes of Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Rogan Josh, Smoky Beef Curry, Aloo Gobi and Alak Paneer, accompanied by Basmati Rice. As the dishes were place on the table they soon started to disappear! As this sumptuous feast was being consumed (Quality 7.7) by the hungry and opionIated members, OCC business was conducted by the chairman, stand in Vice chairman and Dan. This all happened with the lively banter and beer drinking typically associated with the monthly OCC meet. At this point another delightful surprise appeared, a homemade Jalapeño infused Vodka, which to some members was not so delightful. After eating their fill, the meet slowly came to an end; until The Punisher came into his element. An OCC tradition, a fine is met with eating a raw chilli. With certain glee in his eye the punisher dished out his fines (Pretty sure he was happy for the chairman to get one). The author of this article struggled and sweated with his fine, but all were helped by the awesome Mango Lassi's ordered by more experienced OCC members to help with the fines. Overall, a great meet was had, and by the empty plates on the table all thoroughly enjoyed the food. Many thanks to the restaurant and staff as they were excellent throughout resulting in a service rating of 8.0 and a value rating of 8.3. Overall the OCC gave Lazeez a tremendous 8.1 rating. LAZEEZ A TRUE GEM

Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich, diverse flavors, and intricate spices. Recently, The OCC had the pleasure of dining at Masala Zone, a charming Indian restaurant that promised an unforgettable culinary journey. My evening at Masala Zone commenced with the promise of flavourful dishes and a unique twist on history. The standout dish of the night was the Chicken Madras 65, an excellent rendition of a classic curry with a story to tell. Each bite was an explosion of spices that awakened my taste buds, leaving me eager for more. What sets Masala Zone apart is the fascinating history lesson that accompanied the Chicken Madras 65 starter. It added a layer of depth to the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a journey through time. Ambiance that Beckons: The restaurant's decor and ambiance are truly stunning. It's a place buzzing with energy and conversation, perfect for a memorable dining experience. The round table setup added to the communal vibe and made us feel part of the excitement. Attentive Service: The staff at Masala Zone were top-notch. Their attentive service ensured that our needs were promptly met, and they were more than willing to explain the intricacies of the menu. I particularly enjoyed the personalized sauce tray that accompanied our starters. Meat Lovers' Paradise: The restaurant excelled in its meat dishes, with the lamb sliders being a highlight of the evening. The tender pieces were a testament to the chef's skill, although some may find the tomato dominance in the lamb Rogan Josh a bit overpowering. Spice levels were spot-on for those seeking a flavourful kick. Price Point: One aspect that left a bit to be desired was the pricing. While the food quality was excellent, the cost, especially for a 33cl beer, might deter some diners. It's essential to factor in your budget when planning a visit. Customization Constraints: My only real gripe with Masala Zone was the limited menu customization options. It would have been nice to have the flexibility to swap meats in dishes. While they do allow you to taste the sauce before ordering, more choices would have been appreciated. In conclusion, Masala Zone offers a tantalizing journey through Indian flavors in a vibrant atmosphere. The excellent food quality, attentive service, and the unique Chicken Madras 65 history lesson make it a must-visit for those looking to explore the world of Indian cuisine. While there's room for improvement in terms of customization and pricing, the overall experience is one that's bound to leave a lasting impression. So, if you're up for a culinary adventure, don't hesitate to give Masala Zone a try. Your taste buds will thank you. Overall this got a 7.65 official rating from earned The OCC sticker of approval!

In Elephant review - 26 August 2023 Mooch Nahi Toh Kuch Nahi, as the saying goes - you’re nothing without a moustache. If that’s true, with with its waiters sporting some of the best lip foliage this side of the Khyber Pass, recently (re)opened In Elephant need not worry. Elephants – much like members of the OCC – are associated with peace, mental strength, and elegance. Known for their hair-covered bodies, voracious appetites and excellent knowledge of watering holes, males don’t reach full size until 35-40 years of age. Neither do elephants. An apt setting for August’s meet then. This was not the OCC’s first time in In Elephant. Our maiden visit, back in 2019, was followed by an impressive performance in 2021 that led to a decent but frustrating second place in the race for the CHOTY. Disappointed but not forgotten, we’re sure. No issue for the thick skinned though. As soon as the OCC herd about the reopening we made sure to visit. So, how did they fare in 2023? And how many elephant puns can we fit into one review? Pretty well, and quite a few, it turns out. Warm welcomes and cold beers were waiting for us as we filed in on a sticky August evening. The restaurant is nestled in the complex on the corner of Changde Rd and Kangding Rd, and while the area isn’t quite as bustling a pre-covid times, there was a good Saturday night buzz about the place. The restaurant is decked out nicely, with Elephant paraphernalia dotted around the place. Alex, proudly sporting his OCC badge after receiving the nod, was given responsibility for ordering. The menu, while slightly more trunkated than some restaurants, had a decent selection of meat and veggie options. Starters began with poppadoms (conical) which, while decent on their own, were disappointingly light on accompanying sauces. The issue was quickly remedied by two chutney offerings, courtesy of James, delivered in his absence: a kiwi and apple combination labeled ‘James’ Freedom’, and a lemon pickle number called ‘Sour Sammy’. The poppadom situation was thus resolved (unlike the sexual tension between Sammy and James), but punters who don’t usually go out with tupperwares full of their own chutneys be warned. The food continued to arrive, with some beautifully crafted aloo tikki chaat and plates of crisp, spicy prawns. Onto the main dishes, and it emerged that Alex had made the surprising and somewhat controversial decision to order a korma. Ballsy move for the new boy, still wet behind his OCC ears. Could go one of two ways. Did it go down well? Not on your Nellie…the insipid, creamy concoction of beef and mushrooms wasn’t to the taste of the OCC talent on hand, and while not actively unpleasant, it felt incongruous with the rest of the meal - an elephant in a room full of elephants. And what a meal it was. Korma stroganoff aside, there was nothing but praise for everything else. Stars of the show were undoubtedly the fall-of-the-bone-tender lamb shanks. We tried the tandoori and rogan josh variants, both well-spiced and slow cooked to perfection. Worth a visit back for these dishes alone. Other mains included big, fat chicken tikka skewers, and a creamy, indulgent chicken tikka masala. These were accompanied by mammoth portions of Kashmiri rice and baskets of warm, fluffy bread. Never ones to neglect the all-important ruffage, a punchy little bindi masala and plates of broccoli rounded out the meal. Throughout the evening the moustachioed staff were both patient and attentive. Come chili fines time they furnished us with pineapple and lychee lassis, and when those ran dry magicked up a big bowl spice-soothing desert. Great hosts even long after we’d outstayed all other patrons, along with our welcome. So, what’s the verdict? Did In Elephant not just fly but soar? Did they deliver on the holy trinity of crispy popadoms, tasty sauces and spicy curries? A solid yes based on votes from the evening, with scores as follows: Customer care: 8.7 Service: 7.3 Value 7.7 Quality 7.7 Atmosphere 7.3 Total = 7.7

Momoz & More, 11th August 2023 Gather around, fellow food enthusiasts! The Oakham Curry Club recently embarked on a delectable journey that led us to visit ..... Momoz & More. Nestled in the heart of Peterborough, Momoz & More fuses together the spices and taste of Nepalese and Indian cuisine, as the restaurant welcomes you with an inviting ambiance that blends traditional charm with modern elegance. As we stepped in, the aromas of spices and sizzling curries filled the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure that would take us across continents. Pints of cobra and poppadum’s lined the table and whilst alllll the sauces were asked for, the lack of sauces was duly noted by the OCC. Our evening began with an assortment of starters that promised a good start to the evening and the quality of the presentation was matched by the quality of the food. As the table tried to decide what momo’s to try, a complimentary platter was offered to the OCC to sample these succulent delights. Delicate dumplings filled with an array of savoury fillings, perfectly steamed to perfection, accompanied by a mix of flavoursome sauces left the OCC talking about them for a while (without swaying of course). As self-proclaimed curry aficionados, our club members were in for a treat with the restaurant's curry selection. From the rich and creamy butter chicken to the succulent taste of the Goat Special curry, every dish tasted as good as it looked and once again the presentation was remarkable. The flavours were bold and distinct, with a good balance of spices that pleased not only the heat seekers but the milder palate lovers among us as well. What Momoz & More lacked in atmosphere on that summer Friday evening as the sun set, it certainly made up for with its culinary offerings and its hospitality. The staff's warm welcome and genuine enthusiasm to guide us through the menu added a personal touch to our evening. It was evident that they take pride in sharing their love for food with their patrons and enjoyed seeing the OCC have a fantastic evening. The building that used to be a rundown kebab shop to get a bite to eat after a night out, now shines through as a hidden gem in Peterborough to complete a well-rounded evening of curry and drinks thanks to its new owners. If you're in search of a dining experience that combines authenticity, innovation, and a warm ambiance, Momoz & More is a destination that promises to delight your senses and leave you with memories to savour. It is OCC APPROVED! Customer Care Rating – 8.17 Service Rating – 7.75 Value Rating – 8.04 Quality Rating – 8.00 Atmosphere Rating – 6.00 Average Rating – 7.59

July 14, 2023 The OCC recently dined at Gopals of Soho, 12 Bateman St, W1D 4AH, London, accompanied by two international guests. The restaurant was highly regarded as the Curry House of the Year in 2017, setting high expectations for our visit. However, it disappointingly fell just short of receiving a sticker during this recent experience. The customer care provided by the staff was commendable, with a customer care rating of 7.21. The chef impressively remembered us from our previous visit in 2017, which added a personal touch to our dining experience. However, the value for money was lacking, receiving a disappointing rating of 5.08. At £70 per head, the prices seemed to be more reflective of the restaurant's prime location rather than the food and service quality. It was clear that we were paying a premium for the central Soho address. The service received a score of 6.73, indicating that while it was acceptable, it did not stand out as exceptional. The servers were attentive enough, but there were some areas that could have been improved upon. Regarding the food, the quality was decent, scoring 6.93. The keema naan was a highlight, but the absence of Achari was disappointing. The poppadom’s were good, but the mint sauce left something to be desired. On the bright side, the lime pickle was delicious. The lamb bhuna received rave reviews along with the special Goan Lamb Masala ordered for the table, both standout dishes of the evening, but overall, the curries lacked the desired level of spice by some members. The atmosphere of the restaurant received a high rating of 7.36, creating a pleasant and enjoyable ambiance for our meal. One aspect worth mentioning is that the restaurant was classified as accessible, though it is worth noting that the toilets are located down a narrow staircase, which may be inconvenient for some patrons. The restaurant is categorized as a late-night eatery, but it closes at 11 pm, which might be disappointing for those seeking a truly late-night dining option. In conclusion, while the Indian restaurant in Soho displayed some positive aspects, such as good customer care and a pleasant atmosphere, it fell short of living up to its previous accolades as the Curry House of the Year. The food, although enjoyable, lacked the exceptional quality and spice that one would expect from an award-winning establishment. Moreover, the high prices seemed to be driven more by its location rather than the overall dining experience, resulting in a lower value rating. With some improvements, the restaurant could regain its previous reputation and appeal to a broader range of patrons. Overall Score: 6.66/10 Customer Care Rating: 7.21/10 Service Rating: 6.73/10 Value Rating: 5.08/10 Quality Rating: 6.93/10 Atmosphere Rating: 7.36/10

July is a month renowned for summer holidays, and it was a depleted, skeleton OCC crew that assembled in El-Santo for pre-drinks prior to the July meet. Shorn of the stability brought by the Chairman (away in the UK) and the Vice Chairman (just down the road but looking after a lonely dog), there were palpable nerves as to how the meet would go. This month’s chosen venue in the endless pursuit of curry excellence was Pera, an old favourite of the OCC and just over a year on from Pera being the OCC’s first post-lockdown curry. Thankfully, in Shanghai’s brave new world, this time we were able to visit the restaurant itself, tucked away in its own atmospheric corner of Found 158, rather than the post-lockdown event held in the offices of a German internet magnate of questionable repute.… As stand-in Chairman Kam summoned the OCC members across 158 to Pera, he began his evening long battle to keep the group under control and released trialist (posh) Alex from his intense one one-on-one welcoming/grilling from the stand-in Vice Chairman (July) Sammy. Aspiring Chutney Master James Prowse was nominated to order and became immediately bamboozled by both the menu itself and the extensive choice. Fortunately, the OCC is like a family, and not wanting to see a fellow member flounder, other members stepped in to help. Starters included Vegetable Samosa, Onion Bhajia, and Masala Papad, all of which were happily devoured by the assembled members and washed down by drinks of choice, which were both copious and mainly Stella Artois. Whomever it was that helped James with the ordering ensured that we did not go hungry, with the main dishes of Mutton Rogan Josh, Saag Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi, and Mutton and Chicken Vindaloos being accompanied by the obligatory shots from Sammy in his more traditional role of Shotmaster - this month providing Rum rather than Baijiu to the great relief of all assembled. The flavourful Mutton Rogan Josh was voted the dish most preferred by the OCC members, with honourable mentions going to the Chicken Saag and the Mutton Vindaloo. While Chairman Kam kept his speeches amusing and appropriately to the point, the evening was not short of longer speeches from others in temporary leadership positions and was also punctuated by incoming landline calls, questionable suggested rules & an angrily produced but tasty chutney from the aspiring chutney master. The team at Pera, while perhaps slightly confused, provided attentive and friendly service throughout. Once all had happily eaten their fill and drunk to the point where the memory becomes hazy, trialist (posh) Alex stepped up to perform his poem, a clever erotic ditty about a naan and a poppadum and their trip to Puxi, all performed in a style suitable for the Bullingdon Club. Once the food was eaten and the meet closed, members drifted away quickly, perhaps concerned at the prospect of bumping into young people arriving at Found for a Friday night out. Only five OCC members remained for a photo with the Pera staff and to sign off another fine OCC evening. Many thanks to the staff at Pera for an enjoyable night, for their patience, and of course, for the great food and service!

Oakham Curry Club Shanghai's June Meet: Yak & Yeti - Taste of the Himalayas Yak & Yeti, which describes itself as a globally-inspired Himalayan restaurant serving Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian dishes, is one of Shanghai's 2023 talks of the town. The restaurant is nestled under the bright lights and bustle of the XiangYang and ChangLe corner and is a unique dining destination well worth discovering. The intimate yet enchanting blurring of blue neon lights and traditional Himalayan aesthetics hint at the delightful fusion of flavours on the menu. The layout circles around a central bar, enhancing the small space with a mixture of high-backed bar stalls, cosy nooks and warmly lit terrace seating. The space has been thoughtfully designed and the atmosphere is neatly complimented with soothing balearic lounge bar vibes that evoke the tranquillity of the plateau, an escape from the city. The first dish to grace the bar top was the Himalayan Nachos. Fresh, crispy mini-poppadoms served with a side relish of crunchy carats, peanuts, cucumbers and onions. These were quickly followed by the signature dish, the Everest Momos, a selection of silky-soft envelopes popped-full of delicious fillings served classically, plain and fluffy, or saucy and sticky with a sweet and sour glaze. These were washed down with an ice-cold beer for a perfect opening served by our host, the always smiling Anup Rajbhandari, the proprietor and the visionary on a mission to bring these diverse Himalayan flavours inspired by his Nepalese upbringing to Shanghai's culinary scene. Where Yak & Yeti surpasses itself, perhaps not by surprise, is in the small dishes, ideal for a tapas-style bar top meal, and as we continued to climb to new culinary heights, the Grilled Chicken and Pork Sekuwap were next up. These skewered and succulent protein bombs were marinated in a blend of Nepalese spices, herbs, and yoghurt and grilled to perfection with mouthwatering char and juiciness packed full into every bite. The Bara is a delicious lentil pancake, a classic Nepali appetizer consisting of spiced lentil patties served here with a combination of minced chicken fried eggs and herbs. Readily available on the streets of Katmandu, a rare but fabulous find in Shanghai. It was at this point that we bid farewell to legend that is Barry 'Bazmati' as this was his final meet and leaving do. But it was as we listened to the speech documenting his many achievements, most notably the OCC's first Chutney Master, that we, those to be left behind, pondered a future without his magic chutneys that a new contender entered via an anonymous drop-off. However, on this occasion at least, Bazmati's legacy remains intact, winning the impromptu chutney challenge 12 to 1 and beating the incognito dip. For now, at least, we shall continue to remember him fondly as we plunge our poppadoms into inferior sauces. Bon voyage Baz, good luck in Dubai! Now, and in need of a cleanser, the Pani Puri arrived. These delightful street food masterpieces were the perfect palette refresher between bites. A burst of tangy tamarind and a medley of fresh, aromatic spices housed in a delicate, crispy shell. With a slurp and pop, we were reset and craving more. As we ascended towards the summit, it was time for the mains, starting with another signature dish, the Night Safari Chicken Curry, served alongside perfectly roasted Roti, the traditional flatbreads of the region. A mild yet richly spiced curry with chicken cooked to perfection, allowing the flavours of the thick, luscious gravy to infuse deep into every juicy bite. The bread's warm and flaky texture was ideal for scooping up every last bit of this tasty curry. The tantalizing flavours of the Himalayan grilled white fish infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemongrass were a deep contrast to the curry and a delightful complement to the mix of exquisite flavours. Tender and flaky fish filet coated in a zesty fragrant garnish. We concluded proceedings with a hearty Chicken Biriani. Plump meat cooked with nutty, flavorful rice to create the perfect mouthfuls of loveliness. Such an elegant, classic dish. Few places currently serve it better. On the side, a plate of crisp, grilled cauliflower and stir-fried mushroom and asparagus. Overall, this was a fantastic experience for the OCC, and the food at Yak & Yeti truly embodies the essence of Nepalese cuisine with touches of Tibetan and Indian styles. With its delicious blend of flavours, tender proteins, creative combinations, and aromatic spices, you'd think you were at the foothills of the Himalayas. Yak & Yeti scored 8.3 for atmosphere, 7.6 for value, 9 for customer care, 8.3 for quality and 8.6 for service, a total of 8.4. Congratulations to Anup and the whole team! OCC approved!

On June 9th, 2023, the Oakham Curry Club (OCC) embarked on an adventurous culinary journey to Memsaab, a renowned Indian restaurant located in Islington. With six enthusiastic members in attendance, the OCC eagerly delved into the flavours and ambiance that this establishment had to offer. The club members evaluated Memsaab based on five key factors: customer care, service, value, quality, and atmosphere. Let's dive into the details of their experience and see how Memsaab fared. Customer Care and Service: Memsaab received an average score of 6.28/10 for customer care and 6.08/10 for service. Although the staff was polite, attentive, and accommodating, there were some areas that required improvement. The starters took longer than expected to arrive, leading to a slight delay in the overall service. However, the waitstaff was apologetic and tried their best to ensure a satisfactory dining experience for the OCC. Value and Quality: With scores of 6.52/10 for value and 7.07/10 for quality, Memsaab showcased reasonable offerings in terms of both affordability and taste. While some members found the food flavoursome and enjoyable, others had mixed opinions. One member ordered the chicken tikka masala, which was described as tender but overly sweet, suggesting that the balance of flavours may have missed the mark. However, the overall consensus was that the dishes provided a reasonable curry experience, with flavours that satisfied the palates of the OCC. Atmosphere: The ambiance of Memsaab garnered a score of 5.83/10. The club members found the environment to be pleasant enough, but it fell short of creating a truly memorable dining atmosphere. Despite this, the restaurant's location received positive feedback, enhancing the overall experience for the OCC. Overall Score and Final Thoughts: Combining the scores for customer care, service, value, quality, and atmosphere, Memsaab received an average overall score of 6.36/10 from the OCC. Although the visit was not flawless, the club members appreciated the reasonable curries and flavoursome starters, which made up for some of the shortcomings in service and atmosphere. It is worth noting that the service delay was attributed to another large party, indicating that management could consider better strategies for handling multiple groups simultaneously. In conclusion, the Oakham Curry Club had an enjoyable gathering at Memsaab. The restaurant's offerings showcased decent flavours, and the reasonable value added to the overall experience. While there is room for improvement in terms of service efficiency and ambiance, Memsaab remains a viable option for those seeking a fair curry experience in Islington. Unfortunately however Memsaab is not OCC approved.