Opened in August 1998 as Wadebridge’s first Indian restaurant (a take-away opened at the beginning of August 2002, but was closed in 2005, and a second Indian restaurant opened in January 2008). Occupying a prime position at the end of the old bridge overlooking the River Camel it is under the same ownership as several others in Cornwall, including the Sagor in Launceston.

Seats 40 in comfortable if fairly plain surroundings. Light coloured artexed walls give something of a Spanish flavour but the overhead fans lend a touch of the East. A word of caution, however, to future first time visitors. The toilets are situated downstairs and the stairs are directly after the door marked ‘toilets’. Therefore, unless you are looking where you are putting your feet it would be easy to open the door and fall Achar over Tikka to the bottom. You have been warned! (although on my latest visit the door was wedged open - perhaps someone did fall down and the door now permanently open). Whilst on the subject of toilets, the lock on the single cubicle gents did not work on my last visit which, as the door opens outwards to frustrate the straight leg technique of locking, is a bit inconvenient for anything other than a quick pee!)

On three visits over last three years the food has been fairly average overall - nothing special but nothing to moan about. Standard Popadoms and pickle selection (four varieties). Starter of Onion Bhajias always comprised 3 fairly small round bhajias, crisp on outside but slightly stodgy within but OK, although served without any raita. The Prawn Puri was rather bland but the Chicken Chat was reasonably spiced although fairly dry. The Bash Baagan Special starter was a good selection comprising a small samosa, shamee kebab, one onion bhaji and some chicken tikka.

Main dishes again fairly average. Tandoori Chicken was well  marinated but on each occasion has been rather dry and less succulent than average. It had a slightly different flavour in the marinade - I can't quite put my finger on what the difference is but it was OK nonetheless. On my first visit in the Chicken Pathia was hot and sweet, although with a distinctive flavour rather like slightly burnt brown sugar (which it probably was). On recent visit I chose Chicken Dhansak which was much better, prepared in a thick dark sauce, which was tasty and hot, although not overly so. Lamb Piaza (ordered on first visit only) was disappointing being very bland rather than fitting the ‘well spiced’ description of the menu. Chicken Tikka Masala was declared OK by the recipient - I didn’t taste any but it appeared standard stuff. As for vegetable dishes I have reported the Niramish on earlier occasions as being very good having a good selection of well spiced vegetables. On the latest visit it was still tasty with a peppery flavour, although the vegetables contained an over abundance of beans in an otherwise indeterminable mixture of very small diced pieces with nothing substantial. It was all rather mushy and oily in texture although a topping of thin strips of onion and carrot at least added a crunchy texture. Aloo Gobi was about average, as were the Chapattis and Nan, but the vegetable rice was excellent..

I have previously reported that portions 'could not be described as large, but were just adequate'. However, on this latest visit I thought the portion size had improved to the point of being generous.

Service always efficient without being over friendly. I did complain on my latest visit that the tonic in a gin and tonic (which was served ready mixed - a practice I dislike) had come from a large bottle as it was flat (and I'd seen them do this with another drink!). This was changed without demur, with gin and tonic served separately (and, of course, tasted quite different!) 

All in all a fairly average formula curry meal. On my first report (September 1999) my comment was  " I hope it survives in Wadebridge as there can’t be too many potential punters, particularly in the winter season"*.

Malcolm Wilkins - September 2003