The delightful city of Truro has four Indian restaurants (Ganges, Shanaz, Kathmandu Palace and Baba) and two take-aways (Spice Hut and Curry in Hurry) in the city centre.  I've now eaten in all four restaurants and reports are provided. 

The Ganges (situated opposite the main car park in Clement Street) is the longest established (opened 'about 15 years ago' according to the manager. which means about 1987, but I think it's longer) and is by far the biggest restaurant, seating well over 100 people. 

The Kathmandu Palace is up a small alley (but well signposted) in Old Bridge Street near the car park. It seats 36 plus a table for six in a side room. Originally is was called Taj Mahal  but changed names in about 2001 to Bay of Bengal. I didn't try this, but heard from a contact that it served a very indifferent meal. This is probably why it only lasted less than three years, and in the early summer of 2004 when it changed hands to become a Nepalese restaurant under its present name. 

The Shanaz is situated in smart new premises at 1 Edward Street where it has been since 2000 when it moved from very much smaller and cramped premises up an alleyway off River Street. The new accommodation is of the modern contemporary style - pale wood floors etc. However, it is the same ownership and chef as the previous restaurant and according to the manager "it's all the same apart from the chairs". 

The last one of the quartet, the Baba in Lemon Street I reported last time as being the most elegant and the most expensive with the most attractive menu, although the upgraded Shanaz now competes for style and interesting menu. It seats 60 people in attractive two floor layout (smoking & non smoking) but the sign outside saying ‘No Doggy Bags’ is a bit of a minus in my book as providing containers for leftovers must be good for business, even if encouraging people to throw caution to the wind when ordering. Another sign informing potential customers that credit cards are only accepted for amount over £30 is also a bit off putting, and unnecessary in my view.

Of the two take-aways, the Curry in Hurry in Little Castle Street only opened in May 2003. (Previously it was the Akash - a bog standard take-away which was only there for a year, before which it was called Curry Mahal- another bog standard take-away. However, I'm told that despite the changes in name the ownership remains the same. I'm also told that the man who take the telephone orders is invariably rude!)). The latest version is smarter (a bit) and offers a very similar menu to Curry n Kebab in Newquay (which is not surprising as it is the same chain). Lastly the Spice Hut take-away (overlooking the car park in Old Bridge Street) used to be the Simla (since 1998), and then briefly Himalaya. It has an open kitchen where you can watch you food being prepared, and an interesting menu. It smelt good, and I think I'll have a take-away from there on my next visit, although I've been told by a local contact that although friendly, the food is bland.

Malcolm Wilkins - May 2006