JALSHA, 74 WINHCEAP, CANTERBURY

The restaurant was opened in 1993 by the Uddin family, whose family have apparently (according to their publicity) been in the catering/food trade for over two generations in their native Bangladesh. It is situated in Wincheap, just outside the Canterbury City Centre ring road, which makes it slightly less accessible than the many more centrally located restaurants that exist within the boundaries of the ring road, although it is not far. However, it has a car park (through the gates at the side - not easily noticeable if unfamiliar with the road), which gives it an advantage over those more centrally located, where parking could be problematical.

A comfortable restaurant seating about 80 in modern contemporary surroundings. It also has a garden area where food/drink can be served during warm summer evenings, and a pleasant and roomy bar-cum-waiting area at reception. The menu, while not offering anything unusual or innovative, is a comprehensive list of all the familiar options.

Familiar they may be, but the food was uniformly good. Tandoori Chicken dark and deeply marinated with a full flavour, Chicken Tikka Dhansak in a robustly flavoured lentilly sauce, Nirmish a good combination of vegetables, all individually 'dry' (i.e. not mushy) and with a distinctive subtle spiciness, Tarka Dall not too thick with the right garlic background etc. etc.  It's high street formula curry, of course, but they do it very well.

Service good (not overly warm or friendly apart from the initial reception from the girl at the bar/reception, but pleasant and efficient), portions adequate and prices very reasonable for the style of restaurant and quality of the food. Certainly on my list to visit again when in the area.

Malcolm Wilkins August 2010