MINSTER TANDOORI, 1 HIGH STREET, MINSTER, ISLE OF THANET

Although it has been established for 16 years, the restaurant (which is linked to one or two others on the Isle of Thanet) is modern looking, both from the outside and within, where it seats about fifty people in light, airy and contemporary styled dining room.

A good menu, in which all the usuals are enhanced by a number of different dishes. For example, Kakra Bhuna (minced crab with chopped garlic, spring onion and tomato), Tikka Salmon, and spiced Red Mullet amongst the fish selection, and some duck dishes amongst the others.

Amongst the starters was ¼ Tandoori Chicken, which is a little unusual, as most restaurants just offer Chicken Tikka as the starter. Enquiry elicited that this was the wing/breast portion, so my wife asked if she could have two of these instead of her more usual main dish of ½ Tandoori Chicken (1 breast and 1 leg portion), as she prefers the breast section to the leg. I thought this may be a bit cheeky, but it was absolutely no problem at all, and it was delicious – well marinated and full flavoured.

My Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi was equally tasty, in a good, full-bodied hot sauce that had the chillis cooked in it, as it should be, rather than fresh chillis merely sprinkled on as some restaurants do (and regular readers will know that this is something I am often critical of). All other dishes – Vegetable Bhaji, Tarka Dall and accompaniments - of a good standard.

Portions about average, and while prices maybe marginally above the average on some dishes, it’s so marginal as to not really be noticeable. Friendly and efficient service, and all in all a good meal – which is no doubt why they were full.

Malcolm Wilkins - July 2004