RED CHILLI (Take-Away), 141 WATERDALES, NORTHFLEET

Over the years this take-away has operated under the names of Spice Island, Skarhari, KM Balti Harbour and, most recently Preeti Raj (to name but a few!). The last one closed sometime in early 2001, but as the Phoenix rises from the ashes, yet another take-away has opened on the premises in 2004. I hope it lasts longer than its predecessors. It should, as its situated in a heavy residential area so should have no shortage of customers, and more importantly it's OK (but then again, so was Preeti Raj). Everything I've had has been fine - nothing special, but then again certainly nothing below the average formula curry. I have used it several times since it opened and enjoyed their Tandoori Chicken, Dhansaks, Pathias, Jalfrezis and various vegetable curries. The Mixed Vegetable Bhaji was, perhaps, the least enjoyable as it was a mix of very finely diced vegetables, slightly over cooked and mushy, but it was OK for all that. I have no hesitation in using this one on my rota of local take-aways, despite the fierce competition for take-away Indian meals in the vicinity.*

* Having said what I've said about the food and using it again, I have to comment that on my most recent experience the meal had not arrived nearly an hour and a half after ordering, despite a couple of reminders (they told me 40 minutes on the phone). In the end I cancelled it, and will not go back for a while as this sort of poor service irritates me.

Malcolm Wilkins October 2005