THE TAJ, 110 LONDON ROAD, DUNTON GREEN, Nr SEVENOAKS

The owner of this restaurant tells me that he has been in business for thirty years - claiming to be the fourth longest established restaurateur in Kent - first opening in Sevenoaks and moving to the present premises seventeen years ago. He must therefore be doing something right.

The restaurant is bigger than it first appears, as behind the front area of reception and a smallish dining room are further dining areas, seating a total of 76 in comfortable surroundings. The menu is a fairly standard list of all the usuals.

Although nothing outstanding, the food overall was a good formula curry. Chicken Dhansak fairly spicy in a thick lentil based sauce, and the CTM was creamy and sweetish, and said to be a good example (although it's not a dish I can personally comment upon too critically as it is not a favourite of mine). The dry vegetables were excellent, containing a good selection of veggies only lightly cooked so as to retain their texture, and they were well spiced. Tarka Dall a fairly thick, porridge-like consistency, but while it was perhaps a little too thick it was again pleasantly spiced with a nice garlic undertaste.

Prices and portions about average, service efficient and pleasant, and overall a very competently produced formula curry.

Malcolm Wilkins - August 2002