The Maharaja, Shanklin
Matt and Cat have long been patrons of the Maharaja - long before this guide was even a twinkle in their eyes. So when they starred reviewing back in 2005, this popular Shanklin Indian was near the front of the queue. Since then, Matt and Cat have tried many other curry houses across the Island, and in 2008 they returned to re-review the Maharaja. How did it fare? Read on to find out - and then see the original 2005 review below.
Hear the full podcast review:
2008 review: it was a journey back in time for Matt and Cat as they strolled down Shanklin High Street to the Maharaja, once their favourite Indian. It had been a while, but they were more than delighted when the friendly waiter remembered them and asked after the other friends they used to visit with. One thing Matt and Cat always enjoy at the Maharaja is the service, and this seemed to be just as good as ever. Junior reviewers Bill and Jack were along to see what they thought too, and so the party of four got a comfortable table and settled down to look at the menu. Plenty of interesting dishes were on offer, and soon poppadoms and drinks were delivered to help the party choose.
Review continues:
Matt and the lads went for lamb dishes, Cat for her favourite chicken. Before long, the food appeared and was eagerly welcomed. It looked great, and tasted better - everyone in the party was pleased with their meal, and there was even some left over. Matt was particularly pleased with his lamb dupiaza balti, which was replete with chunks of tasty lamb, a tangy sauce and plenty of chunky onions of course. The menu recommended paratha instead of rice, which proved to be an excellent suggestion. The flat, unleavened bread came with optional vegetable stuffing (at no extra cost) and made a very good accompaniment to the tasty dupiaza. Cat was delighted with her old favourite, chicken moglai balti, which looked different but tasted just as she remembered it. Bill and Jack both enjoyed their meals - lamb tikka korma and lamb biryani respectively. They even tried the fiery lime pickle, pulling a variety of faces but each reluctant to admit to being out-chillied by his brother. The diners were impressed by the generous portion of vegetable curry that came alongside the biryani, making this meal particularly good value for money.
Later in the evening, the proprietor took a stroll around the establishment and paid a visit to the table to enquire if all was well - of course, it was; this was a typical example of the attentive and very friendly service that sets the Maharaja apart from other restaurants.
It seems that some things have changed, and some have stayed the same. At the Maharaja, there's now more space to relax, with fewer tables crammed in. There's been some reorganisation - the toilets are now downstairs, and still gleamingly clean, with real towels. The popular Maharaja big round tables are back - ideal for a social occasion. But unchanged is the good food, cheerful service, and reasonable prices. Matt and Cat were delighted to return to the Maharaja after too long an absence, and intend to return again soon.
2005 review: From the name you might already be suspecting that this venue is some sort of Indian restaurant. In this, it will not disappoint you. It has been refurbished, and has a modern atmosphere - gone are all the dark carpets and furry wallpaper. Instead you get air conditioning and bright lighting. Admittedly there is not so much room as there once was - the tables are pretty close together and the service is definitely not the fastest, but so long as you get on well with the people on the next table this is not a problem.
The Maharaja is the best place in Shanklin for an enjoyable evening of Indian food. It's popular though - so be sure to book, especially at weekends. You'll get nothing you wouldn't expect from a good Indian, and the food is reliably well cooked.
The particular reason to recommend this venue is the friendly service. Once, when one of a party asked for some kind of alcopop that was not in stock (certainly not the saintly Matt and Cat, who abhor such syrup) the waiter offered to mix a special cocktail just for her. Replete with food and beer another time Matt and Cat were even offered a party game to play by the staff who obviously were concerned that they might not be enjoying themselves enough. It's hard to know if they keep a special cupboardful of these to liven up the guests, but it is typical of the attention and approachability of the staff that they should have both had such a thing in waiting, and brought it out at just the right moment.
Visit the website: http://www.maharaja-shanklin.co.uk
Published: 11th April 20085872 views
Categories: We like, Restaurants, Take aways, Family friendly, Sandown & Shanklin, Indian, Podcasts
26 comments
Comment from: Kevin 
We eat a lot at the Maharaja, one because we like to walk to a resteraunt and two, because the food is consistantly good and usually better than the 'opposition. Sevice is always friendly and the special deals on set days of the week are a steal.
06/02/07 @ 18:56
Comment from: Kevin and Jeanette (visitors)
Visited on 11th July 2007. Food very agreeable, the Thali's looked very nice although we did not try on this visit, stuck to our favourite chicken Dahnsak and Chicken Ceylon. Jeanette did get a bit upset at one point as we had trouble getting a couple of the waitresses to understand which drinks we were trying to order! Once we overcame the language barrier (Polish we think) we had an enjoyable evening.
18/07/07 @ 19:08
Comment from: Steve and Rosie
Not in my wildest dreams could I ever envisage a meal out with my husband to end up having to speak to the voice of authority - the local constabulary.
the meat was almost solid and black and clearly not fit for human consumption
Our last night on the Island was to be extra special so we thought we would try the Maharaja in Shanklin. We were led to believe they were offering free wine as it was their Thursday night special offer. However, when we ordered the wine they said the deal was on takeaway orders only. This was not made clear on the advertisement as there was no mention of eat in or takeaway. However, undeterred we ordered a bottle of wine, 2 meat and 2 rice dishes.
For some reason the meat dish came first but no rice. We waited and waited and eventually caught their attention. The rice was served eventually but it was luke warm. We didn't complain as we were hungry and had hung around long enough. When we tucked into the Lamb Tikka dish it was absolutely foul and to my horror, after I cleared away the sauce to disguise the monstrosity I found that the the meat was almost solid and black and clearly not fit for human consumption.
By this time there was still no waitress to complain to and we had both clearly had enough and wanted to leave. When the waitress eventually appeared (apparently she had been out shopping!) we asked for the bill. We told her that we were not happy with our meal and she muttered something as she cleared the table but I was unable to understand ( I think she was either Russian or Polish).
When the bill arrived we noticed that they were trying to charge us for the lamb dish and had taken £2 off by way of compensation. By then I was getting annoyed. These people clearly knew we were not local and insulted us by serving substandard food given the probability of us not returning.
The manager was then summoned and started shouting and I mean shouting, He blasted insults actross the counter calling us thieves and robbers and that we should pay for the dish as there was nothing wrong with the sauce!! By this time, a couple had walked out in disgust.
These people clearly knew we were not local and insulted us by serving substandard food
Eventually, the manager threatened us with the police and dialled their number. How time consuming for the police having to get involved with such trivial matters. Needless to say, the manager ranted and raved over the phone and then handed it to me. I apologised and explained the situation and made it quite clear I was happy to pay for eveything else but not the lamb dish unlike the manager who said we had refused to pay full stop.
The Police said that it was a matter for us to resolve on our own and left it at that. The manager eventually gave in, threw the change at me aggressively and said I was not welcome back.
Did he honestly think we would ever want to return?
08/04/08 @ 16:43
Comment from: Karl
I have just read Steve and Rosies Comments on the Maharajah Indian Restaurant in Shanklin.
I was in the restaurant that night when they put on their little show for the rest of us trying to have an enjoyable evening out.
I have eaten in various Indian restaurants around the world, I would say that I have never tasted better Indian food
They were annoyed because they thought they were getting a free bottle of wine that night. Once they found out that this was not the case, I could hear them muttering and complaining about everything they could to each other.
As for the Lamb tikka dish, they had eaten most of the dish and only complained to the waitress when they had finished.
The only complaint that I would have with the restaurant is that the portions are too large and we can never eat a whole one each.
I have eaten in various Indian restaurants around the world, I would say that I have never tasted better Indian food than that of the Maraharja. and as for value for money it is excellent, especially on a Wednesday night.
09/04/08 @ 17:28
Comment from: john
well looks like the knifes are out...hahaha.....i have eaten at the maharajai....but sorry to say im a vegetarian.....and i liked my vegetarian dish that it makes........good luck to you all meat eaters....
09/04/08 @ 20:08
Comment from: Mr Das · http://www.indianfoods.com
We walked almost 2 miles to get to this restaurant and we were disappointed with the food, service and paintings. We were born and brought up in India. And had been to all parts of India. We are big foodies too. So we know all the types of Indian preparations.
We wanted to eat Chapatis but the guy who took the order, suggested us to order something else which is either already made or fast to make. He said that 2 Chapatis will take 30 minutes. When we said that we will not mind to wait he said that there are people waiting. So we ordered naan's for their convenience. We ordered papad too. For the first time in our life, we got half of the original and conventional papad. After telling they did not charge us, but they behaved like they did a too big favour on us.
We thought of being considerate as it was an Indian joint. But these people do not deserve any consideration. When you are representing a country's food gourmet, you should use the best interior according to your budget. The paintings are so old fashioned and ugly looking. Any foreigner would laugh at it. We even saw a German couple laughing at it.The customer service was the worst. As soon as you are finished with your food, they just want you to pay and leave.
I went to them to let them know that dal tadka was either exchanged with some other dal, or it was not made in the original style. They were rude. They said that we are the first one to give such remarks and they justified that it was the traditional dal tadka. They are misleading people by writing "MAHARAJA" Indian restaurant. They have a Bangladeshi cook, who knows nothing about Indian recipes. They should rename their restaurant as a Bangladeshi Restaurant, not an Indian one, because you will never find such recipes in India. The food was an amalgamation of Bangladeshi and English style.
The worst place I had ever been to in my life.
So guys no offence to anyone's likings as you seem to have savoured the food items in Maharaja, but the food itself is not Indian. I have already suggested half of my friends not to go there and I will keep disseminating this information to all the food review sites in Isle of White.
We wanted to eat Chapatis but the guy who took the order, suggested us to order something else which is either already made or fast to make. He said that 2 Chapatis will take 30 minutes. When we said that we will not mind to wait he said that there are people waiting. So we ordered naan's for their convenience. We ordered papad too. For the first time in our life, we got half of the original and conventional papad. After telling they did not charge us, but they behaved like they did a too big favour on us.
They should rename their restaurant as a Bangladeshi Restaurant, not an Indian one, because you will never find such recipes in India.
The most unforgettable thing was "Dal Tadka". The reason for ordering Dal Tadka was that we don't eat any other dal so we requested them to make it little spicy. But to my utter surprise... it was not dal tuwar.. It was chana dal (mixed). Which we don't even eat at home. When I told them that this is not dal tuwar, the beautiful girl requested us to adjust, which we did. We thought of being considerate as it was an Indian joint. But these people do not deserve any consideration. When you are representing a country's food gourmet, you should use the best interior according to your budget. The paintings are so old fashioned and ugly looking. Any foreigner would laugh at it. We even saw a German couple laughing at it.The customer service was the worst. As soon as you are finished with your food, they just want you to pay and leave.
I went to them to let them know that dal tadka was either exchanged with some other dal, or it was not made in the original style. They were rude. They said that we are the first one to give such remarks and they justified that it was the traditional dal tadka. They are misleading people by writing "MAHARAJA" Indian restaurant. They have a Bangladeshi cook, who knows nothing about Indian recipes. They should rename their restaurant as a Bangladeshi Restaurant, not an Indian one, because you will never find such recipes in India. The food was an amalgamation of Bangladeshi and English style.
The worst place I had ever been to in my life.
So guys no offence to anyone's likings as you seem to have savoured the food items in Maharaja, but the food itself is not Indian. I have already suggested half of my friends not to go there and I will keep disseminating this information to all the food review sites in Isle of White.
26/05/08 @ 18:09
Comment from: Kevin
I feel a little dubious about this report.
Firstly as a visitor to many hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Kashmeri and Pakistani resteraunts over the last 30 years, I can appreciate the differences. These differences will obviously be easier to spot from someone 'born and bought up in India' but not necessarily to a European where many Indian foods are cooked in a 'generic' fashion. A European has to judge his/her food in comparison to what else is on offer at similar establishments and the Maharaja scores very highly on my 30 year list compared with other British resteraunts. My only point of original comparison is from Goa, where the food was awful.
The attached website address (which I think was added to add credence to the review) is a mere placeholder and bears no relation to Indian food other than the automatic links associated with the title
The decoration of the resteraunt is far from awful or comical and following its refit last year, a very smart establishment.
As to the dal question, I shall take it up with them next time i visit as I estpecially appreciate a good dal, which I have always found at this resteraunt
Firstly as a visitor to many hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Kashmeri and Pakistani resteraunts over the last 30 years, I can appreciate the differences. These differences will obviously be easier to spot from someone 'born and bought up in India' but not necessarily to a European where many Indian foods are cooked in a 'generic' fashion. A European has to judge his/her food in comparison to what else is on offer at similar establishments and the Maharaja scores very highly on my 30 year list compared with other British resteraunts. My only point of original comparison is from Goa, where the food was awful.
...the Maharaja scores very highly on my 30 year list compared with other British resteraunts.
The attached website address (which I think was added to add credence to the review) is a mere placeholder and bears no relation to Indian food other than the automatic links associated with the title
The decoration of the resteraunt is far from awful or comical and following its refit last year, a very smart establishment.
As to the dal question, I shall take it up with them next time i visit as I estpecially appreciate a good dal, which I have always found at this resteraunt
27/05/08 @ 13:30
Comment from: James
"They have a Bangladeshi cook, who knows nothing about Indian recipes"
Do I detect some prejudice here? I seem to recall that Bangladesh was a part of India not that long ago (before partition) and geographically it's between Assam and the rest of it, so I would be surprised if they knew nothing about cooking across either border. Or did their cuisine suddenly change with the political landscape?
Not being an expert on Dal, I looked up Chana Dal (the source of Mr Das's complaint) and found that: "With their sweet and nutty flavor, these are the most popular dal in India", which came as bit of a surprise, as it's the stuff he doesn't eat at home.
It appears that Mr Das is so incensed by the wrong sort of Dal (not to mention the decor) that he has cut and pasted his review on the Ventnor Blog, which rather suggests that he has some axe to grind that he's not telling us about.
Do I detect some prejudice here? I seem to recall that Bangladesh was a part of India not that long ago (before partition) and geographically it's between Assam and the rest of it, so I would be surprised if they knew nothing about cooking across either border. Or did their cuisine suddenly change with the political landscape?
Not being an expert on Dal, I looked up Chana Dal (the source of Mr Das's complaint) and found that: "With their sweet and nutty flavor, these are the most popular dal in India", which came as bit of a surprise, as it's the stuff he doesn't eat at home.
It appears that Mr Das is so incensed by the wrong sort of Dal (not to mention the decor) that he has cut and pasted his review on the Ventnor Blog, which rather suggests that he has some axe to grind that he's not telling us about.
27/05/08 @ 15:58
Comment from: Bhaskar
I was in Shaklin recently along with my family and friends during the long weekend. Based on the review of Maharaja hotel, we decided to go there for dinner. I have travelled extensively in Europe and US and have dined in several indian restaurants at all places. But this hotel is unique... This is by far the WORST indian restaurant I ever experienced.
The staff were very much confused and didn't know what to serve and to whom. The food was tasteless and far from delicacy. The icing over the cake was the service.. GOD SAVE ALL...
The staff were very much confused and didn't know what to serve and to whom. The food was tasteless and far from delicacy. The icing over the cake was the service.. GOD SAVE ALL...
20/06/08 @ 13:06
Comment from: kj
The clue is in the wording...describing a resteraunt in a row of shops as a Hotel, shows this person has never been there.
Methinks somebody has an ax to grind
Methinks somebody has an ax to grind
20/06/08 @ 16:55
Comment from: James
Well, if he's basing his visit on a hotel review, I'm not surprised he was disappointed! I don't expect the beds were all that comfy, either...
20/06/08 @ 18:44
Comment from: Colin
Below is my experience of Shanklin's Maharajah, I hope others have a better time there!
Myself and a friend decided to eat here after having a few beers (I want to stress that although tipsy we were not drunk). We ordered our drinks (2 bottles of Tiger if I recall correctly) and meal, I went for onion bhajis and my friend went for meat spring rolls to start. The bhajis were fine but the fun started with the spring rolls.
When we tasted the spring rolls the meat inside was unidentifiable and most definately the wrong side of its 'use by' date, they were rancid. We told the waitress and said we would have the rest of the meal but that the spring rolls were off and we did not expect to pay for them. All of a sudden an older chap came out of the kitchen who I can only assume was the chef / owner / manager and he started shouting at us that the meat was fine, he had kept the restaurant open for us (9.30pm) and he had done us a favour by letting us eat there. We once again explained we would be happy to finish the meal but would not expect to pay for the spring rolls.
About 5 minutes later he returned to our table with 3 other men who I assume were also chefs and ordered us to leave, he threw a bill onto our table for the FULL price of the meal (including mains which we hadn't even received!). By this stage we were fuming, we said that if he was charging us for our drinks, starters and mains we wouldn't leave until they had been served. He insisted we pay, we insisted that if that was the case he should call the police to see what they made of the situation.
To cut a long story short we left having had a portion of bhajis, 2 bites of a spring roll and about half a bottle of beer. We paid for the bhajis. The service was an absolute disgrace and I for one will most definitely never return. If the Island is suffering from lack of tourism this year then customer service (if you can call it that) like this will do none of us residents any favours in the future.
Myself and a friend decided to eat here after having a few beers (I want to stress that although tipsy we were not drunk). We ordered our drinks (2 bottles of Tiger if I recall correctly) and meal, I went for onion bhajis and my friend went for meat spring rolls to start. The bhajis were fine but the fun started with the spring rolls.
When we tasted the spring rolls the meat inside was unidentifiable and most definately the wrong side of its 'use by' date, they were rancid. We told the waitress and said we would have the rest of the meal but that the spring rolls were off and we did not expect to pay for them. All of a sudden an older chap came out of the kitchen who I can only assume was the chef / owner / manager and he started shouting at us that the meat was fine, he had kept the restaurant open for us (9.30pm) and he had done us a favour by letting us eat there. We once again explained we would be happy to finish the meal but would not expect to pay for the spring rolls.
About 5 minutes later he returned to our table with 3 other men who I assume were also chefs and ordered us to leave, he threw a bill onto our table for the FULL price of the meal (including mains which we hadn't even received!). By this stage we were fuming, we said that if he was charging us for our drinks, starters and mains we wouldn't leave until they had been served. He insisted we pay, we insisted that if that was the case he should call the police to see what they made of the situation.
To cut a long story short we left having had a portion of bhajis, 2 bites of a spring roll and about half a bottle of beer. We paid for the bhajis. The service was an absolute disgrace and I for one will most definitely never return. If the Island is suffering from lack of tourism this year then customer service (if you can call it that) like this will do none of us residents any favours in the future.
08/07/08 @ 11:21
Comment from: Chris
I have eaten in there many times and never, ever, had bad or rude service. A bit slow sometimes but hey, that's no problem. But what you describe is exactly what happened to me in a Chinese restaurant in Geneve in 1985 - we got chucked out by some chefs with big choppers! And that was because we complained that the portions were a bit on the small side!
We are all eating at the Maharaja tomorrow night, Wednesday 9th at 8pm. Fingers crossed everyone. Our reports will follow - however, if you hear nothing from us then please assume the worst and let the police know! Only joking - I hope!!
Matt and Cat reply: Thanks for your comments Chris. We'd be interested to know how your dinner goes tonight.
We are all eating at the Maharaja tomorrow night, Wednesday 9th at 8pm. Fingers crossed everyone. Our reports will follow - however, if you hear nothing from us then please assume the worst and let the police know! Only joking - I hope!!
Matt and Cat reply: Thanks for your comments Chris. We'd be interested to know how your dinner goes tonight.
08/07/08 @ 13:41
Comment from: James
"he had kept the restaurant open for us (9.30pm)"
That's unusual - I've eaten late there quite a few times (finishing around 11) and never been hurried or hassled. Admittedly, I've never ordered spring rolls either, but it sounds like you've been unlucky.
Hope so, anyway - I'm with Chris's party tomorrow!
That's unusual - I've eaten late there quite a few times (finishing around 11) and never been hurried or hassled. Admittedly, I've never ordered spring rolls either, but it sounds like you've been unlucky.
Hope so, anyway - I'm with Chris's party tomorrow!
08/07/08 @ 17:39
Comment from: Chris
What a great time we had last night. The service was excellent, friendly and fun and the food first class. Half price Thali - great value for money and we'll definitely do that again.
Oh...and we were in there until about 11pm and the staff were more than happy for us to stay even though we had finished eating and paid up a while before we left. In fact there was a couple still eating when we left. I think Colin and his buddy must have been rather more the worse for visiting the pub before hand than they recall...something we've all done but not something most of us would want to write about on a blog!
No, the Maharaja is still up there with the best in my book.
Oh...and we were in there until about 11pm and the staff were more than happy for us to stay even though we had finished eating and paid up a while before we left. In fact there was a couple still eating when we left. I think Colin and his buddy must have been rather more the worse for visiting the pub before hand than they recall...something we've all done but not something most of us would want to write about on a blog!
No, the Maharaja is still up there with the best in my book.
10/07/08 @ 14:12
Comment from: Colin
Chris,
I wish I was as 'worse for wear' as you suggest, then at least I might not have remembered and been so annoyed by what happened!
Perhaps we just caught them on a particularly bad night.
I'm glad you enjoyed your meal and the chefs with big choppers stayed in the kitchen! We ate at Pendletons in Shanklin at the weekend, that was good food and excellent service without a rogue spring roll in sight ;-)
I wish I was as 'worse for wear' as you suggest, then at least I might not have remembered and been so annoyed by what happened!
Perhaps we just caught them on a particularly bad night.
I'm glad you enjoyed your meal and the chefs with big choppers stayed in the kitchen! We ate at Pendletons in Shanklin at the weekend, that was good food and excellent service without a rogue spring roll in sight ;-)
14/07/08 @ 12:12
Comment from: Mike
Just been to The Maharaja and was happy to say that the food and service was very good. I went on wednesday which is thier half price night.Alot has changed from the last time i came. The front has a face lift, from blue to red which im guessing is their new colour scheme - looks much better. Nice music which is made by thier family (musicians). Anyway - cut it short, the atmosphere and service and value for money is top notch, I couldnt finish the Thali, although i tried my best, plenty of food for £8! The very nice waitress told me that they had a website but when i googled it i came here, but i found it: here is the link www.maharaja-shanklin.co.uk
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment Mike. We have updated our review to include a link to the Maharaja's website.
Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment Mike. We have updated our review to include a link to the Maharaja's website.
18/11/08 @ 04:21
Comment from: Jim
I have had the pleasure of working inside the kitchens at the Maharajah.I can say it is probably the one of the worst i have ever come across.
It was early afternoon when we visited the premises.I think the meat defrosting in a dirty sink was the best.The red blood from the red meat running into the defrosting chicken pieces was one sight i will never forget.The moldy glass fronted fridge containing the frozen prawns ect..the dirty glasses and dishes piled up everywhere,the layer of grease covering everything in the kitchen,the unidentifiable base sauce lingering malevolently on the stove.Im sure the food is a bargin but i can sympathize with the diners that have experinced less than fresh meat.
The has since kitchen burnt down and been rebuilt since my visit.I can only prey that things have improved since
Matt and Cat respond: luckily prayer is not your only recourse, Jim. As the fire at the Maharahja was some time ago, we can confirm that the rebuilt kitchen was inspected by Environmental Health since your experience, most recently on 06/08/2009 in fact. It seems that things have much improved because at that time the report read, in part: "High standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice, minor contraventions of food hygiene regulations. Some minor non-compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice." We found all this out by looking at the council's Scores on the Doors website, and you can do the same for nearly every restaurant on the Island.
It was early afternoon when we visited the premises.I think the meat defrosting in a dirty sink was the best.The red blood from the red meat running into the defrosting chicken pieces was one sight i will never forget.The moldy glass fronted fridge containing the frozen prawns ect..the dirty glasses and dishes piled up everywhere,the layer of grease covering everything in the kitchen,the unidentifiable base sauce lingering malevolently on the stove.Im sure the food is a bargin but i can sympathize with the diners that have experinced less than fresh meat.
The has since kitchen burnt down and been rebuilt since my visit.I can only prey that things have improved since
Matt and Cat respond: luckily prayer is not your only recourse, Jim. As the fire at the Maharahja was some time ago, we can confirm that the rebuilt kitchen was inspected by Environmental Health since your experience, most recently on 06/08/2009 in fact. It seems that things have much improved because at that time the report read, in part: "High standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice, minor contraventions of food hygiene regulations. Some minor non-compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice." We found all this out by looking at the council's Scores on the Doors website, and you can do the same for nearly every restaurant on the Island.
14/10/09 @ 22:16
Comment from: Phil
‘Jim’, you say you worked for the Maharaja and so is it correct to assume that you have not actually dined there? For such a comment to be posted on a food review site like this one implies that you obviously have some kind of Axe to grind with them. The problem with blogging is that anyone can vent negative statements, which are one sided and usually without basis or without any evidence.
I am a local from Shanklin and often go to the Townhouse and grab a take away for my journey home. I can confirm that Pat the builder told me that when he carried out work in Jasmine restaurant, the comments above are mirrored word for word. I hope this is not the case, as I also use their services when I go to the Con Club. I have noted that Pat has not felt the need to have to voice his concerns on a food review site. Whether they are true or exaggerated, like your comments, it is entirely open to discussion. However, if for example you had two County Court judgement to evidence such massive breaches of Health and Safety then your views would be justified. I am of course referring to Tamarind and Nebab, the two restaurants in Newport. Unlike you I have provided evidence for my comments below.
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/restaurant-fined-5000-over-poor-hygiene-29249.aspx
These people are the unacceptable ‘cowboys’ in the restaurant industry who tar the reputation of the majority of restaurants who comply with the required standards.
What worries me is the chap who was fined, has gone into partnership to open Purple Mango right opposite the Maharaja.
It is highly unlikely that your observations are true as the Maharaja quotes that it was established in 1982 and logically if those statements were true then that business would not survived a week let alone nearly 30years. So ‘Jim’ pick your grinder.
I am a local from Shanklin and often go to the Townhouse and grab a take away for my journey home. I can confirm that Pat the builder told me that when he carried out work in Jasmine restaurant, the comments above are mirrored word for word. I hope this is not the case, as I also use their services when I go to the Con Club. I have noted that Pat has not felt the need to have to voice his concerns on a food review site. Whether they are true or exaggerated, like your comments, it is entirely open to discussion. However, if for example you had two County Court judgement to evidence such massive breaches of Health and Safety then your views would be justified. I am of course referring to Tamarind and Nebab, the two restaurants in Newport. Unlike you I have provided evidence for my comments below.
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/restaurant-fined-5000-over-poor-hygiene-29249.aspx
These people are the unacceptable ‘cowboys’ in the restaurant industry who tar the reputation of the majority of restaurants who comply with the required standards.
What worries me is the chap who was fined, has gone into partnership to open Purple Mango right opposite the Maharaja.
It is highly unlikely that your observations are true as the Maharaja quotes that it was established in 1982 and logically if those statements were true then that business would not survived a week let alone nearly 30years. So ‘Jim’ pick your grinder.
22/11/09 @ 20:22
Comment from: Jim
I have no axe to grind.I have worked in a lot of eating establishments whose hygiene has left a lot to be desired.The Maharaja is the worst.Every word above is true.
I think The Maharaja was displaying a 3* hygine rating at the time of the visit.
It was terrible.
I think The Maharaja was displaying a 3* hygine rating at the time of the visit.
It was terrible.
04/12/09 @ 22:24
Comment from: kj
If you have no ax to grind...why post again to re-iterate a point that in the first instance is irrelevent on a food review site and in the second could be classed as a lie
For instance it has been inspected again in the last 3 months and passed with flying colours. Also, as a person involved heavily in the catering trade, I too have visited their kitchen on more than one occassion and found nothing untoward.
May I ask, what were you doing in the Kitchen????
For instance it has been inspected again in the last 3 months and passed with flying colours. Also, as a person involved heavily in the catering trade, I too have visited their kitchen on more than one occassion and found nothing untoward.
May I ask, what were you doing in the Kitchen????
05/12/09 @ 17:34
Comment from: Jim
The reason i replied to Phil's post is because he implied i has a axe to grind.
I really have not,but also thought at the time of posting the original reply that the state of a restaurants kitchens would have some relevance on a food review site.Having read the somewhat mixed reviews above i thought my experience of the Maharaja would be relevant to the debate
With hindsight i realise my remarks could be interpreted as sour grapes from someone with a grudge against the business or even a interest in that business failing.
I obviously cannot substantiate my claims of working in there without giving away my identity.
I could say the kitchens were left in such a state because i don't work in the industry and have not any professional jurisdiction over the hygiene and therefore have a good insight into the day to day state of the commercial kitchens i visit.
I am not a liar kj and judging from your reply i would not be surprised if you are involved with the Maharaja in some capacity.
If that is true then you know what i have posted is true and you should hang your head in shame
To be fair Phil does state the Mahraja have been established since 1982 and must be doing something right to have survived that long,buti am sure there would have been quite a few cases of "deli belly" over the years.
Are the Taramind and the Nebab still trading?
I really have not,but also thought at the time of posting the original reply that the state of a restaurants kitchens would have some relevance on a food review site.Having read the somewhat mixed reviews above i thought my experience of the Maharaja would be relevant to the debate
With hindsight i realise my remarks could be interpreted as sour grapes from someone with a grudge against the business or even a interest in that business failing.
I obviously cannot substantiate my claims of working in there without giving away my identity.
I could say the kitchens were left in such a state because i don't work in the industry and have not any professional jurisdiction over the hygiene and therefore have a good insight into the day to day state of the commercial kitchens i visit.
I am not a liar kj and judging from your reply i would not be surprised if you are involved with the Maharaja in some capacity.
If that is true then you know what i have posted is true and you should hang your head in shame
To be fair Phil does state the Mahraja have been established since 1982 and must be doing something right to have survived that long,buti am sure there would have been quite a few cases of "deli belly" over the years.
Are the Taramind and the Nebab still trading?
07/12/09 @ 20:37
Comment from: kj
just someone that has eaten their regulaly for the last 6 years.. and am I biased... yes
and my intention here was to defend a premises that has been inspected very recently and found to be of 'high standard' by industry professionals
so..lets leave it at that shall we :-)
and my intention here was to defend a premises that has been inspected very recently and found to be of 'high standard' by industry professionals
so..lets leave it at that shall we :-)
07/12/09 @ 21:53
Thanks to Jim and those who responded to him for their contributions. I agree that it's probably time to draw a line under this discussion.
And just to clarify and ensure there's no confusion, Jim has confirmed to us that the time he worked in the kitchen was before the fire in February 2009. So whilst his recollections may refer to what happened then, they may not be applicable to the Maharaja today which has, we understand, had an entirely new kitchen built since then.
Furthermore, if anyone wants to know what the current hygiene rating is for any IW restaurant following inspection, they need only visit the council's Scores on the Doors website - the link is in our sidebar to the right.
And just to clarify and ensure there's no confusion, Jim has confirmed to us that the time he worked in the kitchen was before the fire in February 2009. So whilst his recollections may refer to what happened then, they may not be applicable to the Maharaja today which has, we understand, had an entirely new kitchen built since then.
Furthermore, if anyone wants to know what the current hygiene rating is for any IW restaurant following inspection, they need only visit the council's Scores on the Doors website - the link is in our sidebar to the right.
07/12/09 @ 22:57
Comment from: A. Diner
I love this place! The staff are so sweet and attentive, taking coats and very polite. Ate here last week and had delicious peshwari naan with a potato/cumin curry and it was spot-on, really yummy and good value too. Thali nights are the best as you get a lot of different foods to sample for under a tenner. Have been here with big groups of people in the past and never been rushed despite spending all night chatting away. They are very good with children too.
19/04/10 @ 22:50
Comment from: Gillian (Holiday visitor)
When we are on holiday we like to visit tried and trusted restaurants as well as new ones. We had not eaten at the Spice Lounge before so visited it early on in the week. We would like to say how very impressed we were on that first visit. The door was held open by a young man with a very pleasant and welcoming smile. We were shown to our table and my chair was pulled out for me to sit down. Little things, but they mean a lot.
The decor was very clean and modern, with some interesting pictures on the walls, they looked as though they could have been embroidered. Indian music played gently in the background.
The food that we ordered arrived very quickly and was absolutely delicious, no complaints whatsoever. Everything was delivered with a very warm and genuine smile. The waiters understood everything we said (even when we could not quite understand what they were telling us). We were advised which dishes were 'hot' (as in spicy).
When we had finished the dishes were cleared away very efficiently and we had to actually ask for the bill as they seemed in no hurry for us to leave.
We liked the service and the food so much that we returned for a second evening later in the week. There were some daily specials, which looked good value, but we decided to still choose from the main menu. This did not present any problem whatsoever, our food still arrived very quickly and was absolutely delicious.
When we had finished the main course we were asked if we would like desert and/or coffee. Unfortunately with the food being so delicious we did not have room for any more.
When we were ready to leave my coat was taken from the back of my chair and held for me to put on and the door was held open as we left.
Such politeness, a rarity these days.
We have added this to our 'must visit again next year list'.
The decor was very clean and modern, with some interesting pictures on the walls, they looked as though they could have been embroidered. Indian music played gently in the background.
The food that we ordered arrived very quickly and was absolutely delicious, no complaints whatsoever. Everything was delivered with a very warm and genuine smile. The waiters understood everything we said (even when we could not quite understand what they were telling us). We were advised which dishes were 'hot' (as in spicy).
When we had finished the dishes were cleared away very efficiently and we had to actually ask for the bill as they seemed in no hurry for us to leave.
We liked the service and the food so much that we returned for a second evening later in the week. There were some daily specials, which looked good value, but we decided to still choose from the main menu. This did not present any problem whatsoever, our food still arrived very quickly and was absolutely delicious.
When we had finished the main course we were asked if we would like desert and/or coffee. Unfortunately with the food being so delicious we did not have room for any more.
When we were ready to leave my coat was taken from the back of my chair and held for me to put on and the door was held open as we left.
Such politeness, a rarity these days.
We have added this to our 'must visit again next year list'.
04/07/10 @ 18:44
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