The UK is well known for it’s particular brand of curries. They may not be particularly authentic or like anything that you would find in the Indian sub continent, but they are tasty and popular, and there’s nothing more traditional than a Friday night beer and curry when in Essex. Most Indian restaurants in the UK are actually Bangladeshi owned. There’s a ‘standard’ menu of increasing heat from korma, which is mild and creamy to the medium curry, bhuna, dopiaza (onion), kashmiri (with fruits), rogan (tomato), to the hotter madras, ceylon, vindaloo, and the super hot bangalore phal. There are other variations such as persian dhansak (hot and sweet with lentils), and biryani (mild rice dish with a curry sauce inside), and always the chef specials. The ‘standard’ menu is the curry bible that every UK aficionado knows – most people have their favourites, and many tend to choose the same dish each time. The restaurant owners know this and have honed their dishes to the UK paIate. I prefer to mix it up a bit, and I like to look out for the more unusual options like a methi (fenugreek leaves) or one of the chef special kitchen curries, but I do have my favourite standard options too.
I’ve stayed at an Airbnb in Cranham twice now, and found that it was really close to the Avon Road shopping strip, mainly convenience stores and restaurants. In amongst this row of shops is the delightful Bangladeshi restaurant – Cranham Tandoori. Everybody seems to be a regular and the owner recognised me instantly even though my last visit was 9 months ago. I was made to feel really welcome, and the staff were really friendly, knowing that I was dining alone.
I started off with a Cobra beer and some poppadoms and pickles. A fab selection of pickles – mango chutney, onion salad, lime pickle, mint sauce, and tomato pickle. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as trying different combinations of pickles on a fresh crispy poppadom.
On the first visit I chose a king prawn dhansak, which is a particular favourite of mine – it’s hot, sweet and sour with lentils, and I love the taste and texture. My veggie side dish was bhindi (okra, or ladies fingers), which I always find quite satisfying. This was an excellent combination along with the perfectly fluffy pilau rice.
On my second visit I chose chicken methi with a mushroom bhajee. The methi was sublime – I love the slightly fragrant fenugreek leaves, it’s a real taste of Bangladesh, and I happily polished off the whole meal, of course accompanied by an ice cold Cobra beer.
To finish you get a warm hand towel, and the bill is accompanied by an After Eight or two. Small things, but a comforting memory of UK Friday nights.
There are many curry houses in the UK and they can be quite variable but I love the consistent excellence of Cranham Tandoori. If you want great food, friendly staff, and a vibrant family atmosphere, you need look no further.
Last visit – June 2023
Truly Scrumptious 
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