Helen's reviews
Review of Shapla Tandoori
09 Jun 08, 15:09
I have to Agree 
As a group of 8 looking for somewhere to eat on a Saturday night we should have know that there was something a little bit off that we managed to get a table here for with 30 mins notice.
Ok, so I think Craig R has hit the nail on the head these guys are just not very good with groups - especially 8. The service was patchy and a bit rude at times, and this was not helped by the fact that they didn't want to write the order down which resulted in the drinks order being wrong and long winded.
Food was ok, but just ok - nothing special and nothing really jumped out to me. The decor is pleasant and surprisingly airy for and Indian restaurant but this doesn't make up for the lackluster food and service.
I am local to Whitstable and would advise other restaurants to eat at as this one could do so much more.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Banana Leaf
15 Feb 08, 09:58
The Best Indian Food I've Ever Tasted! 
Last night I was faced with a real problem - it was valentines night, I had promised to cook a lovely meal, but in my haste had actually forgotten to plan the meal!
Everything else was well prepared - but not the meal! So I resorted to the trusted phrase 'we'll get a take-away, it will be a nice change'. Second problem was I have lived in Croydon for nearly for 6 months and not sampled any take-away in that time - so I didn't know a good one!
After some time browsing a local Croydon website I found lots of good comments on Banana Leaf, which is conveniently located 4mins down the road from me - so I went for it. We were able to save time by looking at the menu on-line, make our selection then order over the phone. Phew!
When we got the food home it smelt divine, and when we eventually tucked in it was even better. This place has won some serious awards, best curry chef in Croydon, nominated for best curry chef in London and the list goes on.
When I both looked at the food and tasted it I instantly knew why - it was dream like. Every dish that I had tasted before was made differently, and I am no expert but it tasted really authentic. The dishes were really light and not your usual, drenched in oil type, the vegetables were incredibly fresh and every single thing was of top quality.
They offer some really unusual dishes that I had never seen before - the menu is very extensive. I can't describe the food well enough so, I would just recommend that if you are in the area try it, better still if you anywhere near come and try it!
Incredibly reasonable, a feast for two came it at a mere £24.50?! This is now my local takeaway and I feel pretty proud of that!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.