Taste of India

The Hilton
Warren Street
Tenby
Pembrokeshire

I am sad to report that this restaurant has now closed down and in its place another Indian restaurant called the Balti Cellar has opened. We hope to review this new restaurant as soon as possible. Anybody who would like to update us would be most welcome, please e-mail your comments to us.

This restaurant is a hidden gem, tucked away off the main centre of Tenby, in a basement. You enter at the side of the building and descend down a flight of stairs to be plunged into a very green, dimly lit restaurant. The green comes from the lighting in combination with the décor and the effect is almost eerie, especially after a few drinks.

However despite the handicap of its location it is a busy little place. This is a testament to the quality of their food. I have eaten there a couple of time and also ordered take-away meals, which are delivered free locally.

The menu is a good alround choice, with everything you would normally expect to find and a few more unusual choices on the chef's recommendations. I should have made some notes at the time, or taken a copy of the menu, because the names of the dishes escape me for now.

The last occasion we ate there, our party of four ordered for starters, onion bhajis and sheek kebabs. For main courses we ordered chicken bhuna, chicken tikka massala and two of us had the chicken dhansak. We ordered pillau rice, vegetable pillau rice and nan breads to accompany the meals.

The portion size was exceptionally good and the food was hot and freshly prepared. The concensus around the table was that the food was top quality. In particular my chicken dhansak was excellent, infact one of the best I have ever had. The meat was tender chicken breast, in good quantity in a course lentil source, which was slightly hot and sweet. It was garnished with fresh coriander. The rice and breads were hot and fresh. The portions and the food were so good and so little was left on our plates that any desserts were out of the question. The service was averagely efficient, but courteous. The bill came to just over £50 for four including drinks, but no wine.

Verdict :- top Indian food and excellent value for money. It doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, with ostentatious décor and posturing waiters, on the contrary, it actually far exceeds expectations. That must be infinitely better than not meeting them. Highly recommended.

Phil Bradley

Update May 1999 - Apparently the restaurant went through a change of chef with the result being a downturn in quality.

Try the family nan for size, I've seen smaller duvets.