The Punjab Tandoori Indian Restaurant

The Punjab Tandoori Indian Restaurant
177 Wilmslow Road
Rusholme
Manchester
M14 5AP
Tel: 0161 225 2960 / 2970

Another lunchtime visit to Rusholme where we are spoilt for choice in the evening for a good restaurant to eat, but lunchtime is another story, with most being closed for business. However, there are a few notable exceptions such as Lal Quila, The Royal Naz and Lal Haweli that we have already reviewed.

This time we chose the Punjab. It is one of the less imposing frontages on the Wilmslow Road, but nonetheless size isn’t everything, to coin a phrase.

The first thing that struck Sandro about the Punjab was the availability of dishes like Bhel Puri and Dosas. Previously, he had only ever found these at the Diwana (Nr. Euston Station, London).

I chose Sheek Kebabs for starters but unfortunately I had to change my mind because the charcoal wasn’t hot at lunchtime. I then chose the Shami Kebab, which is deep fried and consists of minced lamb and ground lentils in a light batter coating. Sandro decided to go for the Bhel Puri.

For main courses I chose the Lamb Ginger Massala and Sandro chose the Massala Dosa. I also ordered Pillau Rice and a Nan Bread.

The Shami Kebabs were rather dry but well spiced and highly flavoured. In fact this is a feature of the Shami Kebab and the dryness not a criticism but as expected. The Bhel Puri was refreshing and tasty, and probably too big a helping - especially for lunch. I wouldn’t complain but Sandro perhaps has less of an appetite. The Massala Dosa was just a little more oily than he’d been used to, but not overly so. The potato filling was nicely flavoured, as was the vegetable curry sauce. The coconut relish was not completely to his taste, but overall, he was impressed and declared he would definitely be going again.

The Lamb Ginger Massala, was a good helping of nice lean lamb in a good spicy curry sauce. The dish was decorated with ‘Julienned’ strips of fresh Ginger. Nan bread and rice were both fine.

We both agreed that the special feature of this restaurant was the excellent choice of vegetarian options. In fact we decided we would visit again, and take Dave Wardell, our vegetarian correspondent along for his opinion (and an excuse for us to enjoy another meal at the Punjab).

Definitely on the recommended list.

Phil.