Purbani Wanstead

It had been a long time since I had enjoyed a Balti after many great experiences in Birmingham. After last night delivery, I had to check whether my memory wasn't failing me. Sorry but what makes the base of the real McCoy is Onions, just like bread for a sandwich. The £13.95 dish I ordered was anything but a Balti.

Dreadful Takeaway: Tandoori chicken smelt 'off ' and tasted bad.Had to throw it away uneaten.Prawn puri was ok

I’ve been a few times and taken a group of friends, husband and family on various occasions. The food has always been delicious and freshly cooked. The mushroom rice was beautifully spiced and moorish. I also had the Goan Xcuti and although not perfectly authentic was still tasty. Service is very good, warm and attentive and you can take in your own alcohol. Jewel in the crown of Wanstead.

After 20 odd years, the place still looks like an old Indian restaurant well past its hey day. No competition since zainab went mental with its anti everyone menu. Personally I don’t know how anyone is still eating there. I don’t know how marks and Spencer’s manage. Food is bland,a bit greasy and average.

We ordered selection of vegetarian dishes for delivery this evening. I ordered early in the afternoon for 6pm delivery which was on time. But all the dishes tasted much the same, there was no depth of flavour, nothing interesting about the food at all. I cook a lot, and we seldom have takeaways about 1 in 2 years and this was supposed to be a treat for my birthday, but I can cook much better myself and with less mess to clear up. The naan bread was sweet, there seemed to be sugar in everything. The chutney was thin, possibly watered down, and the raita was curdled and disgusting. Never again, thank you. I wish I'd taken notice of the bad reviews.