Will writes...

Shalimar, Waterlooville (April 2007)

Dripping wet with a minor case of trench foot resolved to go for a soothing curry.  Amused by the irony I chose Shalimar restaurant in Waterlooville named after water gardens in Lahore. The PLACE is one of a small row of businesses, including a fish bar, a laundrette, on Hambledon Parade. 

Quickly impressed by the SERVICE, pin sharp, personable, enthusiastic staff, truly excellent. We (3 of us) left a big tip.  Such a shame the meal was a bit of a dud.  I’d return otherwise, PRICES are low, e.g. £1.90 for glass of house white, medium dry, citrusy, £5.50 for trad curry. The FOOD literally came when we were ready, politely asked each course.  Chat starter juicy but undermined by grainy bitesize chicken cubes, Aloo Patties more like puffs, reported ‘good’. Similar approval given to Meat Rogon and the pilau was fragrant.  However, Bhindi Gosht spoiled - astringent sap oozing from okra in cooking process.  An ever so slightly unpleasant aftertaste also followed each mouthful of Channa massala – bitter taste of too much tumeric. 

Sister’s Sag, rather bland, large chunks of watery chicken breast, insipid canned (?) spinach. In SUMMARY the waiters are the best, the food on our visit fell below par. All well if you’re playing Golf 2 minutes away at Furzeley (one of the shortest courses in history), poor show if you’re cooking.