Uncovered: Leeds’ Spicy Gem

Jacklyn Swiecicki reports from Leeds

Prior to the influx of Poles migrating to England, the Indian curry proudly held its place as England’s iconic dish. Evidently Poms tend to savour in the exotic spices and heat that a good Indian curry can deliver.

You can imagine my delight – as a newly self-ordained citizen of the United Kingdom – that I found an unbelievable Indian restaurant right across the road from my apartment!

Whilst the East India Restaurant in Leeds does offer a takeaway option, my partner and I decided to dine-in and soak up the lively ambiance. Greeted by friendly staff that managed to get my Australian boyfriend on side by discussing, you guessed it – cricket, I cheerfully giggled like a Bollywood wannabe to the authentic Indian music filtering throughout the restaurant.

Opting for a shared tasting menu, I was impressed to see that the staff had placed popadoms accompanied with a creamy minted dipping sauce on our awaiting table whilst we had a cheeky drink in the bar area.

To begin our feast, our entrée of mushroom bhaji (£2.75) was lightly battered offering just a hint of spice and a lingering anticipation of what was yet to come. With a pleasant wait in between courses, our mains soon arrived on a hotplate and our eyes widened to the colour feast of rich reds and vibrant yellows placed before us.

The chicken shaslik (£7.50) was sublime. Gorgeous chunks of chicken moderately spiced and combined with fresh tomato pieces. And once we thought we had died and gone to curry heaven, out came the lamb masala (£4.95), which was breathtakingly moist and lathered in a thick heavy sauce. Our menu choices were both popular Indian dishes, yet the simplicity and freshness of ingredients is what truly won me over.

For a final indulgence, we shared a coconut supreme (£2.50). A rich and refreshing coconut ice cream with fresh pieces of coconut served in its very own gimmicky shell. It was a blissful ending to a surprisingly all-round enjoyable evening.

Who knew that you could find such a gem right outside your front door…

Jacklyn Swiecicki

East India Restaurant

0113 260 2530