Pride of Asia, 207 Mile End Road, London, E1 4AA

I have reviewed the Pride of Asia twice in the past.  First I reviewed it when it was a decent quality Indian restaurant and I reviewed it again when it turned into a rather expensive chicken shop.

 

Last year the grill was taken out altogether and the Pride of Asia turned into a buffet restaurant and take away.  For £7.99 a head you can eat all the curry you want.

 

The quality of food is certainly better than any other outlet selling curry in Stepney with the possible exception of the hayfield masala when a decent chef is working there.  In the pride of Asia, the food is consistently good.  There are usually 2 starters, a veggie and a meat starter, with 3 lamb curries, 3 chicken curries, a chickpea dish, a mixed vegetable curry, spicy potatoes and often a fish curry.

 

Yesterday for example the starters were spicy chicken pieces and vegetarian samosas.  On other days there are sheek kebabs vegetarian spring rolls or Alu Tikka.

The mains were jalfrezi, korma and Bhuna available in both chicken and lamb.

 

The curries are generally well flavoured with plenty of meat.  While I do think ground spices are used rather than fresh spices on some occasions, the curries do have a home   taste about them.  These curries are more like standard Asian curries rather than some of the rich creamy curries that restaurants like some of those on brick lane serve.  Some are a little greasy but nowhere near as greasy as some of the other curry shops in the area.

 

If you are still feeling that you have room after your starter and your main, a pudding is included in the price.  Generally it is Indian semolina  which comes in small rectangular bricks with jelly and fruit cocktail.  Expect to pay about £1.50 for a diet coke which is a little expensive, though many buffet places make money on drinks.

 

Staff are generally helpful.  I can visit this restaurant on my own knowing that staff will help me by reading what is available   and serving the food up from the buffet for me.  I have visited this shop with a guide dog owning friend and there weren’t any “no dogs” problems.

 

Over all I give this new pride of Asia 7 out of 10 and would recommend it if you are in the area.