Topic ID 1182
Had a fantastic meal here Friday night, they have very, very comprehensive menu, in fact its difficult to choose what to have. Not too expensive, £120 for 4 people with a £20 tip, that included 2 bottles of beer, 2 bottles of wine, 2 starters, 4 curries, 4 veg dishes, 2 nans and 2 rice. They even throw in a little shooter at the end with the half time orange 1/4s! Its a shame its a walk out of town though, which might have been the reason it was so quiet. Will definatley return.
Reply ID 13609
Had a great meal here on Thurs night - $63 with a $26 bottle of pinot noir. Cant beat it for service.
Reply ID 13610
Yes forgot to add that, very polite and very prompt. I was told by the couple we were with that it was unusually quiet for a Friday night.
Reply ID 13613
quote:Didn't realise the Raj took dollars - SORRY [:o)]
Originally posted by Frenchie
Had a great meal here on Thurs night - $63 with a $26 bottle of pinot noir. Cant beat it for service.
Reply ID 13626
It's the best Indian in town... or slightly out of town.
Reply ID 13638
sounds great, where is it? and does anyone have the phone number?
Reply ID 13643
Ware Road dunno the number
Reply ID 13670
if it is the best Indian in town, surely the short walk out of town shouldn't matter? It's not that far back to the taxi rank anyway. I always prefer restaurants without extensive menu's as the chances are the food is fresher than somewhere offering 50+ different curry dishes. Surely youcant have 10+ each of chicken, lamb, seafood, duck etc dishes marinating in the fridge each night? Chnaces are it's bulk sauces and flash-fried meat bundled together at the last minute. Mind you, having said all that, it still tastes bloody great!!!!
Reply ID 13685
Let me explain myself. It is a great place for a pre-arranged meal with your partner or friends. If however, after a night on the town I feel like a Ruby, the lorry load of Stella Artois I would have consumed would make me sniff out the closest eatery!
Reply ID 13709
I thought Stella Artois (aka wife beater) was the drink of Chavs Victor? Surely there are no chavs in Bengeo? Especially driving a 4x4 (the car version, not a school-run SUV). Stick to the Kronenborg Blanc from the Snug - less of a hangover
Reply ID 15257
We used to go there every week and the food was truly excellent. Sadly, they have tried to 'trendy up' the food and it is served on cold porcelain, tastes only of mixed spice and contains almost dangerous levels of black salt. The richness and variety has vanished. People seem to like that though. It is sad that one can no longer get a decent Indian meal anywhere in Hertford. It is sad to see a tradition being denigrated as well. How we miss dear old Mr. Hadi and "The Guru". Has anyone seen the plot recently?
Reply ID 15270
I had a meal with my parents in the Raj on Saturday night and it wasn't up to its usual standard. I tried the Duck Mezala and it was rather chewy. I hope this was a one-off aberation on their part.
Reply ID 15272
Wrapper, do you have a Kitchen or are you really Michael Winner? [:)] Oh and where did you go Sunday?
Reply ID 15337
I'm planning on making my first trip to the Raj on Saturday night after about 8 pints of Kronenborg Blanc in The Snug!
Reply ID 15456
Sorry Victor, busy week at work. I like to take the other half out for some grub at least once a weekend. Earns brownie points for being allowed to watch the football in the pub. I can cook as well.!!! Went to a Family Dinner on Sunday (other half's side) and would give it a 7 out of 10 - not that I told her Aunt it was anything less than a 10!!! Oh and Michael Winner - Thanks a bunch.
Reply ID 15473
No need to apologise!!![:D] I used to be the same, but since the nipper came in April, we dont get as many chances. I notice you have not reviewed the Hillside yet, do yourself a favour and get the other half down there pronto! you will not be dissapointed.
Reply ID 15480
My Uncle lives opposite the Hillside so will be there soon although I have heard mixed reports. All good on here though.
Reply ID 15938
Went for a birthday meal with little_p at the Raj tonight. The whole experience was fantastic. Couldn't fault the service all the waiters were attentive and made little_p welcome (even though he did sprinkle poppadom and naan bread all over the floor) Food was fantastic too - I recommend the Mircha Wagan Korma - Korma with a kick [}:)] Top Marks[:D]
Reply ID 15943
quote:Thanks Jez.........Korma with a kick!
Originally posted by jez_p
Went for a birthday meal with little_p at the Raj tonight. The whole experience was fantastic. Couldn't fault the service all the waiters were attentive and made little_p welcome (even though he did sprinkle poppadom and naan bread all over the floor) Food was fantastic too - I recommend the Mircha Wagan Korma - Korma with a kick [}:)] Top Marks[:D]
Reply ID 15949
sounds like Kandy Floss with a K
Reply ID 16214
Without doubt the best Indian in town.
Reply ID 47730
We have always rated the Raj as the best in the area. Last night was a big disappointment - we waited well over an hour and a half for the main course to arrive. There was a large party being attended to and it appeared to us that although this party was being dealt with nobody else was getting much service at all - we certainly weren't! There was no apology until we commented on the delay. Hopefully the new chef will get his act together soon!
Reply ID 47740
That is very unusual Graham but I am sorry you had inferior service.
Reply ID 50869
Visited the Raj last night; our first curry in Hertford. Initially after being seated we were getting blasted by heat from the air-conditioning (to be fair, one of the staff promptly adjusted the settings at request and it was snowing a little again today so they had to keep the place warm). The important bit, The food.. was fabulous. Much better then anything where we used to live. Chuffed that this will be our local. Yipieee!
Reply ID 52620
Thought I'd try the Raj after reading all the favourable comments on here. The food I thought was OK but nothing to write home about. The service, however, was POOR - one of the waiters took a plate away whilst one of my party was still eating it. I can excuse the rather seedy exterior appearance and lack of interior ambiance if the food was superb and the service acceptable. However, I can't believe this is Hertford's best Indian Restaurant. We'll try somewhere else next time.
Reply ID 52638
If you don't like the Raj, try the Tikka Cottage as it is as good.
Reply ID 52661
I was very disappointed with the experience of the Raj. The place is a bit run down and in need of some TLC but that is a minor point. What is very strange is the menu. It is about as extensive a menu as I have ever seen but also as confusing. Perhaps someone can explain why Chicken Madras is priced at £5.45 but Chicken Rogan is at £7.95. I asked the question (which was probably why the rest of the service was a complete nightmare) and was first told that it was because the chicken was 'special'. I pointed out the caption mentioning all chicken dishes were breast. Someone else tried to explain - it was because it contained tomatoes and was an 'advanced' dish. I gave up. The food, when it came, was average although the helpings were plentiful. The service was surly and unwelcoming - although it was probably my fault!! Hertford seems to be a bit blighted when it comes to Indian Restaurants - my suggestion would be to head for Ware and the Ware Tandoori or the Neelakash. Now that is good Indian food.
Reply ID 52668
quote:Yes Ian, it does sound as if you riled the waiters. Sometimes in life you have to accept a dose of your own medicine if you are being obnoxious. The Raj is an excellent restaurant with fine waiters and great food. OK, the decor might need some attention ... I'd quite like to see the return of the flock wallpaper and sitar music .. a kind of post modern irony.
Originally posted by IANCOX
I was very disappointed with the experience of the Raj. The place is a bit run down and in need of some TLC but that is a minor point. What is very strange is the menu. It is about as extensive a menu as I have ever seen but also as confusing. Perhaps someone can explain why Chicken Madras is priced at £5.45 but Chicken Rogan is at £7.95. I asked the question (which was probably why the rest of the service was a complete nightmare) and was first told that it was because the chicken was 'special'. I pointed out the caption mentioning all chicken dishes were breast. Someone else tried to explain - it was because it contained tomatoes and was an 'advanced' dish. I gave up. The food, when it came, was average although the helpings were plentiful. The service was surly and unwelcoming - although it was probably my fault!! Hertford seems to be a bit blighted when it comes to Indian Restaurants - my suggestion would be to head for Ware and the Ware Tandoori or the Neelakash. Now that is good Indian food.
Reply ID 52674
quote:Cant agree Ian. Neelakash is particularly average and I ahd probably the most blandest Indian of my life in the Ware Tandoori. I am suprised by the criticism of the Raj but we always get excellent service and food both in the restaurant and from a takeaway. However we use it on a regular basis.
Originally posted by IANCOX
I was very disappointed with the experience of the Raj. The place is a bit run down and in need of some TLC but that is a minor point. What is very strange is the menu. It is about as extensive a menu as I have ever seen but also as confusing. Perhaps someone can explain why Chicken Madras is priced at £5.45 but Chicken Rogan is at £7.95. I asked the question (which was probably why the rest of the service was a complete nightmare) and was first told that it was because the chicken was 'special'. I pointed out the caption mentioning all chicken dishes were breast. Someone else tried to explain - it was because it contained tomatoes and was an 'advanced' dish. I gave up. The food, when it came, was average although the helpings were plentiful. The service was surly and unwelcoming - although it was probably my fault!! Hertford seems to be a bit blighted when it comes to Indian Restaurants - my suggestion would be to head for Ware and the Ware Tandoori or the Neelakash. Now that is good Indian food.
Reply ID 52688
Can anyone advise on the pricing structure ? - is one a Balti ?
Reply ID 52701
Well I agree with Ian Cox I think the Neelakash is great in Ware. Always had a great meal. I have been to the Raj a couple of times and didnt think it was that great. I agree the indian restaurants arent great in Hertford, especially Tikka Cottage which everyone seems to rave about. Although I do like the hot house. At the end of the day its obviously down to different and personal tastes. I hardly call it riling the waiters if you simply ask for an explanation about the food - the pricing structure does seem ridiculous for comparable chicken dishes and the explanation was hardly clear. I think every customer should be entitled to a waiter that can fully justify whats on the menu.
Reply ID 52703
If the dish was one of the Raj Specials then the dish includes pilau rice.
Reply ID 52822
quote:Couldn't agree more; The Ware Tandoori is usually superb for food (nicely balanced flavours, no excessive oil or salt) and the staff are really great guys. Well worth the drive.
Originally posted by IANCOX
Hertford seems to be a bit blighted when it comes to Indian Restaurants - my suggestion would be to head for Ware and the Ware Tandoori or the Neelakash. Now that is good Indian food.
Reply ID 52823
quote:I agree; but then I'm always suspicious of reviews that say "great food" for example, without actually saying why it's great. If one likes the food to taste like indian food, or taste like it's out of a jar, it would be useful to give other a guide. I sometimes wonder if people actually taste the food they're eating, TBH.
Originally posted by shiraz
Well I agree the indian restaurants arent great in Hertford, especially Tikka Cottage which everyone seems to rave about. Although I do like the hot house. At the end of the day its obviously down to different and personal tastes.
Reply ID 52853
Well worth the drive DRIVE ? Surely no one can enjoy a Curry without washing it down with a couple of Cobra's . [:0]
Reply ID 52966
quote:In my experience Madras is often cheaper in most Indian restaurants - not entirely sure why - maybe it takes less preparation or uses less expensive ingredients. Sometimes it seems to be a smaller portion than, say, a Balti as well.
Originally posted by IANCOX
Perhaps someone can explain why Chicken Madras is priced at £5.45 but Chicken Rogan is at £7.95.
Reply ID 54374
I'd be interested to see some comments from people that have regularly been to BOTH The Raj and the Ware Tandoori (which received some earlier favorable comments above). If you look at the ratings for the Ware Tandoori on the Ware Online site there is absolute confusion about the standard of this place. So much so, it made me wonder if the comments were genuine reviews... http://www.wareonline.co.uk/ratingsandreviews/reviews.asp?Busid=282
Reply ID 54378
quote:I asked this question in the Shahenshah. I was told that the house specialities and other dishes are cooked with better cuts of meat than the ordinary curry dishes madras, vindaloo, Dupiaza etc...[:0]
Originally posted by aubendquote:In my experience Madras is often cheaper in most Indian restaurants - not entirely sure why - maybe it takes less preparation or uses less expensive ingredients. Sometimes it seems to be a smaller portion than, say, a Balti as well.
Originally posted by IANCOX
Perhaps someone can explain why Chicken Madras is priced at £5.45 but Chicken Rogan is at £7.95.
Reply ID 62960
quote:Generally very high praise, with a couple of awful reviews. I'd say that's fairly typical. Be warned about the clientele though; most are fine, but being Ware, groups of retarded mouthbreathers can sometimes make it unbearable...
Originally posted by GrahamF
I'd be interested to see some comments from people that have regularly been to BOTH The Raj and the Ware Tandoori (which received some earlier favorable comments above). If you look at the ratings for the Ware Tandoori on the Ware Online site there is absolute confusion about the standard of this place. So much so, it made me wonder if the comments were genuine reviews... http://www.wareonline.co.uk/ratingsandreviews/reviews.asp?Busid=282
Reply ID 62961
quote:One may enjoy a beer with it, bit getting s hitfaced isn't compulsory...
Originally posted by Donostia
Well worth the drive DRIVE ? Surely no one can enjoy a Curry without washing it down with a couple of Cobra's . [:0]
Reply ID 62987
quote:Unfortunately true, we did try to block the road from Hertford but they made us take the chain down.
Originally posted by Black S2Kquote:Generally very high praise, with a couple of awful reviews. I'd say that's fairly typical. Be warned about the clientele though; most are fine, but being Ware, groups of retarded mouthbreathers can sometimes make it unbearable...
Originally posted by GrahamF
I'd be interested to see some comments from people that have regularly been to BOTH The Raj and the Ware Tandoori (which received some earlier favorable comments above). If you look at the ratings for the Ware Tandoori on the Ware Online site there is absolute confusion about the standard of this place. So much so, it made me wonder if the comments were genuine reviews... http://www.wareonline.co.uk/ratingsandreviews/reviews.asp?Busid=282
Reply ID 63004
quote:[:D] Welcome out of hibernation... Sorry, off-topic.
Originally posted by Spear Unfortunately true, we did try to block the road from Hertford but they made us take the chain down.
Reply ID 63173
Just getting this thread back on topic, can I ask if anyone has been to the Raj recently and is their standard still high? We're going to get a take away on Monday!