After reviewing Hamadan a few weeks ago, I mentioned trying more Indian restaurants and stepping out of my curry comfort zone so after getting the little one off to bed, it was time for a Friday night takeaway. Maharani was in mind after their recent refurb so we checked the menu, clicked to order and rather surprisingly, were taken to WhatsApp. I’ve never ordered a takeaway on WhatsApp before so found it a bit odd but our order went through at 7.35pm and confirmation was received at 7.50pm with a ready time of 8.15pm along with a nice 15 per cent off for the delay.
Upon arrival, my husband Simon found the restaurant very busy, and after another 30 minute wait receiving my hangry texts, he was handed the food. The first thing I asked him when he got home was whether the decorative ceiling roses were still in place in the dining area, which I’ve always remembered from visiting years ago. The answer was no, which I expected with the modernisation of the interior, but they were pretty. Sad face emoji.
On to the food, I love a list, here’s what we ordered:
- Chicken 65 £6.49 (a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish from South India)
- Medhu Vada £5.99 (lentil donuts served with coconut chutney)
- Chicken Pakora £6.99
- Pilau Rice £3.99
- Ammachi Fish Curry for Simon £11.99
- Butter Chicken for me £12.99
- Kothamalli Kozhi Curry £12.99 (I’ll explain later)
- Garlic Naan £4.99
- Malabar Porotta £1.99
My mouth was watering writing that list because wow, just wow. The Chicken 65 was spicy, fragrant, and very moreish, a must try. The pakora was so flavourful and like the Chicken 65, I wanted more. Unfortunately, we were missing the chutney for the Medhu Vada. Despite being tasty, they were quite dry and required a sauce, so I used my curry as a dip.
Speaking of curry, I know I said I wanted to jump out of my curry comfort zone, but I caved and went for one of my usual choices with Butter Chicken, but I am so happy I did. It was rich, meaty, buttery and the chicken was tender, superb. Simon also thoroughly enjoyed his fish curry, full of different flavours with fragrant fresh curry leaves and chillies which gave it a nice kick that wasn’t overpowering. However, I think he may have been telling porky pies re the heat because he got the hiccups he gets when he has something too spicy. For this reason, I didn’t try it.
Simon also ordered the Kothamalli Kozhi, a mild curry with coriander, because I’d said I needed to try other things from the menu. Whilst not as rich as the Butter Chicken it was still delicious with a coconutty taste. So, I am stepping out of the curry comfort zone, albeit slowly. However, the Butter Chicken was still the star of the show for me, and I’d order it over and over again. Please never change.
The pilau rice and garlic naan were as good as any and the porotta, a layered flaky bread was different but nice enough. I think I’d just get more naan bread next time.
The total came to £64.08 without the discount for the wait. Despite the delay, I’d order from Maharani again as the food more than made up for it. We did order a lot and had leftovers for another day too, so I’d say it was worth the money. To summarise in three words… Go try it.
Already tried Maharani? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Read more: Louise’s reviews are all here to tuck into
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