Bollywood Tandoori

Our staff 2009 xmas night started out with a meal at Bollywood's.  Usually you can’t please everyone all the time but on this occasion I didn’t hear one complaint (not bad for over 50 diners).  The starter was hot and fresh, the mains were absolutely delicious and there was a plentiful supply of rice, bread and side dishes so it was good value too at £19.95.  We were going on to another venue for 8 pm so we were eating early and I was worried there would be a lack of atmosphere in quite a large space, however the staff were attentive and efficient and it was a great start to our night out.

We went to the Bolywood Tandoori on Union Street Aberdeen on New Years Eve. The enterance from Union St is just a door way, you could easily miss it. A flight of stairs leads into the restaurant so wheel chairs are definitley out (to be honest i thought you HAD to provide access for wheelchairs but i must be wrong) also you would have to carry a pushchair down which would be awkward. As soon as you enter the restaurant the wonderful smell of food hits you. We were freezing cold as we had walked and it was so lovely and warm inside. It was busy but not so busy you couldnt hear each other talk, basically atmosphere got a big thumbs up. Sat down, coats taken(very nice touch), chairs pulled out, napkins placed on knee (real ones i may add), then you get free pompedoms with dips, the dips are really nice, the yellow one is amazing. After drinks were delivered we choose our food and ordered. My partner and i deceided to share Lamb Tikka Massala with pilau rice, Chicken Birriany and Garlic Bread. Like i said it was busy so we were pleasantly surprised at how quick our food came. They wheel it over on a little trolley and give you a mini hot plate thing to keep couple of small dishes warm. The food was by far the best Indian we had EVER tasted, and we have had a few! The masala as described was mild and the creamy sauce was to die for, i dipped my garlic bread in the spare sauce and it was wonderful! The Birriany had a little kick and the 2 dishes complimented each other perfectly. The garlic bread was in the shape of a pizza and was just right. I really cant rate the food highly enough. The waiters were very attentive, smiling, happy to help. Brilliant experience to kick of the night. However i really feel i have to mention the tips. I discovered the WAITERS DO NOT RECEIVED THE TIPS YOU LEAVE - management take them!! I used to work in the industry and luckily we kept our cash tips but the credit card tips made up our wages (Yes you guessed it i worked for The Restaurant Group!) This was bad enough but these guys dont even get that. If you go there, and i really think you should for the food, just be aware of the tipping. Personally i dont think people should tip unless the staff get it direct.