Paradise

Paradise Indian Restaurant
5 Denbigh Street
£35

There are 2 reasons we don’t eat Indian food more often. Firstly MP is still in love with his fave Indian restaurant but it’s in Covent Garden. Secondly Meaty often has vindaloo (or worse) so we have to have periods of gastric recovery before our next meal. Anyway when our flat was in chaos due to renovation by a crack squad of Poland’s finest it seemed like the situation called for an Indian meal. The Paradise was est 1965 which makes it a venerable institution and it was busy with a mixture of regulars and tourists. The papadams were light and tasty and I had my veggie biryani (it is my favourite Indian dish and I love the fact that it is different everywhere you go) which had lovely rice. In honour of the vaguely summery weather I followed with kulfi (Indian ice-cream) and it was all excellent. Attentive service and yummy food – fantastic end to a busy week at work. HP


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It had to happen that we ate at an Indian restaurant. Yes, I do have a favourite in Covent Garden and there will be the inevitable comparisons. We ordered three poppadoms which were good, but I must say that the spicy mushroom, while good, could have been better. Also, the onion and herb did not have a lot of herb. Onto the main which arrived after two bottles of Tiger beer. I ordered, as I always do, vindaloo (chicken) and pilau rice. When our waiter returned with the dish, the smell was fantastic and HP made some mention about spicy. I asked the waiter, do you do ‘fall’ which as I understand it, it’s the hottest Indian dish going and it’s typically not on the menu. He said of course with a devilishly wicked grin. So, the vindaloo. Spicy, a decent amount of tomato and moist. Typically I have the first fork full and think, I can eat this no problem. I get about half way though and notice that I am getting a bit warm and sweat is starting to accumulate on my temples and just under my eyes. Then, the waiter returns with the ‘fall’ sauce. I get right in putting two spoonfuls into the rice. It was dryer, smokier and not as sweet as the vindaloo. By the time I am done the vindaloo and about 1/3 of the fall, I am a bright pink and my skin is leaking. I did take my time cooling off with a couple more beers. For this I am sorry. There were other people coming in to the restaurant and had to be turned away. Its popular, busy and a friendly staff, even if they take a perverse delight watching me self immolate.
For a quick Indian, I am going to go back. If I am on a mission to have an Indian, I am going to Covent Garden. MP