Our monthly curry night for July took us to Tuakau as it was close to where a Club member lives.

I was a little apprehensive as there was a) no webpage to check the menu & b) the owner could only email me one tomorrow.

It was a freezing night, and despite being the only table in the restaurant the front door remained open. Lucky we bought jackets. The oil heater was not a great solace although I did appreciate the waiter insisted we sat by it.

The service was attentive throughout though (although does any Indian restaurant ever clear the mains???) albeit a little too familiar with the “sure mate”, “no worries mate” after each sentence.

The poppadoms & entrees were prompt and tasty. Of the mains, all were at the ordered heat (including one ‘Indian hot’ which was great). Good flavours, good portions and individual rice was a nice touch

In the past 14 months that we have been meeting for a curry together each Chef has agreed to a photo with us afterwards as part of our scrap book. In Tuakau there seemed some misunderstanding as the waiter refused to even ask him. “We use traditional techniques so it wouldn’t be a good idea” – we wanted a photo in the restaurant, not an opportunity to steal the rogan josh recipe.

As far as traditional goes though, this apparently did not extend to the vegetarian korma, made with McCain’s veges and tasting, well, unimpressive.

At $36 per person, not including desserts or wine we thought this a bit expensive too, especially considering we were sitting by the $10 takeaway main sign in the window.

All in all not a bad spot, but as the only Indian in town it has the market cornered. Good combination of food & service though with neither letting the other down.

Have dined here twice. Both times the food was great, the menu selection good, and we had the dining room to ourselves. Service was good and music not too intrusive. Espresso not available to finish off the meal, which was a bit of a disappointment, but otherwise brilliant.