I am a French citizen and a vegetarian, teaching French in schools in Heckmondwike on a short term contract. As my contract had come to an end, I came to Bradford to bid goodbye to my vegan friends living in Shipley. They took me to this most unusual Indian Vegetarian Restaurant. I am very glad that they did because I have not ever come across another like it either in France or here during my stay in England. Although I have eaten in many Asian restaurants in France and in this country I had not come across a menu like this before. I was introduced to a whole new world of Indian vegetarian Cuisine. I had a Falooda, a drink made out of yoghurt, ice cream, noodles and many other ingredients that I cannot even name. It was absolutely heavenly, pure ambrosia. For starters we had Rengan Bhajia (auberjine fritters), pani puri, which I was shown how to eat! A puri is a small round, puffed, crispy, lightly fried, hollow wheat cake. A hole is made in its surface with the thumb and the inside is filled with a mixture of potato, chickpeas, onions, etc. Then it is filled with a tamarind sauce and the puri is placed in the mouth. As you bite into the puri the taste buds are teased and tingled with exotic flavours that are released! We shared a masala dosa, an utthapam and idli sambar, enabling me to have a taste of these different and unusual dishes. I was too full to try one of he wonderful sounding desserts. Bobby Patel the owner very kindly took a photo of the three of us at the table thus enabling me to have a record on my friends and also this wonderful restaurant. Bobby you are welcome to open a branch in my home town in France and you can be sure that I will be there every weekend!
Prashad – Bradford