Cafe Masala in East Hertfordshire

Tried a few different Indian restaurants recently (after falling out of love with our local) and we had a fantastic experience at Cafe Masala last night. Best curry I've had in a long time, great service from all the staff and nothing to fault, will definitely be returning. Keep it up!

I am going to write a fair review here. . The food was great. Very good. We really enjoyed it. However, had a really bizarre experience which I am not quite over.. we ordered a chicken tikka dansak vindaloo hot, but was served a chicken tikka masala vindaloo hot which does not really work. We told the staff that it was incorrect and one of them basically as good as said no it wasn't, we ordered that and kept saying "just try just try". We argued it but was not really being heard. He then offered to replace the meal but would take 15 - 20 mins so this was declined as our friend did not want to eat alone and wait. We would have been nearly finished. He did not enjoy the curry and left most of it. One staff member tried to make a joke and say " oh couldn't handle the chillies " in which we responded, no, the curry was wrong, we don't like it. We were ignored. The bill then came and we decided that due to the good food we would just pay for the wrong curry and not cause a fuss. The bill included service charge. We changed our mind when the staff member tried to get us to round our bill up to a "round number" despite already adding service charge. This is when I snapped. The attitude about the wrong curry was so so poor. As a response to me saying actually no, service is included and you've served the wrong curry etc etc he became very rude and aggressive. Told us we were wrong, it was what we ordered. We then asked to remove the service due to the shocking attitude and aggression. He even began to argue this. Other staff just watched. He was not happy at all and aggressively shoved me the card machine and receipt. Such a shame.. I can see some reviews below, and I think we might all be referring to the same rude, man. Will not be returning.

Have been frequenting this restaurant for the last 10 years. The reason- never less than perfect food and great atmosphere.

We were a group of 13 arrived at 19.00 and we never got our meal till 20.45 and when it arrived it was shocking cold and just discussing unable to eat it.beer was flat and warm and service was terrible will never return to this restaurant.highly recommend not eating here you will be disappointed.

I would highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent service and food was fantastic. Perfect for any occasion. Staff are very friendly and very accommodating.

Group out for celebration. Arrived 19.00. Started with popadoms and dips. Not bad. After waiting nearlyvtwo hours, mains came out. Everything was horrible. Vegetable curryvwith chicken tikka biryani was just boiled veg in water. Butter chicken appalling. Just swamped with coconut. Chicken msssala the same.. Very very disappointed. Flat beer. When I complained I was told it was how Indian beer was. Avoid this clip joint like the plague.

I’m not one to leave a poor review, especially for small businesses but we had such a poor experience I feel warning others not to bother is only fair. We don’t go out often and when we do we think a minimum of respectful courteous staff and reasonable food is just that- minimum. The main waiter here a short angry sarcastic little man was at best rude, at worst offensive. The food really was dire. Stortford struggles with authentic Asian cuisine but this was just the worst. Over priced, greasy and just disgusting. The portion of lamb chops turned out to be just 2 of them. 4 tiny battered pieces of chicken for a portion of chicken pakora with the sorriest salad going. We found a hair in the main, the fish dish was slimy but the icing on the cake was a bright red ‘signature balti special’ It had three lumps of lamb in it but the sauce was sickly sweet and bright red. We left it and mentioned to the lovely young waiter that unfortunately we could not eat that as it wasn’t balti I have no idea what it was. He agreed and checked as a Balti is usually brown… after which the original horrible angry little man stormed over with a menu, jabbing at the dish and started arguing with me saying it’s a special Balti and if I wanted the usual Balti I should’ve ordered it. I explained there wasn’t one on the menu, he proceeded to go through the menu painstakingly looking for it and then shouted “well if you wanted it you should’ve asked for it, we can’t put everything in the menu!” Just nonsense. Thankfully a very polite and professional gentleman appeared and calmed the little clown down but the awkwardness of it just killed the evening and we couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Shame really, we were there to celebrate and it was a flop of a night. Basic manners, service and a decent chef desperately required if this place wants to succeed. Moral of the story, we should’ve stuck to Ruby’s!

Went with a large group on Friday 15th March at 7pm, booked the day before. We have used this restaurant many times and been so pleased with it. From start to finish it was a disaster. The restaurant was very quiet but trying to get served drinks all night was painful, you had to keep looking up and waving. Twice the drinks came up wrong with no sign of an apology. As for the staff, especially the one that served us was so rude, talking over us as we were trying to order. He was almost harassing us, so much so 2 dishes came out wrong but he was adamant, loud and rude that’s what you ordered. Actually that’s what you told us we were ordering We had to raise our voices to him a few times to remind him we were customers and out for a relaxing meal, not a lecture. One of our party spilt one of the sauces in front of him while eating the poppadoms. We asked if it could be cleaned up, he dropped a serviette on the spill and we went to clean it up. No, No No leave it in a very loud voice he said, I will collect it later even put his hand on our quests hand so he couldn’t clean it up. Food was ok but the whole evening was spoilt and a waste of £400. Won’t be going back and will be telling everyone in our pub just how bad it is.

Once again the most superb meal we’ve had in stortford. Have missed this as we haven’t been able to visit in a few months due to circumstances, but it is by far the nicest Indian food and nicest food full stop in Bishops Stortford. Completely shocked and disheartened when I read some of the rude reviews on this page, the staff go out of their way to be polite and welcoming to all customers and the food is simply outstanding. Think the bad reviews speak for the people writing them and not the restaurant itself to say the least. Never been to a better Indian restaurant, we look forward to coming here each month, the staff are like family to us. Would absolutely recommend.

Another amazing take away from Café Masala , every dish was perfect we will not go anywhere else now and the food was on time as usual. Thank you

Absolutely the best Indian food I've had in years. Fabulous service You won't be disappointed with anything here. New favourite place.

The takeaways are of outstanding and consistent quality. Staff are professional and helpful. Deliveries are on time.

Wonderful, flavoufull food and home made kulfi like ive never tasted before. Interesting veggie selection and mostly gf which is a plus. Only downside was an obnoxious diner opposite who thought it was ok to kick off. Staff tried to deal with her respectfully, but she was so out of order

Crispy Masala prawns cooked with red chilli, herbs & spices in a thick mango sauce. Garnished with Podi dust. This is what the menu says what we actually got was not fresh (probably reheated or microwaved ) gram flour battered.prawns which were soft and actually both caused us indigestion as we had the same starter. Butter chicken was passable, Biryani was again probably not cooked fresh. Overall a poor experience.

Great place, very upmarket decor and amazing food. We visited on the Thursday of the Easter weekend and were a party of 8 adults celebrating a birthday and Cafe Masala didn’t disappoint. It was my wife and my first time at this restaurant and it was great. The service was good, the food was amazing and Miah (the main man) was on hand to talk us through some of the less familiar dishes, allowing us to venture off piste without fear. Will definitely be returning soon.

Had a wonderful meal here with friends. The chutney which came with the poppadoms were unusual but delicious. The dahnsak was excellent with the right amount of heat and sweetness. We had a selection of meat dishes and they all tasted different unlike many an Indian restaurant where the flavours appear to be very similar. I will return.

We have been to the restaurant a few times and also had home delivery a number of times, but not sure if we'll be back.... Called to order a home delivery, but was told that it would take at least an hour and a half because the restaurant was so busy (fair enough) so I said that I would pick it up at the agreed time. When I arrived I was kept waiting for 20 mins and then when I returned home my wife discovered that her starter had not been included (we had paid for it). She rang the restaurant and because they were so busy, she drove there to pick it up. Our starters were up to the usual standard, but our main courses were absolutely terrible - really really runny and not how the sauces should be. If we had been in the restaurant we would have definitely sent them back. As it happened we couldn't eat them and they went in the bin. We probably should have called the restaurant at some point because the food was shocking and they should be aware (in case they weren't). Don't know what happened on this particular Saturday night but we are unlikely to return.....

We came here for a family meal on Valentine's Day. There were only 4 other tables in the restaurant but despite this we waited 50 minutes for our food to arrive. When it finally got delivered to our table, I moved a dish so there was more space on the table, and the waiter visibly shook his head and moved it back! I found the service to be rude and very slow, like they were just going through the motions and not willing to make us feel welcome in any way. With so many Indian restaurants to choose from, they really need to up their game and create a special experience for every customer. The food was delicious, but I won't be returning here.

Another wonderful meal with Miah and his team. Always a friendly welcome and great food. King prawn puri is spot on and tender lamb dhansak and chicken tikka masala with spinach side and rice. Delicious!

We have been going to Cafe Masala for many years and the food is always excellent. We went on Christmas Eve and the food was, as usual, outstanding. Great atmosphere as well. We’ve actually moved out of the area but still return as often as we can as easily the best Indian food in the area.

Big portions, tasty curries, and good veggie options, this is my regular indian takeway with a fast turn around on deliveries.

We hadn't been here for ages due to moving away from the area but stopped in after a show. The decor is very nice with a good atmosphere. The food was up to the usually high standards. Would totally recommend

We returned to Cafe Masala last night a few years after we last ate there. Was very impressed with the new decor and staff plus of course the food! Had the best Indian meal that we've had in the Bishops Stortford area for quite some...

Everything was tasty but it was more than one and three quarter hours before we finally got to our main course. If I had known I would have ordered a starter. Poppadoms were not enough to sate the hunger in that gap.

Highly recommend this restaurant the Thali dishes we ordered were superb & so nice to have a variety of different dishes on one plate, I will be returning excellent food fabulous friendly staff too.

Visited this restaurant last night. Service was very good and a lovely atmosphere. One of the best Indian meals out we have ever had and certainly value for money.

Friendly staff, delicious food and Halal, nice atmosphere, easy parking at the back of the restaurant.

We were meant to eat hear last year, but when we got to the restaurant they didn't have a table for us even though we were booked. I wrote a bad review on Google and the owner got in touch with me the next day...

Lovely restaurant with great food and thoughtful caring staff. Food was very well presented, clean and full of flavour. Would definitely recommend

We have been going to Cafe Masala on and off for 10 years. It is a fantastic curry house with great food and great staff. I had not been for some years due to moving out of bishop's stortford and was impressed with how great...

Miah has raised the bar for Indian food with a five star menu. Wonderful off menu tradition dishes available in true home style Indian fusion. You just have to experience this restaurant.

This resturant is a real gem Great selection of food, staff extremely friendly and helpful. This resturant has recently been refurbished, and is now better than ever. Recommend 10 out of 10

I absolutely love this restaurant. I visited it on Saturday and it was the first time since lockdown. The only thing that has changed is the decor, which looks fantastic. The food and the service are both amazing. Visit when you can-you won’t be disappointed...

A Top Quality Restaurant , well worth a visit food is more than excellent , the staff friendly and attentive . An establishment I like to return to time and time again

Really kind, lovely staff, Incredible food, Incredible Service. I highly recommend this establishment for whoever wants flavours

After a couple of great takeaways I decided to go here last night with my husband, daughter and friends. The food was amazing and loved trying something different, service is great and the restaurant has had a refurb and looks gorgeous. Cannot wait to return...

Great service and super friendly staff, food was excellent and authentic Indian food! We even got chai on the house !!

The tastiest curries who tailor to your dietary requirements no problem. The friendliest staff also. Highly recommend!

Had a takeaway from Cafe Masala last night and decided on something new as I usually always go for a Madras, so chose a chicken dhazeling, it was the best curry dish I’ve ever had, amazing flavours and the right amount of heat, my husband and daughters dishes were also very tasty, chicken was really tender too.The gentleman on the phone was lovely and chatty not rushing me and making the time to ask me how I was, the delivery was on time and the delivery lady was also lovely and polite.This is our new Indian takeaway without a doubt, as soon as we can eat back in restaurants we will be visiting them!

This is the best indian food I have tasted in many years. I have been searching for a place of this quality since around 1999,I had nearly given up on indian cuisine, this place is a blast from the past,I love it.

The food was very tasty and the delivery came very quickly. I particularly liked the tandoori lamb chops and roti flat bread.

Worst experience at an Indian restaurant in over 30 years!Ordered takeawy food at 6.30pm.Was advised of a 7.50 delivery.On Just Eat, at 8.00 it informed us they had delivered our order (which they hadn't).Upon calling them and receiving a generally bad attitude in response to querying why it stated delivered when we had nothing (his excuse was that the driver had flagged it as delivered before he left the building (the first lie) when I could expect my order, we were 'promised' that the driver has our order and would be with us in 10 minutes (the 2nd lie). After another 20 minutes I requested an order update via the Just Eat app and miraculously the order status changed from 'delivered' to 'Sorry, your order is delayed, it will be delivered by 8.45 (the 3rd lie) .When I called the restaurant at 8.55 and only when I got quite 'animated' with him, did he seem to bother to do anything.We were then promised that it would be with us in 5 minutes (the 4th lie).It finally arrived at 9.10, with the driver confirming that he had only just been given the order to deliver.It arrived cold, with everything needing re-heating and the chicken was tough/poor quality.All in all it was my one and only bad experience with any Indian restaurant ever, in 30+ years, but boy oh boy, did they make up for my many years of good experiences.Utterly disgusting service and not particularly good food.I will never use this restaurant again and will be sure to advise all I know to avoid at all costs.Dreadful experience.

2 hours for a takeaway - food gone down hill Said would be 50 mins to an hour - after 1 hour called and promised on way - called twice more and eventually the manager I think brought it round (I live around corner) came without Peshawar’s Nan - an extra rice (paid for but not requested) and poor quality compared to probably last 5 takeaways in lock down Lock down 2.0 can only order takeaway - avoid this one as sadly not what was

One of the nicest Indian restaurants for a sit down meal in the town , great food and great service benefiting from a recent refurbishment . Highly recommend this establishment

Such a lovely relief to realise we could have a lockdown takeaway! Great food, delivered on time as was delicious! So nice not to have to cook and organise another lockdown dinner. We’ll definitely be back soon

Every time we have eaten here, whether it’s eating in the restaurant or home delivery, we honestly could not fault anything. The curries are the most delicious I’ve eaten by far in Bishops Stortford. You can really tell that their sauces are home made and the love and attention that goes into the food! The staff are outstanding, very knowledgeable and great with requests and recommendations when needed. You can tell the owner has a great love for the restaurant, he is always here working alongside the staff which is rare to find. We would highly recommend! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

This is the best Indian in the town by a long mile for many reasons. Mainly, it being the food- for both eat in and takeaway. The owner has an extensive knowledge in both food and drink, which he regularly goes above and beyond to suggest things you may like to try based on what you order. The wife and I regularly frequent here, as owning a restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford myself, know how important it is to support local businesses. The range of special curries he has on here are second to none and you can really tell how much research has gone into making them as authentic as they should be. The quality of the produce he buys is clearly noticeable, no cuts have been made to buy cheaper products at all. If you ever want a curry in Stortford, there really isn’t any other place to go.

We called in on our way to the airport, staying at Days Inn. A very nicely decorated restaurant, excellent service free parking at the back, after 6.30 pm. The food was excellent but what was special was that the service was not rushed. We had plenty of time to eat our poppadoms and pickles before the mains arrived. These were beautifully cooked and seasoned. Well worth a visit

Was in the area for a family funeral the next day. Food was plentyful staff very attentive, but not in your face, if I was in the area agin I would return

Two of us were here early friday evening nice and quiet,, staff very friendly... place nice and clean.. food was delicious nice and hot and freshly cooked.. they have a car park at the back of restaurant which is handy.

Food was excellent service was excellent would go back again recommend you should try it highly recommend

We live in wolverhampton but had to spend few days with family for a funeral. Not knowing the area and caught in rain we stopped in doorway and decided to take a chance on going in. Couldn't have made a better choice. Staff made us feel so welcome. Our four meals were so delicious, I couldn't decide what to have so the waiter recommended a fantastic dish that I'm hoping my local take away can replicate otherwise I'm coming back soon.

We visited this establishment for our Wedding Anniversary treat . Most excellent food , the staff are very helpful , and will explain the menus in greater detail . Portion sizes are good . A lovely evening was had by us .

I Must admit this is my 4th time here and the food quality is consistently high. Although quiet when I visited the food made up the mark and customer service.

I never write reviews about food that I order but I really felt like I had to for this restaurant. My food arrived very quickly and I was very impressed and greeted by a lovely gentleman! I will definitely be ordering my food from you guys again without a doubt. Food was amazing!!

Went to this restaurant with a group of girlfriends. Service was great, food was delicious. A couple of girls had allergies and nothing was too much trouble. Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. A lovely evening was had by all. Would highly recommend and will definitely be going back!!

Fantastic food, friendly staff & a handy car-park at the rear, what more do you want?

Excellent food in a restaurant with a very nice atmosphere, served by friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Work night out. First time I've eaten here and it was really nice. Friendly service and good food. And not expensive. Would recommend.

Had dinner there. Strongly reccommend it. Really good food and nice atmosphere. Would go there again. Not expensive.

We came as a large group. Food was a prepared menu with so many lovely options. Delicious naan bread. Normally have a table for 2 so didn't expect this meal to be same standard. It was all fab and served with a smile. Well done everyone.

Our first visit to this charming restaurant. The food was very tasty including the house specials. We liked the mixed nan basket and the side order tray both very good ideas and great for sharing. A very enjoyable experience.

Highly recommend this restaurant the Thali dishes we ordered were superb & so nice to have a variety of different dishes on one plate, I will be returning excellent food fabulous friendly staff too.

An amazing amount of chef specials which truly are lovely & tasty , the very helpful staff always help you & recommend if you require, we moved to the area 8 months ago & tried many restaurants this is the best , eaten here many times now & even took all kids an grandkids we were most welcome

We visited this restaurant again this evening . Again they have exceeded Themselves !

Been visiting this restaurant with my family for years. In the last couple of years noticed the portions were shrinking and the prices being hiked up but kept the faith as it has become a tradition to visit this place with local friends, even though the food is very bland. Requested as usual some side dishes but was shocked to see them appear in what I can only describe as metal ladles. In the past, side dishes were good value for money, and presented in bowls. Each side is £4, the portions are now embarrassingly small. When a waiter asked if everything was alright I had to bite my tongue. On the plus side the place looks clean. However, I won't visit this place again. Greedy, greedy, greedy management.

Only 2 others in restaurant should have alerted us as restaurant opposite very busy. Ceiling light shining direct into eyes so had to move. Poppodams Ok and relished excellent. King Prawn starter lacked flavour but plentiful. Both mains at £12.95 each well overpriced and again lacked flavour. Asked for chilli in dishes and was just thrown in raw. Some pieces of chicken were almost cold, some pieces of beef were chewy. Served in large china serving bowles which cool the food down very quickly as no hot plates. Rice was OK as was bread but Bombay potato an absolute rip off and serviced in a tiny copper saucepan shaped pot the size of a tea cup with a bout 6/7 tiny pieces of potato which was cold and chewy and certainly not fresh. We sent that back! Price wise judge for yourself, 4 poppadams, 2 king prawn starters, 2 mains, 2 rice, 1 nan, 1 Bombay potatoe, 3 beers and 3 lemonade. £85. Mains not worth £12.95 so suggest stick to basic curries and avoid specials.

Having been treated to Turkish at lunchtime I was not really intending on having any dinner. At the last minute, I decided I just had to have a tandoori mixed grill.

Very good again - great food and service and clean. Couldn't try the new desserts this time, but will do next time. ONLY recommendation- bring back the chocolates with the bill, always makes folks want to return sooner ;)

This was our first visit and it was amazing. The food was really tasty and the waiters were happy to recommend dishes. We will definitely be back.

WOW!!!! Honestly one of the best meals we have EVER had!! Excellent service, lovely lovely food, cannot say enough good things. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area. If I'm ever within 20 miles I'll be coming back. Do you get the idea we liked it?

We've been to Cafe Masala many times over the years, but not every week, but we're always greeted like old friends when we go in and the food and atmosphere are spot on. Great little place, highly recommended!

Visited today for evening meal the service was friendly and genuinely interested in our visit ....the food was delicious, fresh, and tasted just like home cooked food should. If this way again will def pop back 😊

small Indian on edge of centre with parking behind , 5 mins to station . really good food and good staff also very clean . been nice not on route to Stanstead , try it its great .

stopped here tonight on the way to another curry house and wow!! the greeting we received made us feel special and welcome even though we told that we were just passing. the food was exceptional our taste buds have never experienced such delight, you could taste every ingredient, amazing skills by the chefs. the dish we were recommended after discussing our tastes was served exactly as we were promised.

By far the finest India cusine for many miles. The staff are friendly, polite and attentive. I have been here many times, eat in or takaway, the food has always been consistantly excellent. Chicken tastes like chicken and lamb tastes like lamb It maybe a tad more expensive than many Indian restaurants, but the food is far superior and quite frankly it's well worth that small amount extra.

Great food, friendly staff. Mixed starter really good. Food arrives just how you’ve asked for it. Would definitely recommend.

SO much water on my plate, I’m not sure whether this means the dish has been reheated!? Very disappointed.

My partner and I went for a meal Saturday night. Absolutely faultless service and and beautiful food. Recommend highly

Small and cosy place. Good meal and nice ambience. Location on the main road but don’t be put off. Pleasant staff.

Great welcome - lovely food. Nice spices to go with the poperdomes and a great curry. Only the nam was a bit of a let down. Other than that all goods. Pricey beer was not appreciated but feed great

Firstly, I really like eating here. The owner is always welcoming, and you can really tell he cares.

Visited here last night Fantastic food and very helpful staff . A good choice of food You won’t be disappointed

Visited last night in a group of five. Great service from all the staff and delicious food. Everything was top notch and very tasty. Thank you miah and team x

Like so many Indian restaurants now, it lacks anything unique, it's bog standard with far too much on the menu & hence is a jack of all trades, a master of none. If this Indian restaurant offered high quality and locally sourced produce, it could stand out from the rest. Retro 1970's décor would actually be a plus rather than the usual semi-contemporary bland on offer here.

Myself and s colleague happened upon this Indian restaurant - what a treasure it was. Sadly we were the only ones in that evening although it was a Tuesday in February.

We have been customers of Cafe Masala (both takeaway and eat in) for about five years and we have always enjoyed the food and the friendly professional staff.

Normally excellent for takeaways but today's was awful...the chicken tikka was hard and dehydrated as if several days old. Rice was flavourless. Maybe avoid takeaway on Monday next time!

We visited this restaurant again this evening . Again they have exceeded expectations ! My Lamb Biryani was .... most...

Just wow!!! , I came here New Year's Eve and ordered the kaliyan lamb but had to rush home half...

I booked the upstairs private dining room for my daughters 8th birthday party, after being impressed by the delicious food...

This Indian is a hidden treasure. It looks small but this restaurant is filled with Indian galore. It is a lovely little restaurant/café and the food is always lovely. Every time we go with my friends we love it. I hope this helped!

Three of us went on Friday evening, staff very friendly and attentive, food was brilliant. I had chicken korma, hubby had prawn korma, friend had tikka. all very tasty and hot.

amazing food will go back, had a bit of a wait but difficult to serve all those people at the same time so it was well wroth the wait.

Went to cafe masala for a charity event, the guys served a whole restaurant at once with little fuss the food was fabulous, dealt with a difficult customer with ease and grace. Thank you for an amazing night

Had such a lovely evening for a family charity night! Great evening with lovely people, great service, great food for an amazing cause! Would definitely recommend to people!

Fantastic evening, food lovely, good service thank you cafe masala for serving 70 covers all at once. Not 1st time we have been here and definitely not the last.

Attended a charity event the food was amazing the venue served over 6o seamlessly, all the food was amazing and the staff were lovely would recommend to anyone

We have been customers for many years and the service has always been excellent, the owner is very passionate about the quality of the whole service and the food is always great!

My husband and I recently visited this great Indian restaurant to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. The restaurant is quite small inside and has a warm atmosphere. The service was excellent with really friendly and helpful staff.There is a varied menu to chose from and, most importantly, the food was excellent! This was actually my third visit and each visit has been just as enjoyable.I would thoroughly recommend a visit to this restaurant.