Empress of India in Swale

Great atmosphere, nice staff and good food.

This is an absolute gem. The food is out of this world, the staff are so friendly and welcoming and there is always a lot of people here. It is a bit pricy but this isn't uncommon with Indian cuisine and the quality is just too notch that the price at the end of the night is absolutely worth it.

This happens to be the worse restaurant I've even been to, I paid 24.00 for 2 curries with the combin d total of meat 12 6 pieces in each curry....disgusting and waited 35mims in a restaurant for this

Best place in all of Kent. Food is very delicious and would recommend everyone to come here.

Fantastic experience, owner was friendly and very attentive, food was top quality, would recommend to anyone who loves an Indian.

Delicious food, friendly staff, lovely atmosphere..We will return. We ate during the week rather than a Saturday as it would be quieter and we could have a conversation with each other in our party. Nothing worse than having to shout to be heard when eating out as a large group.. They accommodated us comfortably..

Very pleasant atmosphere very good service food very good grandaughters birthday meal loved it

Yummy food 😋 with lovely customer service 😊 thank you again

Excellent food and amazing service. Definitely coming back.

Excellent service and amazing food. We had samosa, onion bhaji in starter. Saag bhaji also done perfectly. Very polite owner. Thank you 👍

Couldn't ask for a better place to have Indian..its yummy every time xx

Amazing food great atmosphere. Best Indian

10 of us for dinner at 7pm very rushed for food and drinks previously asked for separate food and drinks bill drinks bill came on a yellow sticky poster nothing itemized hopeless for a business receipt. Food average at best nobody in my party would be rushing to go back

Super accueil par le patron, avec qui nous avons échangé sur nos vies respectives. La cuisine est variée et intéressante. Je recommande!

Great food I’m sure anything on the menu would be great. We will definitely go back to try other dishes. Employee’s were wonderful but the boss was a bit naughty!😂😂 They even hooked us up with a ride home because taxis were booked up ! Great place !

The place was great but the food a bit of a let down it all needed a bit more taste and spice.

Selected this restaurant as it was best rated on tripadvisor for Sittingbourne, the atmosphere was very good as it was nice and busy and the staff brilliant but as for the food it was good but not great - the onion bhaji was tasteless and the mains contained a lot of oil , the biryani sauce had to much vegetable so the curry was rather dry. everything maybe needed a bit more seasoning and spices it wasn't bad but not great.

Great servers by babul so friendly and funny kept us laughing all night

Amazing food but the boss was being very naughty charging for the toilet and trying to steal my Mrs

Great service and fantastic service, if I could rate higher than 5 I would!

The service from Babul was amazing. The food was just as good as the serive too. Honestly get on this.

Fantastic experience with these guys, awesome food and an amazing atmosphere! The staff could not be more attentive I really cannot rate higher!

I visited the Empress with some friends for my birthday celebrations. The staff were very helpful and friendly, there was no rush. The food was delicious and we had a lovely evening.

I always use this Indian restaurant. The whole experience is fantastic and I would highly recommend to all.

Food excellent, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff 👌

Always great food, cab be a bit noisy on a Friday night but always great service and they don't rush you to oreder

I had Onion Bhaji to start. Two large crispy balls, which I enjoyed. I had Karahi Chicken Tikka Dhansak for my main course. It wasn’t like a Dhansak as there were no visible lentils and tasted like a Tikka Masala to me. I’d choose something different next time. Garlic Rice was nice with large slices cloves.

I love this place. All the food is amazing and staff are friendly. This a great place to go to for a bday dinner .great place for all ages

I came here for a friends birthday. The staff were friendly and provided a great service and the food was outstanding! I won’t be going anywhere else for an Indian.

Wonderful restaurant. Food first class. Staff always friendly & attentive. We do not go anywhere else.

Came here for a friends birthday with her family. It was the first time I had ever eaten here and I was very impressed. The food was extremely tasty and there was a nice range of alcoholic drinks to choose from. The server was very friendly although and ensured we had a lovely time. Would come back if I was in sittingbourne again. Thank you!

We love the empress of India, the restraunt itself is kind of 1970 vibe!! I love that. The menu is vast and service efficient and speedy. I love the food on every level. It can be very noisy when busy but all adds to the fun atmosphere! Visited sat eve, not a seat in the house available. Caters for large groups too. Will go back. We love it

Empress of India is a beautiful restaurant. Sadik made our evening so special. He was so kind thoughtful and attentive. The food is amazing!! We used to travel miles for a good Indian restaurant, not any more now we have found this little gem. The owner Babur takes time to pop round each and every customer… he makes sure every one has that smile of pure happiness. Thank you all and including the lovely lady running the bar.

Delicious food, fast friendly service.

Really nice food. Great service. Will be a returning customer

Best Indian in town, always packed, book a table in advanced

Felt a bit rushed though the courses but very nice

One of the worst Indian restaurants I’ve ever been to in my life. - Staff are chaotic and have no organisation skills. They shout over your head while you’re eating. - Staff are rude - Hygiene levels are crazy. Rubbing their hair/head then touching glasses and plates - Fingers in food when they’re bring it over to your table. - Food has no taste what so ever. It was shocking when the food enters your mouth, you can’t taste a single thing. - More a pub vibe with everyone shouting because of rugby. By far the worst restaurant I’ve ever been too. I would not recommend it or eat their again!

Great food and service. Just a bit too crowded.

Best Indian in Sittingbourne, we have just moved here and tried a good few until this one! This will be our go to Indian from now! Fast delivery, good service lovely food!

Great food and very friendly service with a conversation with one of the managers who didn't mind stopping to chat with us.

Great food, great staff very disappointed to find that staff don't get the tips. Won't be leaving one next time

We arrived as a pre booked group to find the the establishment extremely busy The table that we were allocated was laid up with all the cutlery and chairs touching each other. On this basis we declined the table only to be told by the manager that he would move a goup of customers who were seated eating on a another larger table so that we could be accommodated more comfortably With this his only options offered we rescinded our booking. We as a group of local people have all eaten at the Empress on numerous occasions and we were returning again to enjoy their fabulous hospitality service and menu But for some reason tonight all the ingredients did not gel together

Had a lovely family meal here on 18.1.23 to celebrate my wife's birthday. Amazing food and service.

We went here for belated Christmas work dinner. The whole evening was lovely. The staff were so friendly and engaging. Nothing too much trouble, and very chatty. Food was great, nicest curry have had in a long time. The owner is fabulous!!

Sublime food, one of the best indians I've had. Quick service, very friendly. Can't do enough for you.

Terrible experience. My family had booked a table for 5.30 on New Year’s Eve. About 10 mins after all sitting down, we were all moved to another table. It was extremely cramped and I was constantly being barged into by the waiters who were trying to squeeze through a tiny gap. We weren’t given any continuous service and had to make several attempts to get our drink order completed., and a long wait before we finally ordered our food. After 1hour and 30 mins our food started arriving. No complaints about the food which was good. However they tried overcharging us by a huge amount. We pointed this out and finally they knocked some money off, but we still paid too much. A member of our party was seriously overcharged on a previous occasion. We definitely won’t be going back. OVERCHARGED AND OVERCROWDED

Absolutely disgusted, waited 45 minutes inside after already waiting 40 minutes before heading down (ordered on phone for collection). I understand it’s New Year’s Eve, I wouldn’t an issue waiting if my order was correct and the food was actually edible. My lamb was very chewy, made worse by forgetting items on my order. My partner went back and was given the rest of the order and told “lamb is very tough”. A regular customer now lost, given them the benefit of the doubt a few times as it’s been busy but will not be going back. £50 wasted.

Food and service was brilliant.

Really tasty food and the owner couldn’t have been more accommodating with my Mum who has dementia. A genuinely lovely evening, thank you. We will be back!

Great food and atmosphere, good portions sizes, and quality. Friendly staff and management. Definitely recommend. Families/couples friendly.

Always good and very friendly to the jolly boys! We have been eating here for many years now with no problems ever. This also works out the best value per person than many others I have been to. Keep it up guys and see you soon.

Love this place. Amazing food and welcoming staff.

Went for a birthday meal, boss man made it extra special! Amazing food and a great experience, definitely go there again!

I guess having been coming here for over 30 years there can’t be too much wrong with this place. Last night we had a takeaway. Fantastic food. Of course we have tried other places, both locally and further afield but each time we do, we compare it to the Empress and agree that the Empress’ food is far better Staff are always friendly, food is always of a high quality and plentiful and is reasonably priced. Staff are always friendly and Babul is a legend.

Ordered from here for over 30 years and lately been made to wait 2 hours for a takeaway which I feel is disgusting!!! Been a valued customer all this time and it means absolutely nothing ??!! Food maybe good but for 2 hours and over £10 more for my family meal I will be ordering elsewhere in future and recommend Madras Cafe Chaucer road - can t go wrong !!!

Great food, great atmosphere and fantastic hospitality from Babul. So intrigued to find out the funny surprise is in the dessert menu

Babul best restaurant owner ever!! Go to say hi to him!

Delicious food, quite big portions, friendly staff, nice atmosphere.

Food and service was okay. Terribly over charged. I believe Babul sensed we were from out of town. We ordered three dishes, onion bahi, garlic naan, two sides of rice, and one beer. £64. He quickly grabbed the bill. Fortunately I was able to catch a picture. I may call my credit card company.

Always a lovely chicken Tikka madras

very enjoyable experience, great food & ideal location

Our first time to eat here and we were not disappointed, the food is serious good and the staff are brilliant. Will definitely be back.

I have been using this restaurant for Indian takeaways for the past few months and have never had a bad meal. Really friendly staff, reasonably priced and the best Indian food in the area. The only slight downside is the £30 minimum order for delivery. There is just 2 of us and we normally order around £20 so have to collect, which can be a pain if you want a couple of drinks first. Other than that really highly recommended.

Lovely meal, veey busy, service was good.Thank you.

My friends came to visit from london so we booked this restaurant based on recommendations and it did not disappoint, the staff were very friendly and the food was delicious. Will definitely be returning.

Brilliant place to try something new. Delicious food full flavors available. Delivery, take away or eat in.

I was today for the first time and not the last for sure, I am very pleased.

I booked a table for 27 people for a surprise birthday meal and the Empress did not disappoint. The food was lovely, hot and tasty. It was some of my families first time eating here and they all commented on how great the food was. The staff were helpful, friendly and recommended some lovely dishes. They were also very accommodating to the children. Could not fault anything!! Thank you for a great night!

Been to the Empress occasionally and every time it is super friendly and the food is great.

Amazing food! My partner and I love this restaurant

Friendly staff, really tasty curry. Wonderful jight had by all!

Perfect in all ways. Great food and wine and a very friendly atmosphere. We were made to feel like a king and queen, thanks. Be back soon.

Had our first meal here last week lovely staff and great food. Could not be happier. Food was authentic and cooked to order, good wine superb. Owner was delightful and helpful. We will be back and hopefully with our family to experience further, more delights on the comprehensive menu. Thank you.

Really friendly and nice atmosphere

It was very good and the staff were very helpful with everything

Friendly staff, very nice food , definitely worth a visit .

Great service & delicious food...cant praise it enough 🥰

Another great evening in the Empress, thanks again

Delicious food, attentive staff even though they were exceptionally busy in restaurant and doing takeaway deliveries too, wouldn't go anywhere else. Highly recommended.

Food is very good and nice staff

I went here for a birthday meal last week, and it was just amazing. I am originally from Croydon, and have moved to the area nearly 5 years ago. This curry house blows the competion apart by miles, this will be my regular haunt. Very reasonable prices. Go go go there..

Great food and friendly service would recommend

Both the food and the atmosphere is and was fantastic

Went for a girls meal with my friends and had delicious food with great drinks, the staff were lovely and accommodating to us all, definitely recommend

It was my first time at this restaurant, will never return! When it came to ordering the person who took my order said I need to order one and a half- one for me and one for (and pointed at his belly)- never in my life have I been so insulted and felt so awkward. Absolutely disgusting that a man can say this about a woman!

had once again a banging meal at the Empress - never disappointed with the food or service here I’d strong recommend the Chana massala as it will change your life

We as a family visit the empress frequently to either dine in or pick up our takeaways. Always a lovely meal food is amazing and Babul and his team always go above and beyond. Highly recommend empress it is the best Indian in Sittingbourne.

Excellent service, very friendly! Will be back, free shots too! Food was lovely and served very quickly

Lovely, friendly place. Food is amazing .

I came here with my partner for a curry, ordered our food and a total of 3 drinks (all non-alcoholic) priced at £1.60 on their menu. For 2 sub-par Kormas, 2 Rices, a peshwari naan and bombay potatoes we were charged £50! When I raised my query with the manager, asking why we were charged nearly £15 for 3 drinks listed as £1.50 each on the menu, he was terribly rude and didn’t care accommodate our concern. He was even so kind enough to knock off a whole 80p after talking over us and being very condescending! have never had such a rubbish time at a restaurant before. I feel scammed and sick, not because of the manager but because of the hair I found in my mango chutney.

The usual high quality food & very friendly staff

Have had a couple of takeaways from here and they have been really good. Food is excellent and tasty and good value. Always seems busy

Lovely service lovely people. Always have a laugh when we come here wheather is friends or family!!!

Food is nice, and quite a pleasant place to eat at.

Visited with 13 other people for a leaving meal, service was very good, meal was fantastic and very reasonably priced

Lovely meal, friendly staff. Everything we had was delicious. Will definitely be back again soon.

Had to drop my sister in Sittingbourne so, as we don’t go here often in the evenings, decided on trying a takeaway from Sittingbourne’s highest rated Indian Restaurant.Ordered two dishes that sounded nice….. a Balti Chicken Tikka Masala (used to have this all the time when I lived in Kettering but nowhere near us does this) and a Karahi Chicken Tikka Dhansak. Got home and opened the containers and I struggled to tell them apart to be honest and tasting them, I’m still struggling. No lentils in the Dhansak that I thought were part and parcel of a Dhansak. The chicken tikka in both dishes didn’t taste like Tandoori Tikka…. just tasted like plain chicken. And the masala tasted nothing like a masala, be it a Balti or otherwise, and certainly nothing like the dish I used to have regularly in Kettering. So disappointed. The restaurant itself was packed out and to be honest so is popular. But whenever I’ve had an Indian meal from a busy restaurant, it’s never been great as I suspect the chefs are rushing and under pressure. I dunno if that’s accurate??

Visiting family we needed a change of meal and fancied a local curry. The reviews made our selection, and whilst not quite being as good as we expected it was still good. The restaurant is quite large but on the Wednesday we visited was almost empty, which at least meant attentive service and quick food. No complaints - a nice but unexceptional curry.

Lovely place to eat Staff very attentive and polite and always up for a chat too but not in a bad way We took a baby in there and called up before and they put a baby seat at the table ready The only bad thing was no baby changing facilities and we had to change the nappy on the toilet floor :(