Essence Of India in Lewisham

Received food piping hot and 30 mins early!! :-D. Love this resturant, best Indian food in SE4!!

Received food piping hot and 30 mins early!! :-D. Love this resturant, best Indian food in SE4!!

Received food piping hot and 30 mins early!! :-D. Love this resturant, best Indian food in SE4!!

Really enjoyed last nights food

Really enjoyed last nights food

I love their Nawabi chicken pasanda.

I made an order for collection at 10.15. I received a call at 9.15 to say the order was ready, so I explained that I could not collect until 10.15 as per the order. I checked that the food would be remade and not left for an hour and given to me, and was assured this would happen. When I got the food home, everything was cold. The chips were stone cold and soggy, the balti was tasteless. The naan has gone cold and hard. The riata was curdled where it had been left inside the bag with the once hot food. The only dish which had any taste to it was the spinach side dish but this had also gone cold. Would not order from here again.

I made an order for collection at 10.15. I received a call at 9.15 to say the order was ready, so I explained that I could not collect until 10.15 as per the order. I checked that the food would be remade and not left for an hour and given to me, and was assured this would happen. When I got the food home, everything was cold. The chips were stone cold and soggy, the balti was tasteless. The naan has gone cold and hard. The riata was curdled where it had been left inside the bag with the once hot food. The only dish which had any taste to it was the spinach side dish but this had also gone cold. Would not order from here again.

Entra en ofrecer banquetes que en realidad está muy buena relación calidad-precio para lo que te dan. . . Sin embargo la comida es muy normal y atraen de forma masiva es que no tenían un inodoro durante nuestra visita, que después de un par de cervezas es muy incómodo. No volvería a pesar de gran precio.

Nice flavours and well cooked but a bit heavy on the oil!

Nice flavours and well cooked but a bit heavy on the oil!

It took almost 1.5 for the food to arrive. I had to call the restaurant twice. When the food arrived it was Luke warm, tasteless and completely unenjoyable. I was very disappointed with every aspect of this experience

It took almost 1.5 for the food to arrive. I had to call the restaurant twice. When the food arrived it was Luke warm, tasteless and completely unenjoyable. I was very disappointed with every aspect of this experience

very tasty biryani and a good portion too. i collected my food and it was ready promptly and the waiter was very polite.

They left bits off the order. What arrived was alright.

very tasty biryani and a good portion too. i collected my food and it was ready promptly and the waiter was very polite.

They left bits off the order. What arrived was alright.

Fuimos el viernes para cenar con un grupo de 12. La comida era fantástica, probablemente la mejor comida india que he comido (tuve su parrilla tandoori mixtas la salsa madrás era genial... en el lado picante, pero deliciosa. Siendo un grupo grande una gran variedad de platos fueron ordenados a la mesa y todos ellos parecía increíble y tenía comentarios favorables de los otros huéspedes... especialmente la salsa de coco, que era excepcional y era genial con uno de sus peshwari naans bajaba.

Overall a very lovely offering. The food is fresh, came delivered in lightning speed by a very nice driver. We appreciated the nans and sundries in particular which can often be an add on, as they look and feel totally home cooked. Will definitely use again.

Overall a very lovely offering. The food is fresh, came delivered in lightning speed by a very nice driver. We appreciated the nans and sundries in particular which can often be an add on, as they look and feel totally home cooked. Will definitely use again.

Overall a very lovely offering. The food is fresh, came delivered in lightning speed by a very nice driver. We appreciated the nans and sundries in particular which can often be an add on, as they look and feel totally home cooked. Will definitely use again.

Large portions and very good quality, Served by a very nice guy! Thank you:)

Large portions and very good quality, Served by a very nice guy! Thank you:)

We used to order from an Indian take away closer to our house but since their food quality and delivery service became less reliable We have recently ordered twice from Essence of India and as well as the excellent food quality and large portions, the delivery driver is so lovely! He's always polite and efficient and the delivery service is so quick!!

The driver got lost so my meal was 20 minutes late and luke warm.

The driver got lost so my meal was 20 minutes late and luke warm.

Their pasanda in a creamy red wine sauce is fantastic!

The Pasanda Nawabi was delicious

Delicious food, arrived early. Will definitely order again. They forgot the drinks but we're very apologetic and even called the check they had arrived. Thanks!

I'm a local and have sat in the restaurant before and very much enjoyed the food but tonight the chicken I had was so dry. It was pretty bad. Worried it was overcooked and reheated. Very disappointed.

We went to this local restaurant for my friends birthday on a sunday when they had their special offers on...Wow what can I say definitely value for money! Best Indian restaurant in the area,fresh food and the staff are very friendly we will be back!

Fui con mi pareja para la cena, mientras que no es la mejor comida india que he probado, estaba bien. Creo que deberían hacer un especial sobre el alcohol y también funciona no cobrar tanto suplemento con sus ofertas.

A great curry. Classic Indian food. They use a lot of gram flour so gluten free too!

Delicious and quick. Def recommend

Delivery was quick, food was hot and tasty. Think this my new favourite indian restaurant 😁

Wow, great food, great service. This will definitely be our local from now on. The butter chicken with chicken biryani was the best dish, I would definitely recommend this to everyone.

Fuimos a este restaurante con nuestra familia como una decisión de último minuto. Este es local y habíamos oído que había sido tomada por la nueva dirección. Todos les gusta la comida india y tener uno tan local para nosotros, pensamos en darle una oportunidad. Al entrar en el restaurante, la distribución era buena, el espacio entre las mesas, que eran bien. Personal enseguida saludó y nos sentamos. Menú tiene buena opción, con el curry habituales, además de sus especialidades de la casa. Todos teníamos entradas, que eran frescos y sabrosos. Los platos principales muy bien presentada, carne tierna, salsas bien condimentadas. Keema pan para morirse. En general una comida muy agradable. Sin duda volveremos.

He revisado este lugar antes, pero tengo que hacerlo de nuevo; simplemente se pone mejor y mejor.

You have completely given us the wrong order wont be using you again. no number to contact you on... a complete waste of time and £28

La esencia de la India ha sido camboyana y esta vez es realmente bajo nueva dirección.

Enjoyed another great curry meal at this restaurant. Service was good, food delicious, good portions and well presented. Good value too!

Solía ir de este lugar en los años 80 cuando fue llamado 'La Banani'. Sin embargo tras cambiar su nombre se convirtió en verdaderamente horrible y era raro a tener en cuenta cuando pasando por que había tenido más de un par de comensales desafortunadas llegadas por dentro.

Food was within time. Chicken curry madras a bit greasy, and missed the typical madras flavour. Chicken tandoori, one piece was very good. Other piece was really dry. Overall it was okay.

Long wait for deliver and food cold when it arrived. Nice food, a little bland. Nothing incredible.

Nice place with fresh food and very friendly staff. I had the hottest indian meal in my life (Rosalla chicken). My girlfriend pleased with her salmon. We'll definitely come back :)

Sorry but I really wasn't happy with the food. It was cold, I had lamb Tina in my curry instead of just lamb, it was chewy and inedible and the sauce on the chicken was far too sweet.

Came within 20 mins! 40 mins earlier than predicted. Great quality thanks

Looks like we might have found our local curry house!

Tasty food and fast delivery, nothing exceptional though.

Nice place with a good range of mild and spicy dishes, relaxed mood, soft music. The food is certainly freshly prepared. I've visited a few times now that Essence is under new ownership and staff, and happy with each visit.

This is the best I've been to in along long time. I can't say a bad word about the place, I've been several times with different friends and we all share the same opinion, the food here is a class above. All the menu items you would expect, plus a few you might not, all prepared with real finesse. The Essence Nights deal midweek and on Sundays is superb value but the food and service is worth every penny at any time. Highly recommended!

From the order, a rice item and naan breads were missing. Unacceptable for the price paid.

Food was very oily and hardly any meat in the curry. They also forgot to deliver our rice so we just had bowls of greasy curry sauce with the occasional chunk of lamb. Not impressed and won't be ordering from here again.

Best curry in the area,had the veg Dhansak and and king prawn Naga tawa which was on point! very friendly service.Will come again.

I visited here after being enticed in by a 20% deal upon opening. The staff are super friendly and we ordered the standard options of Chicken Dhansak and Lamb Jalfrezi. Also Samosas, Peshwari naan and Pilau rice.When we got home, the disappointment was obvious. The samosas appeared to be of the ready frozen kind - very small for the price, and a world apart from the ones we've had at nearby Babur before, which are huge, and home made. Curries, once again were pretty average. They tasted like a bought paste was used, and therefore a bit artificial. Naan was good. On the whole, they probably need to check out the competition in the area, to see what others provide. Doubt I will be back.

This is my new favourite restaurant. The food is fantastic, its tasty, fresh and actually quite unique. This is not one of your run of the mill indian restaurants, you really can taste the love in the food and it is evident that the chef/s really care about making the food flavoursome and interesting.Food aside, the waiters within the restaurant are lovely people, they are very accommodating and appear to genuinely want you to be comfortable and happy within the restaurant. I have eaten at the restaurant a couple of times now with friends and there has never been one complaint and everything I've tried tastes amazing. I only wish I lived closer (although my waistline is probably grateful that I don't)

The food was not your usual Indian fare, it seemed much more thought through and imaginative. We had two vegetarians and they were very well catered for. The owner came out and talked to us after the meal and made us fee very welcome. They are the new owners of the restaurant and I really wish them all the luck in with world!

Amazing restaurant, lovely family business which is dedicated to great food and amazing service! Tried new dishes which i would definitely have again. Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

When I and a friend first entered essence of india the calm, relaxing and warm atmosphere made us feel at home. The lit candles amongst the art and Indian architecture further added to the experience. We was greeted immediately by attentive, friendly staff who were willing to cater to the finest of details to make our stay worthwhile.Within 10 mins we got our drinks and began to read from the menu. I ordered a shammi kebab, pakora and mixed grill. The food was served swiftly and as I bit into everything the tastes took over and the cleverly mixed spices were so prominent the Individuality of each dish were well defined. In some Indian restaurants the food taste the same/bland-this is not the case for essence of India. If you want to order in or fancy an Indian during the week I say you 100% try here. The mixed spices (especially with tandoori) will make your night.Rik

Chicken Silsya was incredibly tender and delicious. I'd say the Aubergine Joypur was hot more than medium.. still good though.

The best Indian I tasted. The food was spicy and falavourful . I am an Asian so I know what real Asia food is and this food certainly was beyond expectations.glad I tried it , it's so hard to find a good Indian now days especially one that does tarka dhall so tasty!!! You must try a dish called naga tawa if you like it hot !!

Food has great flavours, one of the best curries in the area. Speedy and friendly service.

Terrible food. Uninedible undercooked lamb, inedible bread, bland starters that lacked seasoning. May be under new management but the chef is as bad as the previous one

Food arrived 30 minutes after the delivery time given,which was disappointing, as the idea of takeaway tonight was to have a hassle-free meal sorted.I guess the food here is so good that they just can't keep up with the demand.can't fault the quality.definitely order again,and hope that they can get the delivery side of the takeaway a bit more sorted.

The meal was very good - plenty of choice, and very good value.The staff were very friendly and attentive.The decor is lovely, especially the pictures which were designed and made by a family member.A great evening. Would certainly recommend this restaurant and go there again.

Food was either sweet or bland. Was very disappointed. Delivery was fast and friendly.

Turned up on time, salad in plastic bag a bit sad, onion bhaji nice taste but cold, samosas (2) dry, korma lovely lots of meat and sauce, vegetation tikka masala lovely taste good veg too many peas, bit bright in colour, jalfrezi good. Pilau rice good taste, lemon infused rice bit bland, peshwari naan bit soggy.

Have just moved into the area and starting to try out the local pubs, cafes and restaurants. This is one place that I will definitely be coming back to.Impressive menu with great selection, especially for vegetarians and great price even before they took the introductory 20% off. Lovely linen tablecloths and napkins, attentive service and good size plates of food.We will be back - often.

Great! This Brockley local is under new ownership, and the menu contains some great classic and signature dishes. Quick delivery. Would order again.

We collected our order and were greeted really nicely when entering the lovely cosy and clean resaurant near Brockley station. We ordered some starters, that tasted loevely but were unreasonably high priced - 3,95 for two small samosa is a bit much, same for lamb kebab sarter for 4,95 (which tasted amazing though). The mains were good, one of the dishes came with egg on top which wasnt advertised in the menu and therefore a bit confusing, portions were not huge but still big enough. Very nice was the Bhindi Bhaji, which was a bit small for a main but really tasty! I recommend visiting their webiste for their full menu which has different offers (big and small portions f.e.). all in all taste was good and quality high, but overall way too pricy.

We have eaten at Essence of India from time to time, but now we'll be going more often! The new family managing this local favourite is friendly and has created a warm and welcoming dinner spot. The frosted front window means no more pedestrians glaring in as they pass, and the soft flood lights created an intimate atmosphere. Food was absolutely delicious -- every flavour full and rich. The opening of the restaurant was delayed until the head chef could be relieved from his previous restaurant -- father of the manager! We were a party of three and enjoyed Auburgine Joypur -- a big serving, Pasanda Nawabi chicken in a dream sauce with a fried egg-omelette on the top keeping things warm, Hari Mirchi Bhuna -- hotter than medium, but a delicious lamb and spinach dish. We were tempted by the treat sheet, but had no room at the end of the meal. With a welcome offer of 20% off for now, don't miss it! And you'll be going back. Read more on the Brockley Central Blogspot. Cards are accepted.

Top notch - new management have made all the difference and an interesting menu

The food was really disappointing; oily sag aloo, red and green colours in the Korma and cold rice.

Very helpful as we had a special request. Good, unusual flavours. The only criticism is that side veg dishes are the same price as mains.

Heard great things about it under new management so gave it a try, wasn't disappointed! Try the chicken bemissal :)

Very tasty food with excellent service!

Horrid sweet tikka masala veg bhuna very bland. Shame as good on price and was quick

food was very tasty and plenty of it service was very good i recommend this take away anytime

food was hot and tasty first time ordered from here and will not be the last

I love this restaurant. Quality food and staff are so welcoming if you eat in. This food is of high standards. I would highly recommend.

buying this curry was the best thing i did for myself today.

I'm not sure why the restaurant is always so quiet whenever I walk past! I've eaten there twice in the past 4 months and have enjoyed the food on both occasions. Pros:[1]The menu has a good selection of dishes. [2] The portions were very generous. [3] I did not have to wait long for the food, and it was always well cooked.[4] The staff were friendly.[5] Most importantly - I found the price to very reasonable (especially given the size of the portions). Cons:It's not the most stylishly decorated restaurant I've been to!Overall though, I was happy with my food (and bill) on both visits. While it's not somewhere I'd choose for a fine dining experience, it's perfectly adequate as a place to go to for a mid-week or weekend meal if you don't fancy cooking.

To be honest, I would not purchase from here again, too hot and tasteless, no flavour, nan bread wasnt cooked properly on one end, rice was clumped together in a ball, chicken starter was not edible, it was pure fire (and we like spicy) and the poppadums were stale and hard, I would rather cook fresh ones myself

The Vindaloo was good and very hot. I would order again.

souds funny but this food was delivered far to quickly with in 10 minutes of ordering so wonder if it was microwaved my masala was salty onion bargi were very nice though and rice was very tasty

Yummy lamb madras, the pilau rice with peas was nice also. Will definitely try out the restaurant!

Nice restaurant, and reasonable delivery time.

was over20mins later than stated time. but great food, i have eaten in the restaurant before and the delivery was as good as the restaurant

Phall was scrummy! It was also delivered quickly.

Only place to buy curry in the Brockley Area

The food just never arrived 2 hours after I ordered it, 1 phone call to the restaurant and 2 phone calls to Just Eat later, they cancelled my order. Really disappointing to be eating toast for dinner when we wanted curry. But thanks Just Eat for being lovely and efficient.

delivery driver had no idea where we were and although friendly enough, after 3 phone calls I had to go out to the road and give him directions to our door, even though we are a big building facing onto a main road.

Tasty, traditional, very nicely done.

After an hour and 20 minutes of waiting I called the restaurant... somebody picked up I said I been waiting an hour and a half and was wondering where my food was. Before I could give any details the reply was "It is coming" and the phone was hung up. I waited 10 minutes and then decided to eat some leftovers.... the order obviously never came.

Meat Saag, Veg Curry, Rice, Daal, Naan and Paratha ordered. Delivery time was excellent, service was friendly. The food, although well priced, was average. For the price it was reasonable but the sauce in the Saag was a little bland whilst the meat was a little on the tough side but not inedable by any means. The paratha was superb. The Vegetable curry was a little dissapointing as the vegetable content wasnt great but, again, the meal was ok for the price.

Great tasting food! It was delivered quickly and the portions were a very good size.

All lovely. Perfect texture tarka dahl if a little salty. Perfect samosas and bhaji!

Very good meal will order again for sure!

One of the Best Indian Takeaways I have had in a long time. Madras was,as should be, fairly Hot. Onion Barje very good size and deliciouse. Pilau Rice very good. Highly recommend this Takeaway.