The Holy Pundit in Shepway

Such lovely food yet the service let you down. The lamb was cooked well and fell apart. Naan bread thin, crispy and tasty. Great flavours all round, Sadly we seemed to have been overlooked during our dining. We were offered one drink in the 1 hour and 45 minutes we sat in the restaurant. We also didn’t receive the chef’s complimentary amuse bouches, despite seeing other tables having them. We weren’t offered dessert or coffees either. Upon payment of the bill we did mention the service to the waiter, he said they were understaffed. Such a shame!

The best meal we’ve had when eating out. Absolutely stunning. I’m surprised it wasn’t busier. It was a real treat. Complimentary tasters between courses. All food was fresh and homemade.

Wonderful dinner in this colourful & atmospheric restaurant. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the Hythe Imperial Hotel stuck down in the lower ground level next to the spa. The Duck & Brie starters were excellent as were our Lamb main courses. All wonderfully spiced and as a nice touch two unexpected amuse bouches one lentil the other a cup of hot, spiced tomato soup with jaggery. The bill was reasonable & the service excellent.

After a previous trip to Hythe that unfortunately fell on an evening when this restaurant was closed I'd been looking forward to returning and trying it out, and the visit didn't disappoint. The menu adds some fine dining flair to the curry experience, and everything we tried was delicious, offering the perfect blend of taste and spice.

We visited this restaurant upon recommendation after having lived in the area for over 50yrs and never knew it was there. It’s in the weirdest location, in the basement of the Hythe Imperial, next to the spa. It’s very colourful and the warmth matches the food, atmosphere and temperature. Food is a nice step away from your usual “vindaloo” curry choices. Unusual dishes in smaller portions which enables you to try a variety of new things. The lamb rogan Josh fell apart and the butter chicken melted in your mouth.

We ate here on Saturday night. Our waiter was Jack and he was amazing,really busy and he was so attentive to all tables,very efficient,polite and friendly. Our food was so fresh,the taste of each dish was excellent. Highly recommend

Amazing! The food is wonderful; an interesting twist on the traditional type of Indian restaurant food with lots of different options. The restaurant was clean and the service was great, nothing was too much trouble. Will definitely visit again.

After having booked the restaurant months ago as part of our stay at The Hythe Imperial,, I was really looking forward to the experience based upon the many reviews. Upon arrival I smelt a rat, there was a group of 6 sitting in the sofa area having their starters and mains being taken, bit odd but anyway. Another couple were sitting next to them looking lost and unattended.. We were left at the doorway waiting to be acknowledged with another couple behind us. Eventually we were shown to our table by a young kid who clearly was out of his depth and dressed as he was just about to go out with his mates. After I fixed the table and commented to my wife why our oil lamp was not lit but every other table was fine it seemed attention to detail was lacking. Anyway things surely would get better… I asked for 2 drinks and some poppadums which turned up about 5 mins later to be told that they had no plates ! Apparently they were not expecting other people in an Indian restaurant to all have poppadums? It was clear there was a major issue in the kitchen, the small ramekins of chutneys only had a couple of tea spoons of sauce and were Luke warm… Anyway the young guy appeared with two platter size dinner plates for our poppadums and apologised that these were the only plates they had… Anyway w carried on until I cut my hand on the corner of the plate which was razor sharp due to a large chip on the corner…l At this point we asked to see the manage, she came over and apologised. After questioning what was going on she explained there were major issues with only her and the young lad front of house plus the kitchen were struggling, apparently due to no staff….. We thanked her for her honesty and left….. Such a shame as I was so looking forward to my curry.

A lovely little find in Hythe. We enjoyed all of the dishes we had and the service was great. Really nice atmosphere too 😊

An absolutely fantastic evening, not just the company, but our server Jake was great too! He was happy that we were just out eating and enjoying the menu, he had great knowledge of the foods on offer and gave a few suggestions! Jake was great! We also had another lady, sorry I didn't get her name, she was very efficient too and helped out loads. We had a fantastic no fuss, no rush, very relaxed atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable evening! Will definitely be recommending and will be back again. The food was out of this world AMAZING!!! THE CHEF IS SO, SO GOOD!! All of the dishes were incredible; starters, mains, rice and sides! Beautiful, taste sensation (puddings weren't so good)- just indulge more on the sides!!

This restaurant was recommended by friends who live locally. We booked a table whilst staying in the area. The food was superb and certainly different from your usual Indian restaurants. The ambiance in the restaurant was chilled and relaxing service was excellent. Will definitely go back when we are next back in Kent.

So we were here Sunday and was great. Returned tonight and shocking -poor service forgot the poppadoms starter? Pardon - suddenly no complimentary chef tasty bits - just didn’t care! If you are looking for a relaxing evening with a nice meal this is not the place for you.

I visited the Holy Pundit with friends visiting from India. They were very impressed with the taste and flavour of the curries regarding them as very authentic. Plates were all but licked clean! The complimentary starter and little cups of soup were a very nice addition to the meal. Overall the cost was very good value. A great evening, wewill definitely go back.

Food was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection, but what sets this apart is the warm and friendly service - highly recommend

I would have given 4.5 if allowed. The service was faultless, set within the Imperial Hotel is nice too and very relaxed. Considering the setting I felt the price was reasonable. Starters were lovely and main course excellent... plenty of flavour though a little too...

I would have given 4.5 but only able to give either 4 or 5 Nice setting, within the Imperial Hotel, very welcoming and friendly service throughout. The food was excellent; we had a starter and main meal with rice to share, all plentiful and delicious. A lovely touch was a small dish to begin with at compliment of the chef, between starter & main course was an Indian soup (again complimentary). My g/f found the mildest dish a bit spicy but loved the flavour. I finished it off and though it was spicier than you'd expect a Makhani to be, easily the best I had tasted. Mine was medium and cooked to perfection with a gorgeous flavour The reason for not giving this a 5 was; menu very limited, only basmati rice and no pilau, poppadoms only small (these should not be messed with EVER...lol. Portions generous, price reasonable given location.

We have been there few times. LOved their Veggie dishes. My kids really enjoyed their dihes when i took them for a birthday treat. Service with a smile always. After food & drinks, We enjoyed walking around the Imperial hotel's Lovely Gardens. Then walked by...

Really great service from Cassie. Thank you for your hospitality and the excellent food. Even better when you receive that level of service. We will be back

This restaurant is a game changer for Indian/Asian food lovers. The moment that you open the menu you are taken to whole new level of temptation, with choices not found in your regular Indian restaurant. Locally sourced ingredients expertly cooked into delicious recipes, presented and...

We have been to the Holy Pundit a few times over the years. The service is always great, it has a well thought through and focussed wine list, but the magic is in the kitchen. Indian food at its best; full of flavour. We have...

Top two of the best curry’s I have ever had! Friendly customer service. Two courses in an hour, including two extra complimentary courses. Beautiful flavours and contemporary plating ideal food for the setting. Not the cheapest but well worth it and still left a 20%...

We stayed on our way out and on the way back in Hythe from a trip via the Chunnel - and ate both nights here. Love the ambience, the decor and importantly the food which is really amazing. Each time I had the lamb with...

Amazing vegan options (baby aubergine, dhal, sweetcorn fritters, bhaji, curry etc). My partner loved the goat. The ambiance is lovely (as were the surprise dishes)

Would never have thought that such a great Indian restaurant would be located at the Hythe Imperial. We had a really lovely meal, the food was exceptionally good. Don't expect the formula madras, vindaloo type of curries, the menu is much more sophisticated and very...

I chose the Pundit for a private birthday luncheon for 18 guests. We have never had a bad meal here and this was no exception. Rahul helped me plan the meal and suggested excellent choices. The service was outstanding and Cassie, the restaurant manager, ensured...

Food was great, had a rogan josh which was full of flavour and spice and tender chunks of lamb , nothing like the normal dish that is served up at other Indian restaurants . We also had the dal which was again full of flavour...

Great food served by friendly staff - will definitely return. A must for those staying in the hotel!!

We had one of the best Indian meals I have tasted. The lamb was very tender and the vegetarian main meal of dumplings delicious. The service was excellent and we very much enjoyed the extra small dishes they gave us to taste. Thank you for...

We only tried this restaurant because we were staying at Hythe Imperial Hotel (the restaurant's landlords) and one of the leisure centre staff highly recommended it. Very grateful he did. Wonderful food, great atmosphere and excellent service. A very original Indian menu, lovely flavours, quality...

What an absolute hidden gem! Food was so good, really well thought out. Staff amazing. We will be back!

We booked a table of 14 for my 65th Birthday , and was not dissapointed at all, from the starters to the mains every meal was delicious, I had the lamb rogan josh and it just melted in my mouth so tender. Would definately book...

Absolutely amazing and different Indian food. Would highly recommend. We will be back to try everything else on the menu.

A quite different experience. I had the Sindhi goat. Very spicey ,the goat melted in my mouth. The staff were knowledgeable and pleasant. Give this excellent Indian restaurant a try.

A very pleasant impromptu evening. We would definitely visit again when staying at this Hotel. Highly recommended 👍🍺🍷

We were staying as two couple at the Hythe Imperial. If you want to widen your curry selection, don’t expect the usual curries on the menu ! . All dishes we had were absolutely delicious and will return again!

Best Indian meal I’ve enjoyed for years (Including several in India!). Really friendly service also. Whole-heartedly recommended.

Quite different from your standard Indian restaurant. Lovely food, welcoming staff, and great cocktails. Will definitely come back for more.

Each dish was excellent, they managed to do things differently than we’ve ever had before and it’s a big improvement on the standard Indian dishes that we all know. Service was friendly and impeccably carried out too.

We stayed at the Imperial hotel on 8th February and had a delicious meal at the Holy Pundit restaurant. All the dishes we ordered were extremely tasty and we were also given some complimentary dishes to try which were quite exceptional and a lovely touch....

Had the most wonderful evening, with the most delicious food. Amazing service, never waited for a drink, and service very quick! The appetizers are such a lovely added bonus! The goat curry was especially delicious. We then went onto sit near the bar with cocktails...

Amazing food with excellent service and my partner loved it as well. Will defo be going back as soon as I can.

I have to express my total disappointment for this restaurant, the menu was completely different from the one on the website, the table was dirty and the service was anonymous. The food wasn’t anything more than a good takeaway could offer, but priced as double....

There's no option to eat something without chilli. I cannot bear hot food so when I ordered I asked please not to put chilli. The waiter told me everything came with chilli but kebab was very mild so I ordered it. It was not mild,...

THE BEST INDIAN IF NOT MAYBE THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER EATEN 🤤🤤🤤🤤 Honestly anyone who likes Indian food has to go here. This place deserves a Michelin star in my humble opinion. They looked after my coeliac wife by letting her know what...

The Indian food here was excellent as was the service. My wife and I tried goat for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Chicken and veg dishes were delicious and even the Bulgarian Viognier was surprisingly good. Add the excellent and efficient service meant...

As usual we were just blown away with the food, service and atmosphere….we travel regularly 50 miles to eat here and every single time we are not disappointed. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know…a little far for most of my friends to travel...

Having eaten at the Holy Pundit at least 50-60 times over the past 5 years, I had not paid a visit for 6 months due to illness. Having recovered, it was time to hit the Pundit once again. The meal was exceptional and the finest...

My husband and I were staying at the hotel. We booked a table at the restaurant thinking it was a normal Indian restaurant. When ordering an Indian, my husband and I always order a vegetable korma (were boring like that.) This restaurant didn't do a...

Great food including complimentary dishes, large portions and well presented. Amazing service, great decor and friendly and attentive staff! Only wished I had a bigger belly to finish all the food!

Me and few friends went in as it was been recommended. Being an Indian I can say if u want to eat an Indian then try holy pandit. The best...

The Holy Pundit food is wonderful, full of amazing flavours. The staff are warm and helpful and it all goes towards having a customer experience that ensures we are regular diners.

Was at this restaurant in 2019 and food was excellent so returned but what a let down. Staff had no personality and food was disgusting so much so that I would not pay for it. Started with a chicken chettinad that was over done with...

We haven’t been for a few years as we moved out of the area, but went tonight and I had forgotten just how good it is. Everything is a taste sensation, perfectly cooked, light and perfectly spiced and unlike your usual run of the mill...

Super time with friends, the food was fantastic and the staff so friendly and above all very knowledgable of the menu helping us to decide on menu choices. So accommodating of unusual allergies too. Thank you so much we had a lovely time and really...

Been here several times while staying in hotel. The staff are really friendly and helpful and it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. The food is lovely the meat is so tender and has great flavours, lovely touch with complementary nibble, would highly recommend and will be...

Myself and my husband were staying in the Imperial hotel where this restaurant is situated so thought we would give it a go and we were so glad we did. Exceptional service and the food was amazing. Not your average Indian restaurant lots of variety...

Excellent service amazing flavours so glad hotel restaurant was full lovely special touches Will be going there again

We booked to stay at the hythe imperial for a family night get away and I had heard they had a very good Indian in the hotel so we booked a table for 12 guests. All I can say is wow!! The food is amazing...

We were expecting better after the reviews we had read but was a bit disappointed. The food was nice and different but nothing special. The service was very poor, the restaurant seemed to lack atmosphere and both the restaurant and the staff needs smartening up.

Very impressed with both the food and staff. I had the lamb Rogan Josh, the best I've tasted., lamb melted in your mouth. Everyone was impressed with the food and friendliness of the staff. We had a great evening.

we went on a sunday night restaurant quiet ,food presentation excellent, and very tasty ,we was given complimentary ,like veg curry crispy balls ,i had lamb for starters ,melted in my mouth so tender ,and chicken like tikka for mains both very tasty . drinks...

Authentic and very tasty Indian food cooked according to your requirements. The chef sourav cooks according to what guests need for their party . Rahul And sourav ( the owners of holy pundit )are extremely accommodating . This place can easily match the high end...

Incredible authentic Indian food with super delicious flavour. Can only recommend this place. Would always come back

We were staying in the hotel so booked to have a family meal here as it’s located on site on the lower ground floor (there are windows!) Good very nice, service good - slight issue with bill at end but quickly sorted, very quirky and...

We came here before Covid set in and again last week….nice to see the standard of food is just as high. I had the mutton curry and it was outstanding, my wife loved her food too. The complimentary soup and samosas were the the icing...

Two of us popped in spur of the moment. Excellent food, well-spiced and cooked by chefs who know what they are doing. Well above the level of the 'average Indian' restaurant and pitched not that far below the level of the 'elite' proprietor/chef-run restaurants in...

Located in the basement (don’t be put off) of the Hythe Imperial Hotel is this top notch Indian restaurant. Well priced authentic and tasty curries, super naan bread and great service in a nicely decorated space. Manager Kaci is doing great things here - I...

This is one of our favourite local Indian restaurants. Despite its slightly unusual location in the basement of the Hythe Imperial next to the hotel’s gym/spa this is a really stylish and unusual Indian fusion restaurant serving delicious food with very polite and attentive staff....

We decided to stay in The Hythe Imperial for 1 night for our anniversary. We discovered after we booked the hotel that it had an Indian restaurant on site with fantastic reviews so we booked straight away. We weren't disappointed. It was a truly amazing...

Had a family dinner for 15 people in the Holy Pundit and it was great. The dishes are not your standard curry house fare and they were delicious and reasonably priced. Competition is tough in Folkestone for a spice hit as there are a number...

Our first time trying this restaurant whilst staying at the hythe imperial. Lovely decor, friendly staff and amazing food. Had complimentary lentil dumplings first of all, tasted great, was a promising sign of things to come! We had onion bhaji alongside our curries with the...

I’ve eaten all over the world, I come from the balti capital, but I have never had a culinary experience such as this, the flavours are to die for, i was just left wanting more

We are staying in the imperial hotel and was unsure about where to eat, after looking at the website we booked The holy pundit. The restaurant staff were all polite and very interested if we had enjoyed our meal. The food was exceptional, we ordered...

We were staying in the Imperial Hotel and were thrilled to see a vegetarian restaurant on site. The food was fantastic and the staff were attentive and helpful. The menu was excellent and we had a really wonderful meal and went back again the following...

Delicious food and lovely attentive staff, I’m very impressed! Must visit!! Both the chicken dishes was really good and red velvet cheesecake dessert was unbelievable!!

This was probably one of the best Indian meals we’ve ever eaten, and we’ve had quite a few!! The service was outstanding with friendly, helpful waitresses. If you want to taste extremely authentic Indian cuisine give it a try.

Just returned from an amazing visits to the Holy Pundit, such lovely food as always and Sinead in particular was a credit to the restaurant ! Can’t wait to return already

Interesting and tasty food. The chefs obviously take great pride in their work. And the staff were really lovely too. Highly recommended.

Early dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Restaurant was busy. Good service from friendly staff. The food was very good. Hot greasy and tasty. Enjoyed the extras which was a nice surprise. I was surprised for a costal town there was only one fish...

Visited here with my gf for her birthday on a Saturday evening, she had never tried Proper Indian cuisine. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left it was outstanding. The food was incredible, the chefs from northern India so don’t expect...

My husband & I ate here a few days ago & can highly recommend this restaurant. We were a little dubious about the location as it is next to the Hotel spa which is a bit dingy, but once you enter the restaurant it opens...

Best Indian food I’ve ever had, lovely friendly staff and great service. Will definitely return here and would highly recommend.

We only live about 200yards away and have been meaning to visit for a long time. Finally did and it was fab! Great service and excellent food. Lamb wasn’t chewy as can sometimes be the case and the chicken was good quality and succulent. Slightly...

As we were staying at The Hythe Imperial Hotel we decided to book a table at The Holy Pundit for Sunday evening on the 18th July 2021. First impression was very good, the tables were safely spaced and we were seated adjacent to the open...

We had a short break in Hythe for the first time, and ate at The Holy Pundit twice, it had been recommended to us. WOW! What an amazing find. Super lovely staff, super amazing Indian food, and a great atmosphere. I have severe nut allergies,...

We ate here on a Sunday evening and the food was excellent. The tables were nicely spaced out for us to have our own space but also had a lovely atmosphere with background music just at the right volume. We were served by Sinead, who...

We had the pleasure of visiting the restaurant last night. The food was amazing and all made better by our lovely waitress Sinead. Overall a great experience thank you so much.

My husband and I stayed at the Hythe Imperial Hotel and found this restaurant on the last night! It certainly outshines the hotel restaurant! The food in the Holy Pundit was beyond exceptional. The staff where friendly,.polite and attentive. I had the 'special' of a...

The Holy Pundit exceeded all expectations, starting with the warm welcome and the attention,professionalism and dialogue of the two waitresses The menu included things that were new to our experience of Indian Cuisine. Items included a Lamb Shank dish and a Monk Fish choice too...

Fantastic! Visited with friends as part of a stay at he Hythe Imperial hotel (also excellent). A couple on the table next to ours were raving about the quality of the food as we were ordering and we were also not disappointed. Probably the best...

Unusual cuisine with a friendly service and good food. Pleasant ambience, would recommend and visit again. Reasonably priced.

We were welcomed and shown straight to our table, all tables being well spaced and comfortable. The staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient and our meal was delicious. We had visited The Holy Pundit twice before and were pleased to be back in the...

Highly recommend this Indian restaurant. Service was excellent. Really lovely waitresses. Very friendly. Food was amazing. Best Indian meal we have ever had. Thank you.

Had a lovely meal here best Indian iv had for a long time lots of nice extra touch and a very helpful and informative waitress ,not sure of her name but she said she had worked at the owners other venues so was obviously happy...

Lovely meal and great service too ! Casey was a great waitress definitely recommend this restaurant !

Excellent food and a great choice. Very good service. Would definitely visit again when in the area. I would definitely recommend to family and friends

Fantastic tasting food. Highly recommend, staff were amazing. Very helpful with the wine. Very different experience to a usual indian

In the basement of the Hythe Imperial Hotel a flamboyantly decorated restaurant with a nice atmosphere and friendly/attentive staff. Food a little different to your normal Indian restaurant, very tasty and was also given a couple of free tasters. Reasonably priced too. If you are...

Outstanding service, lovely atmosphere and decent sized portions of good food. Would recommend very much so.

Amazing food! We had a delicious meal last night we would thoroughly recommend a trip - so far removed from the usual run of the mill curries, go and try it yourself!