The Raj of India in New Forest

Just enjoyed an excellent mixed veg curry from the Raj and my husband had a mixed meat curry. Very tasty with a good mix of veg in the veggy curry. The meat curry included prawns and mixed meat, We had it as a takeaway which was cooked spot on time and still hot when we arrived home with it. We will definitely be returning.

Very well priced and an enjoyable takeaway! Friendly service and online ordering worked well. Easy to find and would recommend.

We have been going to this restaurant for over thirty five years and the food and particular the staff have become very good friends. Since it has been taken over the food is awful and the staff are completely off handed to customers. It is a very sad day as we were very good friends to the staff there and the food was excellent.

One of, if not the best place to eat or get takeaway in Fordingbridge... Now under new management, but great food as expected.

Great food and friendly staff. well worth a visit if you are in Fordingbridge. No alcohol license but this was not a problem for us. The food is really tasty and flavourful. Come hungry.

Ordered a takeaway last Saturday and was told it would be delivered in 55 minutes! After 1.5hrs it hadn't arrived so I rang them and said I wasn't happy and where was my order! After me chasing it up it finally arrived but that was nearly 2 hours after ordering it! It was Luke warm on arrival too! The food was average too! They have offered me free food next time I order, but I won't be using them again ! I thought I'd try them again after it changed hands but I will be going back to Masala from Ringwood ( far better food and service)!

Ordered a delivery for our family meal and was told 50 minutes for delivery. After 1.5 hours I called and was told that they were coming straight away and would be 5 minutes after 2 hours I tried calling and the phone was not answered I tried ringing 20 more times and the phone was not answered it then went to answer machine. At 2 hours and 20 minutes I got in the car and drove there. When I arrived no one was in the front desk so I went in the kitchen and confronted the people asking where my food was that I had already paid for… they had initially no idea and then my wife called me to say it had just arrived. No apology at all from them for the delay. I got home to find out that not all the food had been delivered…. I called them and left a message on the answer machine saying I wanted a refund for the food that wasn’t delivered, I am still waiting for a call back….. The food was cold and mediocre at best.. I had used this curry house for over 15 years with the previous owners, the new owners are trading in what was a good reputation and serving mediocre food if it ever gets delivered. I will never use this place again.

Offering free delivery and online ordering. Ordered dinner for the family, delivery time given as 55 minutes. After 1.5hours tried to call, just answerphone. Left a message, sent an email, tried calling another 17 times, still answerphone. Gave up and drove there. Barely anyone in restaurant, gentleman out the front not on the phone. Asked after my order and he said there was a problem in the kitchen and he would see if they could do it! This was 2hours after I had ordered! Asked why they weren’t answering phone and why they hadn’t called me, wouldn’t answer, not apologetic at all. May them give a refund and went to the kebab shop. Never again!

Offering free delivery and online ordering.  Ordered dinner for the family, delivery time given as 55 minutes.  After 1.5hours tried to call, just answerphone.  Left a message, sent an email, tried calling another 17 times, still answerphone.  Gave up and drove there.  Barely anyone in restaurant, gentleman out the front not on the phone.  Asked after my order and he said there was a problem in the kitchen and he would see if they could do it!  This was 2hours after I had ordered! Asked why they weren’t answering phone and why they hadn’t called me, wouldn’t answer, not apologetic at all.  Made them give a refund and went to the kebab shop.  Never again!

At approx 18.10 I tried to order takeaway via phone - kept calling for 25 mins approx with no answer. I then went to the Restaurant to try to order. A few people in there waiting to collect their orders, appreciated the fact it was Saturday night and it can be busy. When I got to speak to some one there I asked if I could order a takeaway. I was told that they wrre really busy and it would be better of you could come back tomorrow!!!!!!!!! I have been using the restauarant since 1995 when I had my own business in the town. Suffice to say that is the last time they get my business, new management or not - You never turn customers away!!!!!! Appalled at the response I received, as were the other people waiting for their food. I ordered from another Indian Takeaway in the next town - ordere taken and will be ready within 20-25 mins. THANKYOU RAJ OF INDIA FOR ALMOST RUINING THE WEEKEND. WILL NEVER BE USING YOUR BUSINESS AGAIN.

Below Average food quality, almost not able to consume it, i would avoid at all costs until the chef learns how to cook properly.

It was largely empty when we arrived . No alcohol served despite the outside showing it as "fully licenced". Waited nearly one hour for food as priority appeared to be serving take away orders. Just before food was brought to the table a waiter appeared to tell one of our group that his dish was not available...unbelievable after such a long wait. However despite the long wait etc the food was nice once provided.

Ordered delivery a couple of nights ago. Food arrived 45 minutes late and was luke warm. The garlic naan was also rather small. A zap in the microwave and the food was ready to eat. It was delicious. Just a shame it wasn't like that when it arrived.

Excellent delivery service by the young man but since the new management the food was poor. All the same flavour & colour.

Extremely flavourful curry, very tasty indeed. However the service was a little vague. Food came out quickly and hot but our server was hazy at best. No confirmation when ordering dishes, etc. Made up by a very nice curry though. FYI no car park and limited street parking, plus no alcohol served it’s bring your own.

Great food. Would certainly go again.

The food was delicious, well sized dished and well priced. We ate in and were the only people there - there needed to be some music to enhance the atmosphere and it took a while to get our drinks. Ultimately, the food was what we came for and the food was great!

Wanted to try the restaurant again after new owners took over. Had my usual dish of Chicken Dhansak. It was bitter with no sweet flavours, and no lentils that I could see. It will remain the case that I will not use this restaurant, even though it is our closest Indian

Unfortunately this place could be really nice and do excellent food, but I'd never eat here because the outside is so dirty and scruffy. I dread to think what the kitchen is like!

Disappointing, the food had deteriorated in the last year or so but the owner was due to retire so it was unsurprising. New people have taken over the business but the poor quality has remained which is a shame. I had hoped they would breathe new life into the place but sadly the menu has remained the same, rather sloppy and unbalanced seasoning. Our Korma was fully sweet with no flavour other than sugar.

1st time we have used this place, very impressed with our takeaway 👍

The raj is the only Indian restaurant and takeaway in Fordingbridge. It's very friendly and informal and great value for money. They do not have an alcohol license so you need to take your own alcoholic drinks; this keeps the cost of a good evening down. I am aware that it is changing ownership at the end of the month but retaining the staff; let's hope any changes are for the good

Went here tonight for a takeaway after reading reviews, had a mixed kebab that wasn't? A couple of bits of chicken a sheesh and an onion baji sowhere was the shami!!!!, we followed that with a lamb tika biriani, worst biriani I have ever had meat was chewy, and curry was bland will not be going back shame as we have just moved to the area NOT RECOMMENDED.

Welll what can I say... Reluctantly came back again after random objects in my food Tonite found half a black elastic hair band... That yes I was chewing on, 😩 DON'T bother going to eat here Disgusting hygiene obviously Fell physically scick Like I said not the 1st time either I'm 100% done All I got was sorry madam

Great food and service. Just need to take your own alcohol

I ordered takeaway from here for the first time yesterday and needless to say will not be doing it again. I ordered a few bits and when my friend went to collect the order, when she came back, there were items missing and there were extra items which I hadn’t ordered. I also realised that I had been overcharged by £15. When I called up today to tell the manager, I first spoke to the chef who did not care and kept saying oh that seems a lot of money. I then asked for the manager to call me back, he didn’t. I called back and spoke to the manager and he was awful. He didn’t apologise once, didn’t care, laughed at one point and asked for me to call back later as they were busy. Shocking service and I won’t be using again!

Big portions and even bigger quality food is really good. Great service.

Excellent curry house. We used it for a takeaway at New Year and they were excellent. Lovely food

I suppose at some point our meal here will be less than perfect, but all was, as always, excellent on this latest visit. Sadly, commercially, on this Sunday evening we were the only customers at the time of our visit, but the food and the friendly service were well up to the usual very high standard. They deserve more custom in our view. We very much look forward to our next visit

Fab food, wonderful attentive staff, reasonably priced food, bring your own alcohol.

The food is qutie nice and service time is pretty quick. A nice little restaurant with friendly staff.

Worst Indian I have ever had. Supermarkets do better!! Got my order wrong, changed it but was just bad! For a basic tikka masala should be that hard… naan bred was dry, popadums were stale ❌

Acceptable food but not spectacular

Had a takeaway for 6 people and was very pleased with flavours and portion size. Understand it has been under same ownership for over 38 years and hope they continue to provide this standard long into the future.

Came here hoping for some authentic Indian food. Unfortunately, it all seemed to be "dumbed down". The naans were all sweet, and it felt like everything had sugar added to it. The garlic naan had so little garlic that you couldn't taste it. The chicken was all slightly too rubbery, and at times it felt slightly undercooked. The vegetable paneer had more large pieces of potato and very little actual paneer. In fact, all of the vegetarian dishes were loaded with potatoes. The drinks weren't cold, but, to be fair, ice was provided on request. As a whole, the service was very good - it's clear that the staff care, and the waiter was cheery and helpful. The only dish that we could fully recommend is the chicken biryani!

Decided we’d grab a takeaway whilst staying nearby for a family holiday. My family (kids 2, 9 & 12) are pretty standard with Indian food and tend to order similar most places. I called to order so hubby could collect; friendly staff who were really helpful over the phone (some choices come rice / bread and I didn’t want to order too much and have waste!); We ordered x 3 starters and x3 curries (one came with rice, one with naan) an extra rice and chapatis which is pretty standard for us and it came in around the £50 mark; a little more than our Yorkshire equivalent but still not bad. We were really pleased with our food; samosas aren’t the large homemade style we get at our local but we’re tasty (x2 small per portion); chicken park or as we’re lovely and delicious! Chick Tikka Marsala was good - not bright pink! - and had delicate creamy sauce which is can be hard to find. Chick tikka balti was great; a kick without too hot and lots of usually onions a spellers as well as lots of large pieces of chicken and the korma was creamy, tasty and went down well with our korma king! Pilau rice was lovely and delicate flavours (again no bright coloured dyes) and breads were lovely and tasty. Would dispute those saying it’s bland; i thought it was really tasty and the menu really comprehensive. Would definitely use again as takeaway or possibly eat in if returning got the area in future.

Lovely food, tasty and hot, just like it should be 😁

Popped in for a takeaway, food v good

Been twice and both times found it to be a very good take away. If I'm being hypercritical, maybe Dhansak was slightly too hot, but still very good and the Saag rice was 5 out of 5. The only thing we dislike, which is totally outside the restaurant's control, is that nearby parking can be an issue.

The food was fantastic! The front man was very polite and happy. There were a lot of people ordering food to go, and I was not surprised We were the only people eating, but it was a monday night, so I am not too surprised

Had a takeaway, phoned through order, went to collect all ready when we arrived, food didn't disappoint.....👍😋

On holiday in the area and can’t go a week without a curry fix, ver6 luck6 that this place was so near. Ordered our usual which is what we have every time we have an Indian no matter where we have it. Placed my order of 2 mains, 2 rice dishes2 sides, poppadoms, Nan bread and chutneys £40 I found this great value compared to places I use back home. I popped to a nearby pub whilst waiting for my order. Went back picked up my order and returned back to our holiday home, the meal was excellent well seasoned, hot, and great portions. Overall excellent 👍

Great food great staff would definitely recommend

We get curry for our weekly curry night from them and it’s always amazing, very fast service and good curry.

We had a really lovely meal here whilst staying in the area for a short break, staff were very attentive and the food was delicious, one of the best curry’s we have had in a while. Would definitely recommend this small, well run business.

A hidden gem. Visited as on a holiday on nearby campsite. Staff were friendly, attentive and efficient. Food was reasonably priced and very tasty( we love Indian food). We did BYO bottle as fancied a glass of wine with our meals but still purchased a soft drink. Will definitely go back if in the area. Thank you Raj of India

Lived in Forfingbridge for many years Until moving abroad but when we return we always come back to the Raj. Many friends had said it had gone down hill but they are wrong. The chicken tikka jalfrezi wax as good as it it ever was, fresh chillis and no dyes. Chicken pathia was hot and sweet, excellent. You do need to BYO alcohol but that keeps the bill down. 5 dishes, rice and Nan for £32.

Food is extremely greasy, dripping with oil and tastless, sorry to say. The staff was very friendly. Food needs a huge improvement

Worst food I ever had, full of oil with no taste

The restaurant was quiet on this Friday early evening. The staff were friendly and quietly efficient. We’d remembered to bring our own wine as it is a BYO establishment. The menu was incredibly comprehensive with a brief description of the dishes, which isn’t always the case. The prices we thought reasonable. We look forward to our next visit.

Have dined here a couple of times on quiet evenings, quite busy with take aways. No alcohol served (BYO). Very reasonable on cost. I’m no expert but I’d say the influences were southern India. Everything comes up hot and plentiful. Recommended.

Had the chicken tikka and lamb rojan josh. The worst take away i have ever had. Chef hardly used any spices, the sauces were tasteless. Everything was bland. Come on chef you must do better.

Better of the 2 Indian restaurants I was at during my week of vacation. We had a party of 7 and we shared some of the things we ordered. Everything was very good. I had no problem steering clear of very 🔥 dishes. You can bring your own alcohol to this place. I'd never had a banana fritter before, very nice dessert.

Really nice takeaway from here. Liked that the man behind the counter had great vegan knowledge 👌 definitely recommend.

We were a group of 6 , we were served in a timely manner by a wonderfully friendly young man. The owner came to speak to us and was equally friendly and helpful. The food was nice and very reasonably priced. A group of very rowdy people came in trying to make trouble. The owner dealt with it in a very calm fashion and the group walked out without paying.

Great service and food! Having read a review that wasn’t so good we were unsure of visiting our local Indian. Certainly glad we did! Great food and friendly service and you can take your own alcohol so that keeps the cost down. Seems very popular with people collecting take away but we chose to eat in and enjoyed our experience

We ate in the Raj after a film at the local cinema. We arrived at 9.25 to an empty restaurant. No other diners and no ambience. We ordered a chicken tikka masala, chicken passander and a king prawn bhuna - classic favourites - along with a peshwari naan and a garlic naan. All three dishes were almost tasteless and completely lacked seasoning. I didn't think Indian cuisine could be this bland but it was. Bland and watery. And then there was the issue of the chicken in my passander. One piece was clearly pork which made me wonder about what goes on in the kitchen. To say this was disappointing is an understatement. Save your loot; a supermarket ready meal would be much, much better.

We have used this Indian for the last few years every time we stay in Fordingbridge and we were not disappointed, great food look forward to visiting you again next time we are this way

A small ex corner shop restaurant, so probably not suitable for large parties of diners. We arrived half an hour before closing, but they allowed us to come in and eat. I had convinced my mates that a Karahi dish was well tasty, so all but one ordered a different Karahi meat dish. They agreed it was indeed tasty, and would remember that one for the future. Service was very prompt and friendly. Shame they don't serve alcohol, but they allow you to bring your own. Please LIKE with a 👍 if you have found this review helpful thank you

I think this restaurant is awesome. Going since 1985 and never had a bad experience.

We drive down to Fordingbridge town from Awayresorts, just to get a bit closer to Avon and enjoy the little town. We stumbled upon this little gem and thoroughly loved the food and the service. No negative comments, all positive; the owner himself took the orders, service was quick and food very tasty, including the naan bread and tandoori roti.

Visiting the area for the weekend we picked this restaurant for a takeaway based on its good reviews and we were very disappointed. Like a previous person commented, bland, tasteless curries, no spice, rice could have been a microwave packet. Best part was the popodoms. Such a shame.

Twice now I have purchased food from here and twice the food has been cold by the time I walked the 200 yards home. Disappointed to say the least. Will not be going back. Hotter and nicer from ringwood.

First and last visit here. Curry was very wattery and the naan very dry. Will rather take the trip to Ringwood in future.

Visited here for the first time on Tuesday evening for a takeout. Friendly staff. Food absolutely spot on. We both had chicken Baltie. Came with a nan bread. Excellent value

We were staying locally on a short break and fancied a take away Indian. This was the nearest option and it didn’t disappoint! Much tastier than our local Indian, using proper chicken and sauces that tasted natural and not full of additives (or bright red!!) definitely recommend, good value and excellent service.

Visiting the area on holiday and saw many people recommended this Indian but all I can say is we are very disappointed! The curry’s were tasteless, watery and oily! Tasted like something you’d get out of a £1 Iceland microwave curry but worse.We ordered two different curry’s but were both exactly the same. The onion Bhaji and nann bread were the best part but the rest was unfortunately a let down.

So disappointed we had travelled from Wiltshire to meet up with family for a New Years Eve meal. They had booked a table here and we were running 5 minutes late so we rang to let them know. When we arrived there was people scattered on different tables waiting for there takeaways. The other tables were either scattered with plates from the previous customers or just scattered used napkins and menu’s. Not one table was set up for us. Would have understood if they let us know they were short staffed especially in these circumstances but nothing was not mentioned. We ended up walking out and the family we went with were so upset as they felt they spoilt our New Years Eve

I have been meaning to write this review for a couple of months. We had a family holiday in Fordingbridge in October and ordered a takeaway from the Raj, well I have to say that it was fantastic. The quality of the food was outstanding, side mains and sundries, but personally I had the best Vindaloo I have tasted for many years.

I think it's the best Indian restaurant I have tasted since living in the UK.

We visited this small village Indian restaurant mid week and was greeted by very friendly waiter. We ordered popadoms served with pickles and sauces - delicious! Then we went straight to mains, I had a shashlik - sizzling, tasty and well presented. My husband ordered the chicken tikka naga - and finished every drop! Great sides too! We will return!!!!!!

By far the worst food I have ever eaten in any restaurant.The poppadoms were thick and hard.The starters: onion bhaji and chicken chat was so bland.The mains: prawn korma was so watery and the chicken korai was about as spicy as a bag of ready salted crisps. I'm pretty sure this was just chicken in heinz tomato sauce.The only plus was the only person serving was efficient and very friendly (ali).

Food was well prepared and the take away food ordered was available on time. Initially on starting the food tasted very good. Not very spice at all. Towards the end of the meal we all noticed the bread was sweet and every dish including the meat and rice contained sugar. Which left a taste in the mouth which could not be got rid of.

Fantastic place, great food and brilliant staff. Cannot go wrong. We sat in and did not have a single complaint - 5 stars.

Never fails to serve a great curry. Best Indian in the area, give it a try!! Cheers Tom

This Indian restaurant in Fordingbridge is a very pleasant small place quite near to the centre of this little town on the edge of the New Forest. The staff were very friendly and as we were quite a large party of ten people they put three rectangular tables together so as to seat all of our party. That did not leave very many other tables free but while we were there they did quite a brisk trade in meals being picked up from theirr take away service. I guess that shows that the local people find the food as delicious as we did. Our dinner was certainly that, very nice and tasty. We look forward to another opportunity to eat in this nice cosy restaurant again soon.

Absolutly fresh and delicious food..It was my birthday yesterday and decided to have a treat for tea..perfect ..

Can't understand all the bad reviews. Yes it is a little cheap and cheerful but, most importantly, the food is excellent. We had a takeaway, got a nice big selection at real value for money.

More of a takeaway.There is no parking, we had to ask for the music to be turned on, otherwise we were in a silent cafe and they have no alcohol so it was a bring your own that we didn't know about.Food was good. Not a restaurant though, so dont waste your time, get a takeaway

Superb take away food thoroughly enjoyed it every time

Very disappointed, I had the chicken Passanda, lemon Rice, 2 poppadoms, and a cheese naan. The curry didn't have a lot of flavour, the poppadoms were greasy, and the cheese in the naan was hardly worth talking about!

Nice, small quiet curry house. Food was appalling. Looked like it had been cooked in 30 gallons of oil. No flavour, chicken was tough and chewy, and rice was sticky and chewy. Plates and cutlery just placed on table no lay out, just left on end of table even thou plates were so hot too touch. Can tell everything had been reheated. Staff were friendly, but all needs a update.

This is not a top end curry house but is not trying to be. Tasty food, friendly service and decent price. Worth a evening out

Great food, and very friendly staff.

Tikka malsads was a bit off tbh

Probably one of the worst mixed grills I have ever received. Tiny portion, tough meat and came with a salad you could fit in an egg cup! Onion badges were flat greasy pancakes and the mint sauce was like water. Hugely disappointed.

We had our first take away from The Raj of India after just moving to Fordingbridge. The starters and main courses were excellent, beautifully spiced. The next time we will dine in.

We had a really delicious takeaway from Raj of India last night and everything about it was spot on. The poppadoms were perfect, the mushroom rice was really delicious with lots of fresh herbs and veg and the curries were great (we had duck tikka and lamb tikka saag). Looking forward to ordering again and trying some different dishes.

The good food and the friendly service of the owner!

I've used the Raj for nearly 20 years and always been very happy with it, especially my favourite Tandori chicken. Due to a medical condition I haven't used it for a few months as I didn't think I'd be able to however, when my son visited and he and my daughter wanted an Indian, on enquiry it turned out I could have certain items including my much missed Tandori chicken.We ordered our meal, I chose Tandori chicken and egg fried rice, instead of getting lovely pieces of chicken in a tasty, red, vibrant coating, I got yellow/greenish dry chicken that tasted horrible. The rice had little clumps of grey, rubbery lumps, which I assume was meant to be the egg.When I rang to complain, instead of being listened to, I was argued with including the assertion that this is always how they've presented Tandori chicken at that restaurant, trying to pull the wool over my eyes not realising that I've had Tandori for so many years there.So very disappointing.

The best curry around. You won't be disappointed. Miles more flavour than their local competitor whose excuse for a madras was some tough meat in spicy, orange water!

Brilliant service.. food really good as always. First time we’ve used this service since lockdown, really well managed. Thankyou.

Simply incredible. Extremely tasty curries and sundries. Service is world class. Would highly recommend.

Always a pleasant experience and good (takeaway) curry as well. I've been using the Raj for over 30 years and always look forward to the next time!

brilliant takeaway, the food was excellent. we ordered our food and gave them a time for collection, our food was all ready for us when we got there and it was piping hot. 5 star service.

Very tasty Indian we phoned and ordered our meal we went to pick it up and it was ready the time we got there very reasonable price and a very tasty meal

Still only open for take always, but food excellent again.

Only a 10 minute journey home and food was almost cold. Tandoori mixed grill was very poor. Tough lamb and reheated chicken. Such a shame as we came here last Christmas before covid and the place was buzzing. It feels like it's fallen in hard times.

Only a takeaway at present but we were told the best in town as we were visiting for a couple of nights. Went for two main courses with rice side dishes and a naan. One of the best curries we have had in a long time.

I have had curry all over the world from India to South Africa.And one of my best friends wife made excellent curry.And the curry I got from this little Indian restaurant matched the best I have ever tasted.Really superb.I rate it the best I have had in the UK .