The best restaurants serving Indian food in Basingstoke and Deane South East

What has happened between the glowing reviews in December and our visit on 26th February? We received neither the excellent service or food mentioned. The food was average, the service was brusque and surly. It was quite clear the staff wanted to close the restaurant and go home (we arrived at 8.20pm), which was emphasised when they started bringing bags of rubbish through the restaurant as we, and the other occupied table were still eating. The prices on the restaurant menu were different to the online prices, but we didn’t mention it since we hoped to have a good meal. Once seated we were given paper serviettes, which the owner apologised for and said they’d run out of cloth napkins (at 8.20pm on a Wednesday?), we said it wasn’t an issue. We ordered two plain and two spicy poppadoms, the owner returned and said they had no spicy poppadoms, so we ordered four plain. Since it was a rare occasion when we weren’t driving we ordered the litre of Italian red wine offered on the menu, apparently that wasn’t available either. The bottle of wine that we were served was not the one we ordered, and still we didn’t show our frustration as we continued to hope for a good meal. When the food came the chicken biryani was ok, the chicken balti however bore no resemblance to any balti we’ve ever had. It was bright red, contained red peppers and lacked fresh coriander. It was spicy and tasty but was not a balti. When we finished our meal half the biryani was left and a lot of sauce from the ‘balti’ so we asked for it all to be boxed up to take home. Since several takeaways had been collected during our meal we didn’t think it would be an issue, but although the waiter took the two parts of the biryani to box up, he made it clear it was a nuisance. He came to clear the rest of the table and I asked for the balti sauce to take as well, that really upset him, as he walked away we heard him say “oh my god”. When the food was brought back to us there was only one container, they had poured the balti sauce all over the biryani, spoiling both curries! It hadn’t occurred to me that I would have to point out that I’d like it boxed up separately, presumably they don’t put balti in the same box as biryani for takeaway customers. It almost felt like it had been done through spite - and yet, despite all the frustrations, we’d been more than pleasant throughout the meal.

There was quite a large group of us on a very busy night, with a couple of other large groups as well as couples and foursomes, which might explain why the service wasn’t quite on point, but I had the best curry I’ve ever eaten and everyone in our party said how good the food was. Tasty and fresh and the special requests (and there were a few) were met without problem.

It is shut ! Why can’t Google tell you this ?!? It is too hard to even get to doing a review !!!!

Raj used to be my favourite Indian restaurant and I used to eat there about once a week. The manager Zac is absolutely amazing and will do anything for his customers and does a great job. He is smart (shirt and tie) and always professional. However, after my last visit I will not be returning again. The owner of the restaurant seems to care very little about the reputation of his own business and is always there but wearing tatty jeans and clothes and I feel this does not give a good business image - why can't he make more of an effort like his manager Zac? Also on my last visit there were a couple of teenagers just hanging out in there (I think they are related to the owner). Would have no objection to this if they were not helping out by setting and clearing tables (no problem with this) but wearing jeans or joggers and hoodies and to complete the look beanie hats. Just looked a little unprofessional to me. Then to make things worse one of the young lads had a handful of cutlery as he was laying a table - openly coughed into his hands, while holding the cutlery - then proceeded to put the contaminated cutlery on the table, prior to customers being seated at the table. Like I said the Raj was my favourite but has really gone downhill the owner really needs to make the effort, raise the profile, create a better image. The food is great - but come on guys you can do much better and follow the professional image set by Zac the manager. Maybe buy some branded t-shirts or polo shirts with the name Raj on! Train the young people in basic hygiene and customer service if they are going to be in your restaurant. Sorry, but for the time being at least you have lost a loyal customer.

We were crammed into a table, despite two thirds of the restaurant being empty on a Friday night. Despite firm pressing, we weren't moved. My dish was average, not enough in it, more sauce than anything else. I wouldn't visit again.

We were recommended to this restaurant and were not disappointed. We were seated with respect to certain disabilities which was a good start. The staff were friendly helpful and efficient and the food was first class. We interacted with several members of staff including the owner during our evening and we were made to feel extremely welcome Although we are not local to this area, we visit often and will return again We thoroughly recommend this establishment

Waited over 2 hours for a delivery for it never to turn up. Tried calling 4 times with no answer. Spent over £70 on an order and now fighting with JustEat to get a refund for a non delivery. Do not order from here. We have ordered multiple times over the years and won’t any more.