If I was stuck on a desert island and a genie suddenly appeared from a washed up bottle and granted me the traditional three wishes, first on my list would be unlimited supplies of curry, closely followed by a constantly replenishing cup of tea and then perhaps some form of rudimentary raft as an afterthought.
So the chance to try everything on the menu at the newly opened Tiffin curry buffet in Regent Circus, Swindon was too tempting to resist. First impressions were just great – whoever was employed to sort out Tiffin’s interior design has done a cracking job, with over-the-top fountains, reflective surfaces, and even a Tuk-Tuk (a motorised rickshaw since you ask!) creating a kitsch atmosphere that celebrates the restaurant’s Indian heritage.
We (editor Jamie Hill, reporter Claire Dukes and I) decided to cheer up a Wednesday lunchtime by descending on the restaurant with the intention of filling our boots – I even skipped breakfast because I was so excited about the prospect of unlimited curry.
On arrival, we stood awkwardly in the reception area kicking our heels, before deciding to seat ourselves as the only person on the desk appeared to be busy with other customers.
Ideally, even on an overcast weekday, you want to be welcomed to a restaurant like a long-lost friend. But on this occasion I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were a slight inconvenience for the other staff members who seemed more interested in polishing and stirring things. Admittedly it’s important that things are polished and stirred… but you know… customers? Unwilling to wait much longer I asked for help – and am happy to say that we were given a great introduction to the restaurant by the duty manager – and the initial glitch in proceedings was soon put behind us by her excellent service.
For the highly reasonable price of £8.95 we had the run of the place – and grabbing my plate I surveyed the range of steaming curry options and loaded up my plate.
The food was excellent in every regard, the poppadoms crisp, the Korma punchy and the Dahl comforting.
Vegetarians are also well catered for, with the staff able to whip up a range of extra dishes on request.
We were also offered cocktails – which was an odd thing to consider drinking with a curry – especially on a Wednesday lunchtime, but it was three for £10 so we agreed. It was probably a mistake – you see making a good cocktail is a work of art whereas my Long Island Iced Tea was more of a lazy child’s drawing. No ice, a knackered looking slice of lemon, and a mix that tasted a bit like windscreen washer fluid. But who cares because the curry was amazing… and endless.
Please don’t go there for the cocktails – but do… and I mean really do go there for the food which was excellent.
I wouldn’t hesitate to go again.
