RESTAURANTS often struggle to keep up with the times and then fall victim to stagnation.
In such a competitive market such as hospitality, restaurants need to find ways to stand out among the crowd and this can often be found simply by giving the customer what they want.
Three generations have run India Cottage in Christchurch Road, Ringwood, since it first opened in 1981.
And the restaurant that serves Indian food has not fallen victim to any stagnation.
India Cottage is a restaurant that is constantly evolving; what the customer wants, the customer gets.
Everything is made fresh to order, its owners told the Echo. If you enjoy the ingredients that go into a chicken madras but can’t handle the heat, no worries. The chefs will not put in as much chilli.
It has an impressive outdoor seating area, too, with powerful heaters for the winter and two beach huts for ‘private dining’ equipped with heaters and Bluetooth speakers for guests to play their own music.
But perhaps best of all is a Tuk Tuk parked in the garden, formerly a prop on Raiders of the Lost Ark and sourced by an old college mate of owner Chad’s who worked on set. Guests love to take pictures sat in this.
A quick look at the menu reveals a set price: £28 for a starter, side, main with rice and naan bread, or £25 without the starter.
This saves on all the hassle and awkwardness of working out who owes what at a large party.
Tikki masala, madras, korma, bhuna, rogan josh, dansak are all available to order – the classics you’d expect – but India Cottage is best known in Ringwood for its Taka-Taka.
“Our most popular lamb dish with Thai red chillies, ginger, coriander and red onions coating the lamb in a delicate spiced sauce, served with home-made yoghurt,” the menu describes.
Naturally, this is what I have to try. It’s faultless. The flavours are delicate, balanced and work well together. Nothing is overpowering and nor will it set fire to your mouth.
Complementing the food is the friendliness of the staff. Maybe it’s because it’s family-run, but staff treat their customers as if they’re family.
There’s hugging and warm welcomes to all customers. You’re made to feel at home in this homely restaurant.
And home is usually where the best dishes are at.
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