Wombourne Tandoori's reputation goes before it as fans come from near and far
[gallery] Victoria Nash says quality food keeps customers coming back to this gem
So, tell me about Wombourne Tandoori.
Well this relatively small restaurant nestled in the heart of Wombourne is as synonymous to the village as fish is to chips or gin is to tonic.
It has built up an enviable reputation as a village gem. And it is going to take something quite extraordinary to knock it off its throne.
Ask anyone in Wombourne – and much further afield – if they are aware of the culinary treats awaiting them at Wombourne Tandoori and it's unlikely you'll find many who haven't yet received the message.
If nothing else, the quality of food dished up is second to none. And that is reason enough alone for its customers to go back time and time again.
What's the decor like?
Having undergone a revamp a few years ago, Wombourne Tandoori retains a crisp and modern look, quite different to the dated dining room-esque decor one would associate with a traditional curry house.
Keeping with a contemporary white and black theme, complimented by LED lighting, even the cutlery and square plates fit the modern brief.
There is Bollywood music played quietly in the background, while an impressive waterfall and wall-mounted water display form centrepiece features.
What keeps the crowds coming back?
Quite simply the delicious food. There are no gimmicks when it comes to Wombourne Tandoori and no cheap tricks to get the customers flooding through the doors.
The food does the talking, and that's the way owner Rafique Miah likes it. The restaurant is filled to the brim with customers on any given night of the week – whether it be those choosing to eat in as well as others picking up orders to take back home.
The restaurant's five-star hygiene rating is proudly plastered on the front wall, alongside the many awards and positive reviews it has deservedly received over the years.
Rafique's no-nonsense style is well known in the village, but when it comes to running a curry house, this veteran knows exactly what he's talking about.
And it's a sure thing that while he's continuing to serve up such a fine selection of meals, this restaurant will remain a crowd pleaser.
What's the menu like – and is it the sort of place which is going to break the bank?
From the traditional baltis, massalas, dhansaks and tandooris to the more obscure and adventurous, there is certainly a packed menu on offer.
The choice is similar to that of the equally delightful Saffron Pinks – another branch of the family's curry house empire located a few miles up the road in Sedgley – and it has more than enough to satisfy the tastebuds of any curry lover.
Fancy a chicken dish? There's dozens to choose from.
Anything more oppulent?
Well, if you're prepared to dig slightly deeper in the old pockets then there's a selection of monkfish, salmon and king prawn dishes on offer as well as speciality dishes.
But this is a place that can be frequented just as comfortably as a mid-week impulse as a full weekend blow-out without worrying too much that it is going to break the budget.
Is it worth a trip back?
If it's top quality curry you're after then there's no doubt Rafique Miah has got it nailed.
Address: High Street, Wombourne, Staffordshire, WV5 9DN
Tel: 01902 324148 / 324437
