Seriously good food in luxurious surroundings - it doesn‘t get much better than that, as my friend Nerys and I found when we enjoyed a feast in a dish at Mostyn Tandoori Restaurant and takeaway. Offering customers a treasure trove of authentic Indo-Bangla culinary delights at reasonable prices has proved a winning move. Since opening a year ago the Llandudno venue has gone from strength to strength, becoming a popular player in the resort’s lively social scene.
Spicy, satisfying and full of flavour, no wonder Indian food is a firm favourite all over the world...
..nowhere more so than here in North Wales, which has an array of restaurants and takeaways to choose from, some better than others.
.. Nerys and I enjoy Indian cuisine - though not necessarily too hot, so we were keen to see if Mostyn Tandoori had that all important wow factor which set it apart from the rest.
READ MORE: Country pub with 'top notch' Sunday roast and giant Yorkshire puddings READ MORE: North Wales chippy where portions are 'not for the faint hearted' Located near the centre of busy Mostyn Street in the premises of the former Jasmine House Chinese Restaurant, which was an iconic eatery for over thirty years, Mostyn Tandoori is independently owned and run by Bangaladesh-born restaurateur Mustakim Raza. Known simply as Rony, the 32-year-old already owned successful tandoori restaurants in Bangor and Caernarfon and was delighted to open a similar venue in Llandudno in July last year. He completely renovated the first floor premises, creating a spacious up- market restaurant that was an immediate success, building up a strong local following and attracting visitors from near and far.
First impressions count and from the moment we walked through the door Nerys and I felt completely at home in the room, which was elegant, bright and spotlessly clean. There was none of the rather garish decor sometimes found in Indian eateries. Instead it was cool and contemporary with a black and white check carpet, comfortable grey leather chairs and dark wood tables.
Intricate cut out wall panels illuminated by changeable coloured lighting added a glamorous touch. Arriving bang on time, my dining companion and I were greeted warmly by Rony, who seated us at a window table at the far end of the room where we had an excellent view of our fellow diners and could look down on the comings and goings in Mostyn Street below. Although it was early, the place was already half full with families, couples and parties eating, drinking and generally enjoying themselves.
The heady aroma of aromatic spices wafting from the kitchen made us feel as if we were in foodie heaven and we couldn’t wait to see what was on the menu. Spoiled for choice is the best way to describe it, for there was something for everyone with plenty of veggie and vegan options and dietary needs catered for. Sourced from the finest local produce, everything is freshly prepared and cooked to order.
Prices are fair for this day and age and that goes for drinks as well. There’s a small but perfectly adequate choice of house wines by glass or bottle, prosecco, bottled beers and cider, spirits, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks. On offer were starters, sizzling tandoori specialities roasted in a cylindrical clay oven, biryani dishes, classic curries, chef’s recommendations, vegetable side dishes, naan breads, rice dishes and even a kids menu.
However, included in this mighty bill of fare were three Thali dishes that put Mostyn Tandoori in a class of its own. A unique style of eating that most probably originated in Southern India, Thali is a feast in a bowl and a way of bringing people together to share food. In India traditionally Thali is served on a banana leaf but here it comes in a bowl containing papadoms and pickles, plus a jaw dropping collection of small dishes and much more.
No less than three starters, four small portions of mains, side dish, rice, naan bread and a chapati - this is a complete meal for two people and if it proves too much, customers are encouraged to take home any leftovers. It goes without saying that Thali bowls at are hot favourites at Mostyn Tandoori, so on Rony’s recommendation Nerys and I decided to share the Special Thali priced at £44.95.
To complement our food Nerys chose a glass of alcohol free Becks Blue lager and I went for a small glass of house Chardonnay. We began with crispy papadoms and the usual pickle tray containing mango chutney, lime pickle, chilli pickle, chopped onions and raita – a good start to what was to be a marathon meal. After a reasonable interval; the Special Thali dish arrived, piping hot and beautifully presented in a large stainless steel bowl - a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Starters consisted of a mixed kebab, onion bhaji and a meat samosa, which I declined, wisely leaving space for my share of the four mains. These were Peli Peli, chunks of chicken in a medium hot tandoori sauce; North Indian garlic chicken masala, a fairly hot dish; Staff Lamb Handi, a traditional lamb dish and finally my favourite - Masala Murgh made up of shredded chicken breast cooked with minced lamb flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices and a hard boiled egg. A side dish of bindi bhaji (curry made with okra and chillies) pilau rice and hot naan bread completed the extravaganza.
It was a memorable meal that looked and tasted delicious - everything blending together in perfect harmony, so full marks to the chefs. Although we tried hard to do the Thali bowl full justice, Nerys and I couldn’t manage everything and reluctantly there were leftovers, which made a great dinner for me the next day! Mostyn Tandoori offers a a real taste of Indian style fine dining. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
What we ordered: Special Thali, £44.95 Becks Blue lager, £3.20 Glass of Chardonnay, £3.
10. Total: £51.25 Opening times: Open seven days a week from 5pm-10pm Takeaway: Full menu and delivery available.
Large parties catered for Disabled: No access for wheelchairs as there are stairs to climb. No disabled toilet. Seating: Can easily seat 60 people.
Booking advisable, particularly at weekends Parking: Available in street if you can find space. Overall: Great food, warm atmosphere, service with a smile Address: Mostyn Tandoori Restaurant and takeaway, The Mall, 39 Mostyn Street, Llandudno LL30 2NL. Tel: 01492 702536.
