Jhalmuri

I’ve eaten here a few times but only on the ‘Buffet’ night
Positives — Value for money (buffet), Range of dishes, décor
Negatives — Although it was a buffet, the curry was very average

Arrived in Frome on a late train from London one Friday evening and met some friends here for a curry. What a pleasant surprise! A really flavoursome meal, with lots of coriander and ginger, accompanied by the most buttery naan bread I’ve had. The menu claimed a mix of Bengali and Nepali dishes — apparently the chef had worked under a Nepali for ten years and picked up some tricks. Overall a welcome experience, especially after a tough week.

A very popular Indian restaurant, serving Bengal Indian cuisine. Tucked away in a small side street close to the centre of Frome, the interior is typical of modern, urban Indian restaurants: spacious, and decorated in creams and browns, it is modern and bright, but a little lacking in atmosphere for my taste. There’s a small bar and waiting area, with sofas arranged around tables with big colourful bowls of Bombay mix.
The menu is rather more traditional in its range of choices. It features an extensive range of starters, including lots of familiar favourites. For mains, as well as house specials, there is the usual range of sauces (madras, khorma, vindaloo, phal, dopiaza, jalfrezi etc) to have with a choice of meats or vegetables, and a tandoori menu. Accompaniments include a range of vegetable dishes and Indian breads. As ever, the choice for vegetarians is excellent. Some of the citizens of Frome are clearly very conservative, as there is also an English menu, with meat items served with salad and chips.
The quality of food is generally very good, and the portions very generous: miss out a starter, or go for a range of side dishes, unless you are starving. I found my vegetable masala to be a little heavy on the ghee for my taste, though my friend’s Chicken Tikka Pasanda was reportedly excellent, as were the Dhal, naan and chapati sides.
Despite being very busy, service was very efficient and extremely friendly: the waiters are happy to advise on choices if you are unsure. Expect a substantial meal for two, with drinks, to cost around £25 a head.