I STARE reproachfully at the lime pickle nestling in its gleaming silver bowl,
a menacing mix of green and brown.
A huge fan of Indian food, lime pickle is the one dish that fills me with dread. A bad mouthful can leave you feeling like you've swallowed a lump of heavily spiced detergent, while a good one leaves your tongue tingling. I needn't have worried - this homemade sauce is delicate and delicious.
The classic Indian entr� of four condiments and poppadoms is so often butchered, but not at the new Fusionz restaurant in Langley. The mango chutney is not too sickly, while the mint sauce, which so often glows like it has been scooped from the insides of Chernobyl's fourth reactor, is its natural cream colour and utterly delicious. The onion sabbat is crunchy and refreshing and the poppadoms break with a satisfying snap. So far, so good.
For my starter I ask to be surprised. When the plate is set down, I spy an enormous mushroom smothered in a deep burgundy sauce, lettuce glistening on the edge of the plate. Certainly not what I was expecting.
"This is a brand new dish. We're very proud of it," says owner Enus Ali. Called 'chata mushi' it comprises a mushroom cooked in a lightly spiced garlic and tomato sauce, served on a bed of lettuce. It is wonderfully delicate - a real melt-in-the-mouth dish.
I am less adventurous with my main and go for a classic - dampak chicken with a side of pilau rice, sagaloo and peshwari naan. The chicken is wonderfully succulent, while the rice is fluffy and the saag has a pleasant kick.
I leave the restaurant feeling satisfied, not to mention very full. The generous portions have been matched by quick and friendly service, while the restaurant itself is small and intimate.
With the rise of soulless all-you-can-eat buffets, it has felt like a pleasantly old fashioned, authentic Indian food experience. And for that, it is one not to be missed.
Fusionz was formerly the Nasima Tandoori takeaway. The restaurant also offers a takeaway service.
Where: 260 Trelawney Avenue, Langley, SL3 7UD
Phone: 01753 593333
Website: www.facebook.com/FusionzCuisine
Prices: Starters from �2.25, mains from �5.95
Opening times: Monday-Sunday, noon-2pm and 5pm-11pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here