Masaledar (Tooting)

• A decision made due to its slightly nicer decor (it was my birthday and only a curry house with a waterfall was going to cut it) and its proximity to Tescos (good for giving pre event directions)
• To my pleasant surprise a few of the lads were tucking into some pre match popadoms when I arrived
• The aforementioned waterfall inside is a lovely touch
• The entrance is decked with a wooden facade and the clock above the door is helpfully stuck on 5 O'Clock (maybe the universally recognised ideal time for a curry who knows
• As you enter there are some small tables and some bench seating for those waiting
• The furniture is tasteful and contemporary
• The array of curries were ordered with all tastes and persuasions in mind
• Notable dishes were the Daal and the two specials the Lamb Masaledar (presumably a signature dish) and the Chicken Malai Murgh
• The Daal Makhani was a nice creamy
• Black lentil dish that was a favourable
• In general the portions were ample and all twelve of us were satisfied with the amount ordered
• My experience with Masaledar staff has always been slightly sloppy service that doesn't befit the relative class and sophistication of its aesthetics
• In this instance I was too busy enjoying myself to notice
• Generally speaking with Bring Your Own venues
• We certainly got our money's worth as a whole bottle of Jagermeister was quickly consumed between the lot of us (thanks Lisa)
• Like with most curry houses in the area (and I can only assume worldwide) there were economies of scale with such a large group dining together
• 13 a head which is certainly great value
• As all party members were left full and satisfied
• I had a great night and was again impressed by Masaledar on what was my third visit
• There aren't many contemporary Indian/Pakistani restaurants around south London with a unique interior
• The staff also do there best to ensure you are well catered for however I went during a quiet night so there weren't many other customers
• This is going to be more foodie than a dinner party with Jay Rayner and Gizzi Erskine
• If you've read my zomato views you'll know I once wrote up my incredibly awkward first date with one half of TCB in which I may or may not have ended up with a piece of rice on my face
• Here I am being introduced to the other half of the infamous pair (These two are pretty much celebrities in the Zomato office
• After the rice debacle I was expecting some fully fledged pointing at my face pretending I had something on it bullying
• Here are things that I've learn about Indian food after my wining and dining experience with two expert curry bloggers
• How to deal with naan bread
• Spend a good 5 minutes debating whether rice is really necessary with a curry when you're about to end up with 4 naan breads
• Poppadoms followed by a mixed grill to share with an unexpected naan bread
• Even meat distribution can sometimes be an issue when you're sharing a mixed grill with guys but luckily these two were very refined and let me near it as and when needed
• Could've done with a more even coconut spread at times
• He's clearly got his eyes on the Sean Connery award for best CURRYBOND attendance
• It's glitzy sparkle fits in perfectly with the CURRYBOND aesthetic
• Adequately stocked with squeezy soap and received a thumbs up from Shethers
• The reference starter was available and duly ordered
• Straight in with a 9/10 for bhajis
• Notable by how much was left over (though January diets from some of the CURRYBONDers might not have helped)
• The Methi Gosht was a notable high as was the Tikka Masala
• The eponymous Lamb Masaledar however got a damp reception with Jobbers preferring the Tikka Masala
• A contender for the Naan with the Golden Gun Award
• Straight off the bat Masaledar hits it off with a BYOB policy
• The CURRYBOND experience is so much more than specific categories
• Visited Sheba with a colleague after a recommendation
• We started with poppadoms and a fried naan with chicken in which was very tasty
• The mains we had a chicken garlic bhuna which had great flavours and a spicy lamb ghost both contained a good quantity of meat and were good portion sizes

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