Restaurants / Reviews
Urban Masala – restaurant review
When a restaurant’s popularity is such that its existing capacity is too small, the logical step is to open a brand-new place virtually next door.
It’s a solution that seems to be working well for the multi award-winning team behind Urban Tandoor, who now have a second establishment on Small Street to complete the stable of three, along with Urban Kohinoor on Whiteladies Road.
Urban Masala has been open for just two weeks after welcoming members of Bristol’s homeless population as its first official diners in a bid to give something back by offering food to those who need it most.
is needed now More than ever
It’s business as usual this brisk Thursday evening, where the tantalising scent of Indian spices waft through the restaurant’s understated doorway, next door to Beirut Mezze.
Urban Masala has award-winning pedigree
A ‘wall of fame’ proudly displays several curry awards – leaving diners in no doubt of the restaurant’s pedigree – Urban Masala certainly has some high expectations to live up to. While it is by the same team, there’s a hint of friendly rivalry within the growing business.
“It’s exactly the same dishes, but even better,” a waiter confidently tells a table of women, who have just been sent over from Urban Tandoor two doors down.
The décor in the expansive restaurant is bright and bold: an intricately-painted black and white elephant strides along the orange and blue wall, while flickering fake candles and soft lights cast a glow over the polished wooden table tops.
Wait staff each wear a red apron with the slogan ‘Keep Calm and Curry On’ – yet another different slant on a much over-used phrase, but to be fair, a pretty good one.
Service is wonderfully efficient, polite and professional, with staff only too keen to advise on some of the best options on the extensive menu that includes mixed grill options, curries, sides and specials.
Poppadums come with a colourful selection of dips
The food at this Small Street restaurant packs a tantalisingly spicy punch.
Crisp, hot poppadums (£6 for four), with a colourful selection of dips, set a strong tone for the meal to come.
The vegetable samosa chaat (£5.25) raises the bar even higher. A visual delight, the platter of curried chickpeas, seasoned with ginger and coriander, is perfectly offset by the crunch of the samosa. The whole combination packs a tantalisingly spicy punch.
Tiger prawn and salmon moilee
Mains arrive in the form of the masterpiece that is the tiger prawn and salmon moilee (£16.95), ordered on the excellent recommendation of the waiter.
Artfully piled and topped with a purple primrose flower, the curry is a heavenly combination of smooth, coconut texture and fiery fresh flavours. Generous portions of salmon and king prawns surround a bed of smooth, creamy potato for a dish that is as filling as it is moreish.
With deep, aromatic flavours, the goan fish curry (£14.95) and lemon flavoured basmati rice (£3.10) are worthy accompaniments to the meal.
There’s no room for desserts, but plenty of time to linger over wine and soak up the buzz of conversation in the warm restaurant.
“Look forward to seeing you again,” says the smiling waiter by way of a goodbye.
It is the high level of service, coupled with exceptional cooking that is such a winning combination for this growing restaurant business.
Proof that good things really do come in threes.
Urban Masala, 13A Small Street, Bristol, BS1 1DE
0117 3364 387
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