They really are curry good

NOT like we need any excuse to tuck into an Indian meal, but it’s just been National Curry Week, giving us all the perfect reason to enjoy one.

We in the North East are blessed with LOADS of Indian restaurants, a number of them award-winning.

Here are some of the curry houses that have had glowing Eating Out reviews from us over the past year.

New New Bengal, Gosforth

Reviewed by us just last month, New New Bengal got a four-star rating, with our reviewer singling out its onion bhajis for praise.

They wrote: “The onion bhajis are always my test of a good Indian meal and these were some of the best I have eaten.”

Dabbawal, Jesmond

We paid a visit to Dabbawal in August, with the Brentwood Mews restaurant also getting a four-star rating. Our reviewer and their family, at the recommendation of their server, had three small plates and a side plate each.

As for their favourite bit of the meal, they remarked: “A highlight was the Dabbawal signature salad of mango, crushed peanut and spring onion whose freshness lifted the fried foods.”

Namaste, South Shields

In August we also visited Namaste in South Shields.

The North East Restaurant of the Year at the British Curry Awards 2017 didn’t disappoint, getting a five-star review.

Rajnagar, Fenham

In June we visited Rajnagar and gave another five-star review.

We wrote: “Rajnagar Bangladeshi Kitchen is welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food.

“The BYOB policy and varied menu would make it perfect for a group visit, as it provides a more unique menu without overcharging, while the old favourites are still there for less adventurous diners, although I’d encourage anyone to try something new if they’re visiting for the first time.”

Ury, Newcastle Quayside

The Queen Street restaurant got a very impressive 4 out of 5 from us in May.

The closing comments of our review read: “The staff were very attentive and courteous, even checking as we ordered that the mains would not be too spicy, rather than letting us gamble with our tastebuds.

“And when one of them said they hoped to see us soon, it feels a fair assumption to say they will indeed receive my custom again.”