Gem of restaurant offers very fine Indian cuisine

t can be tricky finding somewhere to eat on a Monday evening – some restaurants close believing, rightly, that it is not the busiest time of the week.

Potential diners may prefer to plan an evening out later in the week as the weekend approaches or are getting over weekend excesses.

No such closure for Monsoon in Belle Vue Crescent, Filey. It opens seven days a week from 5pm to 11pm.

Like many Indian restaurants it offers a take-away service as well as a sit-down restaurant experience.

Ignoring ‘booking is advisable because we can only seat 40 people’ was risky. Mondays may be quiet in some places – not here. We arrived at 5.30pm to be followed by a party of eight – also arriving on spec – and not only had they just sat down then a group of 10 arrived and there was no room at this ‘inn’.

The party was advised to return an hour or so later – which it duly did and was accommodted.

It is not surprising why this place is such a draw – it’s a haven of Eastern cuisine ranging from house specialities to tandoori dishes, from banquets to baltis.

Starter dishes range from the popular pompadoms with pickles (50p each) to dhal soup (£3.40) and from spicy lamb chops £3.95) to a mixed platter (£8.95 for two and £14.95 for four).

As tempting as pakoras or samosa sounded, we opted for the popadoms which we took our time over with lager and chat – my catch-up with Jan was long over due.

Despite the staff knowing they had a party of 10 returning, we were not rushed at all. On the contrary, we were invited to take our time – spent wisely choosing a main from a long list of dishes - which all sounded delicious.

Signature dishes include handi bhuna – a medium hot dish with chicken or lamb (£8.50) and handi sagg/bhindi – chicken or lamb cooked with spinach in a spicy sauce with hyderbad pickle (£8.50).

There were massala dishes curries – from korma to vindaloo – tandoori and baltis galore and side dishes of potato, spinach and lentil.

There is a nod to English dishes with a choice of omlette, chicken nuggets, steak or scampi.

Jan opted for a chicken balti which was served with pilau rice (£8.95) and I chose chicken pasanda (£7.50) and we shared a garlic naan – the size of our table – and the rice.

Both dishes were served piping hot and the balti was spicy and tangy.

The chicken pasanda was really rich and creamy with a hint of mint to give it depth and a mild heat – and almonds for a sweet and crunchy texture.

Sharing a naan and rice was good choice or we would have wasted good food as the portions were healthy.

The meal – throughout – was beautifully presented and plenty of time was given between courses to enjoy them.

It may seat only 40 diners but Monsoon does not feel cramped – it is spacious and beautifully furnished and lit and yet has an intimate ambience. Our bill including drinks came to just over £40 which given the quality and amount of food was great value.

This was my first time at Monsoon but I would not hesitate to return – and know I’ll be guaranteed a great meal.

RATING: 8 out of 10