Miah’s spicy secrets passed down the generations

Miah’s Spencers Wood Tankerton House Basingstoke Road Spencers Wood RG7 1AE 0118 988 8394 miahs.co.uk

DO you ever drive past somewhere and wonder what it’s like on the inside? Miah’s in Spencers Wood looks like a teeny tiny place before you go in, but it is deceptively large.

Park at the back, and then pop in for a meal in one of its three dining areas – somewhere discreet and, with the tables well-spaced, even if it had been full, you won’t feel on top of each other.

If you had a large party, Miah’s could easily accommodate you, but even if it was just the two of you, you will still be made to feel special.

The staff which greeted us were friendly and attentive bringing poppadoms and the pickles tray to the table to start whilst we looked at the menus.

There was the usual mint yogurt sauce, mango chutney and onion salad but some I’d never tried before. These were definitely a new favourite for me, a coconut and carrot pickle which sounds really strange, but it worked really well and a tamarind pickle which had a sweetness to it. Poppadoms are 80p each, pickle tray 60p each or six for £3.

I liked the way the menu was laid out; it was easy to read and in addition to the usual things you’d expect Miah’s had some of their own unique dishes, Mamma Miah’s family favourites.

Clearly very proud of their heritage, there is a little bio on the menu referencing the family’s journey from what was East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and how the recipes and skills have been passed down through the generations from Grandmamma to Mamma Miah and her sons.

The family first opened a restaurant in Reading back in 1980, with this restaurant opening in 1999 – making this their silver anniversary.

We ordered our starters. Tia wanted to try the Taster Plate (£6.95) which was an Onion Bhaji, Sheekh kebab and Chicken Tikka, Isaac had the Grill Chicken Tikka (£6.95), I choose the chef’s special Garlic Mushroom Moni Puri (£5.95) and Mark opted for the Mushroom Bhaji from the side menu as a starter (£5.50).

We didn’t have to wait long for the starters to arrive, I love the way that Chicken Tikka comes out on the hot plate sizzling, some was placed on Tias’s plate, and the rest served on a plate for Isaac.

Tia really enjoyed her starter, saying that “it was probably the best onion bhaji I’ve ever had”.

My Garlic Mushroom Moni Puri was a feast for the eyes, grilled mushrooms with garlic, pineapple and a special tasty thick sauce, served on fresh leavened bread.

I am a huge fan of mushrooms and really enjoyed this dish, Mark tried a little and although he was enjoying his Mushroom Bhaji was a little envious of my choice.

After a little break to allow are food to digest, our main meals were served.

Tia and Isaac both choose their favorites: Chicken Tikka Masala (£10.95), Bombay Aloo (£5.50) and plain basmati rice to share (£3.25).

Mark chose the Chicken Tikka Biryani (£12.95), and I had a Grilled Chicken Tikka (£10.95), Sag Ponir Malai (£5.50) and a mushroom rice (£4.25). We had a selection of naan bread for the table: Keema, Peshwari and Garlic and Coriander (£3.50 each).

I’m sure I’m not alone when all the food starts coming out and you wonder how it is all going to fit on the table.

Food just kept coming, the phrase eyes bigger than your belly comes to mind.

The portions of each dish were plenty, clearly designed for sharing because some of the dishes I thought we could have had half the size – not that I’m complaining, you get value for money that’s for sure.

We did end up taking some of the dishes home in a doggy bag.

We all really enjoyed our meals, discussing the intensity of the flavours and the presentation.

The chicken on my Tikka was cooked to perfection, Tia gave the Bombay potatoes 10 out of 10 and I think Mark’s Chicken Tikka Biryani made the perfect dish, combining seasoned rice and diced Chicken Tikka into one dish, a great all in one dish.

I noticed the restaurant had a couple of special promotions with four courses for £24.95, perfect if you are on a budget or, if ordering to collect or takeaway, they offer a discount of 10%.

My family and I really enjoyed the experience of dining at

Miah’s Spencers Wood and would definitely recommend the restaurant.

I love exploring new places to eat and it’s nice to find somewhere which is out of the town (no parking costs) and close to home, we live in Tilehurst, and it took us 15 minutes door to door.

Go to see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.