Raj of India: Fordingbridge’s Enduring Curry Spot

Walk into Raj of India on Shaftesbury Street and the air hits you first: that warm rush of cumin, turmeric and garlic frying in ghee. This place has been a fixture here for nearly four decades, turning out meals that pull from classic Punjabi and Bengali roots without much fuss.

The owners keep things straightforward, focusing on dishes cooked to order in a kitchen that’s seen more woks than most spots twice its age. It’s the kind of local where regulars know the drill: pop in for a quick lamb bhuna or linger over a shared platter on one of the wooden tables squeezed into the back room.

The menu sticks to what works. Starters like onion bhajis arrive crisp and golden, not drowned in oil, while samosas pack a punch with spiced potato and peas.

Mains lean into variety: creamy butter chicken for those after something mild, or a fiery vindaloo that builds heat slowly.

Seafood gets a nod too, with prawns in a tangy masala sauce that cuts through the richness.

Sides round it out, from fluffy pilau rice to garlic naan baked fresh enough to steam up the windows. Vegetarians won’t feel shortchanged, with options like chana masala or saag paneer holding their own against the meat-heavy hits. Portions suit sharing, making it easy to mix and match without over committing.

Takeaway orders fly out the door, especially on Fridays when the streets quieten down, and delivery covers a tight radius for those nights in. Inside, the vibe stays low-key: walls lined with framed photos of Indian landmarks, soft lighting that doesn’t try too hard, and staff who remember faces from last week.

No blaring music or gimmicks, just the sizzle from the tandoori as a reminder that the food’s the draw. It’s practical for grabbing a bite after a day in the New Forest, or fuelling up before heading back to the A338.

Over on TripAdvisor, 187 reviews clock in at 4.2 out of five, with most punters calling out the fresh ingredients and attentive service. Diners rave about the mixed grills and veggie curries for their bold tastes, and plenty mention returning for the reliability. A handful gripe about watery sauces or uneven spice, but those seem outliers amid the steady thumbs up.

For anyone mapping out eats around Fordingbridge, Raj of India slots in as that dependable pick: solid, spiced, and sorted.