I have been living in Devon for 16 years having moved from the Midlands where I was brought up to enjoy good Indian food by a father who had served on the sub-continent and was something of a missionary. I had given up on finding an Indian restaurant that could be described as good. In my book that means serving up Indian regional cuisine properly cooked and spiced accurately enough to present how it is supposed to be. I had been forced to lower my sights to find one of the three pot bog standard variety that have dulled pallets to the extent that the majority seem to like them. Since moving to Exeter three years ago I have ruled out all the restaurants in town which, with the greatest respect to them and their customers, did not fill me with joy. Only Real India was good enough to warrant a return visit but although an above average example of the standard formula, it still fell short of my expectations of Real India.
I visited the Ganges on Monday night and was amazed; so amazed that I got back and started to write a review. I then thought that I had better try it again as I may have been the equivalent of de-mob happy. So I went again last night, just to see if the first visit was a fluke. It was not. I had King Prawn Kebab cooked in a tandoor on Monday which was fresh, succulent and accurately spiced; followed by a Lamb Malabar which was again as it should be coconut based but not dominated or sweet, a hint of curry leaf and a well roasted masala with good chilli bite. It was not red-hot as billed but it was appropriately spicy. Had this been cooked by Aktar's team at Lasan in Birmingham or Vivek Singh it would have been more chilli hot but I thought perhaps the Ganges were being cautious given that this was Exeter. This might cause some of their Korma's to be a little on the bland side but I will try one soon and raise this with them is this suspicion proves to be right. I had an excellent Bhindi Bhajii side, Pillau Rice and a Chappati which they made for me although it was not on the menu. All the accompaniments were cooked to a high standard, as were the chutneys which came with the Papads, all very different from standard bottled fare.
Last night I had a Sheek Kebab which was good followed by Kozhi Varuthacha Kolambu from the Chettindau region which was excellent, with equally good Palak Motor Paneer, Pillau rice and a paratha.
The latter experience confirmed that the first visit was not a fluke and I thoroughly enjoyed both of my dining experiences. I am with the majority of the reviewers here, and I am extremely picky with my Indian food as you may have gathered. I never thought I would see the day when I could say this; but this is a very good Indian Restaurant in my own city. No longer will I have to wait for London trips or visits to Birmingham in order to find an excuse to visit Lasan or the Maharaja. I can eat good regional Indian cooking on my own doorstep and I intend to do so when time and funds permit. I am happy to recommend it to anyone who is not easily satisfied with the average.
Alex
wow factor , the Ganges has it, been in recently has a new interior , all i can say good luck guys its the best looking restaurant i have seen this side of london well done looks fab . will be back to see the water fall looks excellent and i want one what ever it costs ,
