Coriander Lounge, Southampton (From Daily Echo)

Coriander Lounge, High Street, Southampton

3:46pm Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Restaurant Reviews By Lorelei Reddin, Entertainments Editor

WHEN this incredible restaurant first opened less than two years ago, I described it as curry heaven – and nothing has happened to change my mind.

If anything, I’ve fallen more in love with the place the more I’ve visited – introducing family, friends and colleagues to the many delights on offer.

Coriander Lounge never fails to impress visiting guests and regulars stream through the doors to be met by the smiling faces and warm greetings of friendly owners Mujib Mohammed and Nab Miah.

Such is the draw of the place, I even have a friend who ‘checks in’ there on Facebook at least two or three times every week.

During my latest visit, we were shown straight to our table and tucked into delightful and different poppadoms and chutneys as we perused the superb menu and people watched the buzzing small bar area.

All the talk was of the newly launched Christmas menu, so to start my partner and I went off menu and tried one of the items that will be on offer come December. The most amazing Paneer Chicken packages made up of creamy homemade cheese and mint leaves wrapped in tender tasty chicken are sure to be a festive hit.

We couldn’t resist our usual favourite starter of mouth-watering and perfectly spiced Garlic Fried Prawns as well.

At the suggestions of our trusted chef and waiters, I decided to try something away from my usual favourites of either melt in the mouth slow-cooked lamb on the bone – Dum Ki Nalli – or Pannier Aur Makai Bhurjee – a feast of sweetcorn and cottage cheese.

The new dishes we sampled Masala Sea Bass – spicy, perfectly cooked fish – and Chicken Labbabdar in a delightfully creamy sauce with yet more of my favourite cheese - were a huge hit.

Dinner was washed down with Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, one of a very good selection of new world wines available on an impressive wine list, and mineral water, plus naan bread and a lovely light rice with added cumin seeds and cashew nuts.

We finally made tracks after midnight when our delicious meal had gone down and we’d put the world to rights with our sociable hosts.

Coriander Lounge continues to delight me. It’s the ultimate authentic Indian dining experience.

Coriander Lounge,
130-131 High Street,
Southampton,
SO14 2BR
023 8071 0888
corianderlounge.com