Addidas007’s Weblog

Having heard of the new (and only) Indian restaurant in the immediate Ballymena area opening, it was a necessity to visit and see if it was worth the wait.

Myself and a friend arrived at 18:30 on a Friday night. We asked for a table for two, and after a hushed conversation, were told we could have a table but we had to be finished by 7:30 as the next customers were booked in for then. Taking a look around the dining area, I noted the fact that only 3 tables were occupied, but never-the-less agreed, and we were shown to our table.

Having been seated, both of us noted the fact that the tabled area was a tad cramped, there was only about a foot and a half of space between us and the table next to us. We ordered our drinks and browsed the menu. The range of dishes offered was impressive, with a lot of specialty curries on offer. We settled on 2 portions of onion Bhajis to start, I ordered a Lamb Jalfrezi with Pilau rice for main, and my friend had a chicken Madras with Mushroom Pilau.

Our starters were served within 5 minutes, and honestly, they were delicious (if a little bit greasy). 2 Bhajis served with a side salad and both a citrus sauce and a tomato salsa. The portion size was great. In some eateries, the starters are either too filling, so you can’t appreciate the main course, or so sparse you may as well not have ordered one. The Bhajis were suitable sized and spiced to whet my appetite for the main course to come.

No sooner had we finished, the plates were cleared and our main courses arrived. Both of our curries were ranked at the 4* mark for spiciness and that seemed just about right. I enjoy hot dishes, but sometimes find that the sheer heat can override the subtle taste that the different sauces have to offer. My compliments to the chef. The Jalfrezi tastes like a jalfrezi, not just heat. I was however a little disappointed with the meat/sauce/rice ratio. The amount of rice provided for one of us could have fed both of us, and I think between both of our curries there were about 12 pieces of meat.

Our appetite sated we asked for the bill – 2 starter and 2 main course for around £30. Pleasantly surprised by this we paid and left. Total dining time 50 minutes. The dining area was still empty bar the 3 or 4 tables that were full when we got there.

The ethnic background music was appealing but not intruding and the lighting provided a personal feel to all the tables. The staff members were all friendly and attentive, offering refills on drinks and sauces without request.

The next night I found out that The Khayber is booked solid for the next two weeks and has been since it opened. People have found it all but impossible to get a table there at weekends. Walking in off the street on a Friday night and getting a table shows an eagerness on the Khyber’s behalf to accommodate all customers where possible (though I do suggest booking to avoid disappointment)

All in all I had a pleasant experience in the Khyber and would definitely go back – It gets a 3.5/5

I hope this helps your choices next time you decide to eat out

Regards

Adam