Yomping buddy came down for a flying visit over Friday night/Saturday so naturally the three of us went out to dinner on Friday night. We had been told by many that Rivaaz Indian Restaurant in St Thomas Street was worth a visit, so we took a punt and booked a table. Just as well we did. Word has obviously got around and there was a constant stream of disappointed diners being politely turned away throughout the time we were there.
I’m not sure I have ever been to an Indian restaurant which did not have an extensive menu, and whilst not being quite up to War and Peace levels, there is certainly enough of a choice to make for a potentially lengthy deliberation before ordering. Much to my surprise, Wife settled on what she wanted ‘way before me. Let’s be clear for fear of misunderstanding and following retribution, I was not surprised because Wife decided quickly, but because she decided quicker than I. OK, so got that clear then, matrimonial harmony can continue unabated.
They do all the regular dishes you expect, but also do more specialities de la maison. I chose from this part of the menu, but a word to the wise here. A one chilli rating does not mean not very hot, it’s actually at Madras level to give you some idea. I have no clue what the two chilli rated dishes are like, but one chilli is more than enough for me. In fact maybe a tad over more than enough. Nonetheless the Chicken Toofan I had certainly had taste as well as heat. As far as I am concerned, an Indian is not an Indian without onion bhaji and naan bread and the sundries were a match for the main dish in taste and quality.
In common with many diners, we chose our dishes like children in a sweet shop and truth be told we could have made do with rather less in terms of quantity. My excuse was my normal 1Km swim and 2 hour yomp prior to dining. Surely the calories eaten must have been balanced out by such exertion? Stop talking at the back there, and put away your Weight Watchers calorie tables. If you’re interested, when I last checked, they had a pdf of their menu here.