The Royal Bengal, Kettering, has been in the family for over 20 years, making it one of the longest-running restaurants in town. It's known in Kettering for its welcoming, low-key buzz and tasty, satisfying curries that span the South Asian cuisines of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Looking at The Royal Bengal's menu, diners can't help but find their eyes drawn to the chef's recommendations — the panch mishali tosses together a mix of tikka-spiced meats in a spicy sauce; the lamb uribisi gatta is done the traditional Bangladeshi way, cooked with broad beans and spring onions; the pineapple chicken tikka is flavoured with almonds, coconut, cream and a dash of Malibu rum. Whichever diners pick, they're guaranteed a wealth of complex and unusual flavours.
The Royal Bengal does a fine job with the old favourites, too. The traditional clay tandoor oven is on hand to barbecue an array of beautifully marinated meats and vegetables. Legendary spicy curries such as vindaloo, madras and pathia also feature. Or for something with a little less heat, diners can choose the creamy korma or fruity Kashmir.
Side dishes on The Royal Bengal menu are largely vegetable-based, as is traditional in Bengalese cuisine. Familiar faces like Bombay potatoes and cheesy sag paneer vie for attention against crispy aubergine bhajis and spiced chickpeas. The breads, meanwhile, are all cooked to perfection in the tandoor — diners can take their pick from a whole range of flavours, including chilli, peshwari, vegetable and garlic.
Diners will find The Royal Bengal on Rockingham Road, close to Kettering's town centre and Kettering Station.