Will writes:

Friday 1st, a dark damp evening, steam rising from the sewers of the cities ripped back streets, half an eye out for Slimer from Ghostbusters.  Little has changed at the Dhaka Restaurant on Onslow Road since the films release in 1984.

The PLACE is all silver grey and neon purple, resembles a rather tired, smoke encrusted bunker inside, once trendy with new age romantic vampires.  The waiter sat quietly reading yesterdays Daily Express when my friend and I came in but got his feet quickly as we entered, chefs scurried into action attempting to look busy though the kitchen window. Quickly felt sorry for him, he for us, certainly one of the most well spoken and kindly waiters I’ve come across deep in the bowels of Southampton. 

Browsing the faded menu revealed slightly optimistic PRICES.  I chose Aloo Dum (scooped out, veg stuffed potato with occasional creamy suggestion of paneer)  ‘ a dish with marvellous presentation’.  Arrived with an angry looking chutney and a weary side salad.  At £3.95 I’ve eaten more elaborate creations. 

Mains included a ‘decent’ Chicken Madras, Chicken Tikka Chat reminded me of tomato/tabasco sauce, still it combined very neatly with a Saag bahji.

In SUMMARY the service was very caring, this place has lots of love to give but alas no one to give to it to.  My food was prepared carefully in that it didn’t arrive half a minute after ordering yet with no dayglow lights piercing the night Dhaka will continue to be overlooked and gather dust.  In weaker moments I may just feel the urge to visit again…out of sympathy.

December 2006