The Raj

First impressions

Established just outside the centre of wigan, The Raj is a more humble but welcoming looking restaurant from the outside. Staff were firendly and greeted you upon your entrance.

Decor

Inside you will note a mixture of classic and modern styles to the decor with a large feature wall down the length of the restaurant. The seating on offer was a mix between standard table and chairs, large (what looked also rather comfy) booths and a long bench seating wall which is where our assigned table was, underneath the feature wall.

The wall of features

I feel one style choice deserves a special mention and this was the choice to install a padded door. This is a curry house which cares for the safety of its patrons, I would imagine being hit in the face with this door would almost be a pleasurable experience. Though what was beyond the door, remained a mystery to us (most likely the toilets as no staff were using it during our visit but then no one else also used it).

But where does it lead?

Menu

The menu choices consisted of the full range of traditional curries, however I felt was a little lacking in the specials department and curries on the warmer side (this may just be personal preference on my part – maybe in attempt to keep the menu easy and the kitchen flowing and to appeal to a wider range of customers who might be put off by heat). The presentation of the menu was clear and easy to follow.

Food

Starters were consumed on this meeting however poppadoms were not – an oversight on our behalf for not ordering, though probably for the first time – we weren’t offered any during drink or starter orders. A nice surprise was that dip dip was served with the starters. A popular starter that was ordered by a few of the congress members was the mixed tandoori grill starter, which featured chicken, lamb and a Sheek kebab. This was well received as the meat was moist and flavoursome.

Tandoori Grill

There was no gren, however red and yellow were provided.

Red

Main courses

Whilst everything was eaten and well liked, the main consensus was that everything met expectations – achieving a somewhat “Average” rating.

Some of the congress felt like their curry was actually lacking in spicyness, unusual for a curry house. This may be to some patrons taste.

Bill presentation

Simon was not required.

Final thoughts

An accommodating and friendly restaraunt, tasty food and good location make The Raj a fine choice for a local curry but patrons looking for something a little special may be dissapointed.

Padded door.