Southwater Haldi - something for everyone

In keeping with that tradition, our restaurant review also takes a different approach to that which we normally follow.

Rather than the Restaurant Inspector simply offering his independent verdict, we invited along a selection of regular customers – of all ages – and some local businessmen who had never visited before to give their verdict.

After a sumptuous lunch in the premises in Lintot Square chosen by owner Aktar Zaman, we asked the diners to give their honest verdict.

The first came from two businessmen who were visiting for the first time. Andy Bryant of Bryant Fixings of Blatchford Road, Horsham, said: “The Haldi restaurant is light and airy which makes a change from the normal Indian restaurant. The food was excellent with the Goan Fish being a favourite due to its fine textured meat and beautiful sauce.”

Stephen Khoo, managing director of Khoo Systems based in Billingshurst, commented: “Behind the rather imposing entrance is a delightful restaurant with an unusually light and modern feel that only serves to enhance the excellent cuisine. Haldi is a good finishing touch to the whole of the recently redeveloped Southwater precinct. It’s a shame that in Billingshurst we don’t have a similar community area with good parking supporting local amenities and businesses.”

The regulars were equally as enthusiastic – even the youngest of our reviewers. Eight year old Megan from Windsor Close in Southwater said: “There’s lots of new things to try like Chicken Tikka and Chicken Korma. I like the spicy food!”

Her mum Denise Moynihan said she especially liked the fact that the restaurant offered some clever variations on traditional dishes. “The Haldi is a modern, family, friendly Indian restaurant with excellent service. They offer a wide selection of meals not found in other restaurants and are keen to offer advice on dishes.”

The Chard family – whose generations come from both Southwater and Nuthurst – were highly complimentary. Frank said: “The entire menu was most enjoyable, so to single out one favourite item is difficult, but - vote cast for the tikka massala – this was spiced mildly to suit my palate, remained nicely textured, excellent ‘ temperature’, so was delightfully consumed!”

Thirteen year old Emma Chard really enjoyed the Chicken Agni. “I had never had it before but it was delicious.”

While ten year old brother Oliver summed up the meal with the phrase: “Overall it was brilliant!”

Barbara Chard praised the presentation of the food. “Everything was piping hot.”

While Mrs Angela Chard singled out the excellent service. “ The staff are very helpful from the moment you enter the restaurant until you leave.”

Mrs Fairbairn from Southwater has been coming to the Haldi for four years. “You are welcomed as though you are family. The food is always of high quality, from fresh and full flavoured ingredients. Today’s vindaloo meal was no exception. Meat, heat and mix of spices was perfection.”

Matt Boxall from Rif Worldwide thought the fish curry was “absolutely stunning – very light and full of taste. I would highly recommend it.”

His comments about the fish were echoed by Grant Hutchby of GHFitness from Camelot Close, Southwater.

“The fish is amazing and I don’t usually say that about a curry house!”

Service was singled out by Dee and Neil Everard from Hazel Close, Southwater and Stephen Everard JP from New Road. Neil said: “I would recommend anybody to try the Haldi and you will not be disappointed! The chicken was soft and tasty and the sauce was rich and strong.”

Dee added that she liked to try different curries when she visited – and the choice is large.

“The duck with pineapple was new and great. The service and staff are always friendly and first class.”

Stephen said: “Aktar and his team are attentive and truly affable. The food was exceptional with the Goan fish curry a particular highlight.”

Dan Humphreys from Swan Close, Southwater, described the Haldi as “second to none”.

He added: “The Haldi has become very much part of the community including supporting local sporting clubs – and as part of the football and cricket club myself I am grateful for their support.”

While the final word must go to Lauren Humphreys of Eversfield, Southwater. “There’s something for everyone here.”

Haldi, 12 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater, West Sussex 01403 731461 or 01403 738236.

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