British Raj back in Royston
The British Raj restaurant in Royston back in the 1970s. Picture: Courtesy of Royston & District Museum - Credit: Archant
A new Indian takeaway has opened in Royston, though it might seem rather familiar...
The founder and proprietor Nazir Choudhury with his team, including Siraj, and the mayor at the time Councillor Derek Robertson Picture: Courtesy of Safwaan Choudhury - Credit: Archant
Siraj Choudhury, the former manager of the British Raj in its previous guise as a restaurant, has relaunched the business as a takeaway.
He told the Crow: “The restaurant was first opened in 1976 by my late uncle Nazir Choudhury. It went from strength to strength, collecting many national accolades across the years and was highly regarded as the ‘best Indo-Bangladeshi restaurant in East Anglia’.
The launch has included a Indian cuisine and wine pairing evening. Picture: Courtesy of Safwaan Choudhury - Credit: Archant
“There has always been a yearning within our family to revive the Raj and bring back to Royston an unparalleled level of the very best Indian cuisine.
“We have begun by creating the first stage, in the form of an exclusive takeaway opposite Royston railway station, with the intention to expand to a restaurant with growth and when we find a suitable location.
The British Raj takeaway in Royston. Picture: Courtesy of Safwaan Choudhury - Credit: Archant
“The opportunity as a takeaway was by chance, the premises came up after a series of failing Indian takeaways at that location. We spent some time considering and decided to take the gamble. “The response from our local community has been amazing!
Much of the food is not typical Indian takeaway fare, with many of the dishes inspired by the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947.
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Siraj said: “Together with our award-winning chef Mohibur Choudhury, we have crafted a creative menu with many familiar dishes and some unusual curry dishes which originate from the British Raj era of India – such as Railway Lamb Curry and Anardana Chicken.
“To launch the new menu and get people tasting these unusual flavours, we partnered with our friends from Cambridge Wine Royston to carry out the ‘Indian cuisine and wine pairing’ evening at their newly refurbished Royston Gin Palace along the road in Kneesworth Street
“The event was an immense success, there was a real buzz. “Diners enjoyed each unique course, expertly paired with a wine or gin and tonic.
“An exciting course included a range of traditional Bangladeshi sweet desserts, flambeed with sambuca and served with mango lassi!”
For more on British Raj Express, in Kneesworth Street, go to www.facebook.com/BritishRajRoyston.
