After receiving dozens of suggestions, Local MP Sandra Gidley has nominated the Romsey Purbani for the title of 'best South Asian restaurant' in Britain.

The Romsey Purbani has joined nominees from across the country in the 'Tiffin Cup', an annual curry competition organised by MPs from all parties to applaud the quality of South Asian food, and to raise money for charity. This year the competition is raising funds for the charity "Paths to Success".

Sandra said today:

"Congratulations to the Romsey Purbani on winning the nomination!

"I received a huge number of suggestions from people across the borough, and it was a very closely run contest."

Ten entrants will now be shortlisted and invited to a special 'cook in' at Bellamy's restaurant in London, where the overall winner for the UK will be decided by a celebrity packed judging panel.

"I will be keeping my fingers crossed that the Purbani makes it on to the shortlist," added Sandra.

"With such a prestigious award at stake, the standard is sure to be as strong as the curry. However, I am confident that Purbani will be hot contenders for the title."

SANDRA GIDLEY
Source: http://www.sandragidley.org/news/000288/sandra_tips_the_romsey_purbani_for_hot_honour.html

SOMETIMES YOU just need a curry - and this was one of those occasions.
Myself and two old friends often return to Romsey. where we all went to scool, or the surrounding area for a bite to eat and a bit of a gossip. The town is not short on high quality eateries, but more often than not we end up back at Purbani. That may be because the wonder of Indian food is something we all most definitely agree on. But it's also because the food is delicious, the service excellent and the surroundings cosy. Tucked away down a side lane off Bell Street and close to the town's historic square, the restaurant is always buzzing with locals who return again and again. There's a lovely bar area at the front of the restaurant if you want to sit down for a drink or wait for your take away but we were keen to get started on our supper. We were shown to a booth and immediately offered drinks and poppadoms. We took up both offers while we persued the extensive menu. I opted for a classic vegetable biriani -   a tasty vegetable curry and separate dish of pilau rice packed with even more vegetables. This dish is just right for my palette and I love the bizarre array of vegetables including potatoes and cauliflower. The curry sauce is divine and it was just perfect for dipping my cheesy naan bread in! Both my companions chose Chicken Pathia - a highly aromatic, tangy dish of chicken, cooked with freshly ground spices and sweet mango chutney. They both adored it. Staff at Purbani are attentive without being stifling and always bring you a little treat at I he end of your meal! A great way to spend an evening catching up with old friends. Dinner for three with some alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks came to a very reason­able £50.95.

LORELEI REODIN