Tandoori Station

Madrid certainly isn't renowned for having a diverse Indian food scene, however, Tandoori Station on Ortega y Gasset is said to be one of the city's best spots for a good curry. I decided to head there with a group of friends to see what all of the fuss was about.

This spacious restaurant aims to transport its visitors across to London - a hub for subcontinental cuisine - by offering a wide range of Indian delicacies with a modern twist. After the obligatory poppadoms and chutneys, we started off by trying the "Onion Bhajis", the "Vegetable Pakoras" and the "Samosas". Although they were tasty and not too greasy, they certainly weren't the showstoppers I had expected from one of Madrid's supposed best Indian restaurants.

During the main course, I had the chance to try several of their curries, breads and rice dishes. The "Murghi Ki Balti" was the highlight with its strong coriander punch and succulent chicken breast pieces. We also tried the "Murghi Ka Tikka Masala", the "Gosht Ke Pasande", the "Gosht Ka Vindaloo", the "Murghi Makhan Wali" and the "Murghi Madra Wali". The Pasande sauce was creamy and tasty but not the best match for the lamb. The Chicken Tikka Masala was pleasant but again, the balance of flavours was not spectacular. Some of the boys dared to dip into the Vindaloo and the Madras, but I didn't, so I wouldn't like to comment on these fiery dishes. To accompany our curries we tried the "Puri Aire Frito" and the "Badami Naan" which didn't dissapoint - I had forgotten how much I had missed the smokey flavours of the tandoor.

Although the food was enjoyable at Tandoori Station, I must admit that the experience was a bit of dissapointment. The staff weren't overly accomodating and for the quality of food we received it was overpriced. I've been to several other Indian restaurants in Madrid which provide a similar standard of food for a considerably lower price (but without the "finish" given by Tandoori Station). It seems like the perfect excuse to continue my shop around for my favourite curry in Madrid!

Price: 35€ per person (2 courses and wine / beer)

Service: ☆☆
Food: ☆☆☆
Decor: ☆☆☆

Calle Ortega y Gasset, 89 (nearest Lista or Manuel Becerra)