Rating **** Dave Burrows calls in the experts for a perfect takeaway.

You know what it’s like. Sometimes you have the day from hell and the last thing you want to do when you get home is cook. Especially if, like me, you live alone. All that effort just for yourself. And then you only have to wash up afterwards.

And what’s more, on days like that only a takeaway will do.

Fortunately for me, within a stone’s throw of my flat is a curry house with a wonderful reputation.

And so it was that after a day of teeth grinding I found myself reaching for the menu which had been sitting in my kitchen untouched for some months and pouring over what Shrewsbury’s Shalimar could offer me.

The Shalimar, situated opposite Shrewsbury Abbey is, in the main, an intimate restaurant with an excellent reputation. The family-owned establishment has been going since 1989, so there has been plenty of time to hone customer care.

And that care and attention given to diners who chose to book a table is recreated in its takeaway service.

Back at my flat I was dithering over what to choose. The menu is vast, with speciality chef’s recommendations and the usual suspects in the shape of biryanis, baltis, bhunas and the other Indian favourites that don’t begin with B.

There is also a generous selection under the vegetarian option, if you’re that way inclined.

As it had been One Of Those Days, I decided to push the boat out. I’ve never had takeout starter before, but this seemed to be the perfect time to, well, start.

It didn’t take me long to settle on some form of kebab. Eventually I plumped for shami (£2.20).

My choice of main took a little longer. I wanted lamb, of that I was sure, but lamb what? Thanks to the Shalimar’s handy guide, I quickly ruled out anything that had three chillies next to it. Or two for that matter. I like my curry to be flavoursome. I’m not one of those guys who thinks it makes me more of a man if I have a hotter one.

You can eat in or have a takeaway at Shalimar, Shrewsbury

Eventually I decided I would have something the chef recommended – the lamb Korai special (£5.95), accompanied by garlic fried rice (£2.10).

While I was feeling frivolous, I decided nan bread was also needed. Cheese (£1.90), just for a change.

Did I want poppadoms, I was asked. I decided to cut my losses. I thought I had enough to be going on with.

Twenty minutes later, after a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up some Cobra (be honest, you do it too, don’t you?) I was ready to collect my order.

Back home I tucked into my kebab while leaving the curry keeping warm in the oven. As is traditional, the meat was served with a slice of lemon and a mint dip, as well as salad. It was a perfect start. Two minced patties, nicely spiced without being dominating.

Those polished off it was on to the main event. The Korai was slightly more mild than I expected but no less tasty for it – a subtle underlying nuttiness complimenting the flavour of the onions and tomatoes. The lamb was very tender, but I found the chunks a little large, but only because I like to eat my curries using just a fork. And yes, the cold Cobra fitted in nicely.

After making short work of the dish, the fluffy nan was utilised for mopping up purposes. Cheese and lamb might not be everybody’s choice, but there we are. I enjoyed it.

I should point out at this stage that even though I turned down the offer of poppadoms, I was provided with one complimentary one. Stuffed as I was, however, it went uneaten. One of the handful of mints I was presented with was consumed, however.

It is these little attentions to detail that make all the difference when choosing a takeaway. Coupled with the fact that the food is fantastic, the Shalimar may well be seeing a lot more of me. Even when I haven’t had One Of Those Days.

ADDRESS
The Shalimar, 23 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AE
Tel: 01743 270336
Web: www.shalimarshrewsbury.co.uk

MENU SAMPLE
STARTERS
Stuffed pepper (chicken or lamb) £2.60; King prawn butterfly £3.50

MAINS
Murghi mosala £7.50; Balti tandoori delux bhuna £7.50; Tikka vindaloo £5.95

SIDES
Bombay potato £1.95; Sag paneer £1.95

BREADS
Choice of nan £1.90; Tandoori roti £1.60; Chapati £0.60

DESSERT
Banana or pineapple fritter £2.20