This restaurant review was undertaken on January 14, 2009.

This was our first visit to Purple Manago. A colleague mentioned that this was her regular curry spot, so I consciously knew I would make that call and place a booking for two. This restaurant in Walnut Tree looks enticing from the outside. What is a Purple Mango anyway? Even Google could not help me. Not much can be found online about this restaurant but we were still excited about giving it a try.

Décor

First impressions count for a lot and I am pleased to say we made an excellent start as Purple Mango is stylish, modern and fantastic looking. It looks as though the restaurant has just been opened. The art deco is colourful and individually painted canvases line the walls. The neon lights offer a futuristic look. The restaurant is unusual in that it is hexagon shaped but it feels welcoming all the same.

Service

Shaz our waiter for the evening introduced himself with a huge smile and kindly showed us to a large table for two. Our napkins were placed down onto our laps as we took our steats. Shaz was polite all evening and clearly enjoys looking after his diners. He’s worked at Purple Mango for seven months and is still having a great time. He suggested many dishes to try and gave us plenty of insight into their flavours, aromas and textures. Shaz was prompt and friendly.

Food

After a good 15 minutes my guest picked the same old same chicken tikka masala (£7.25) which came in a long oval plate and smelt gorgeous. She also ordered pilau rice (£1.95) fluffy and hot, garnished with tiny fried onions, and just to prove me wrong, she also ordered not a plain Naan, but the cheese and garlic variety  (£2.50).  This arrived fluffy, crisp and tasted supreme. See! It’s good to make a change sometimes, even if it is just the bread selection. My guest certainly enjoyed her food and completely loved the flavours.

I normally order a Thali when phoning through a takeaway. As I scanned the large menu I noticed the Purple mango offered Thali on their specials section (£19.99). These seemed a tad steep in price but I soon realised that you do receive a lot of food for your money. A Thali is a selection of different dishes, usually served in small bowls on a round tray consisting of regional dishes. If you like a mixture of food or a buffet you’ll love this main course. Many restaurants have different types of these dishes on offer. In this instance my Thali included a butter-flied king prawn cooked in a tan door, pilau rice, chicken madras, prawn with spinach and lentils, dan sac, cool yoghurt and a lamb dish. I also received a free naan on the side. This dish is different to most as it arrives on a 13-inch wooden table that spins. All of the flavours worked well together, many containing coriander. The prawns came charcoaled and cooked through leaving them meaty and tender. This Thali was great!

Atmosphere

The background music was subtle and Ibiza like (the chill out type of course). Thursdays and Sundays are heaving with people as they book for the special curry night for £9.99. This is well worth a try!

The Purple mango is an interesting place that offers many dishes, and many flavours. Make a visit as soon as you fancy that curry.