Elai — Restaurant in Basingstoke and Deane

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in the exquisite flavors of chicken biryani and kottu porotta at Elai, and I can confidently say that it was a culinary experience that left me in awe.

We started with the Shappu erachi. What truly impressed me was the depth of flavors in the Shappu Erachi .The spices were expertly blended, and the addition of aromatic herbs and curry leaves enhanced the dish's complexity. The combination of tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors made each bite a delightful adventure for the palate.

Then moved on to the chicken biryani, which was an absolute masterpiece. The fragrant aroma of the spices filled the air as the dish arrived at my table. The basmati rice was cooked to perfection, each grain separate and infused with the flavors of the aromatic spices. The tender pieces of chicken were succulent and perfectly marinated, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Every spoonful of biryani was a burst of deliciousness, leaving me craving for more. The balance of spices was impeccable, neither overpowering nor lacking, and the addition of fragrant herbs elevated the dish to another level. It was truly a biryani that showcased the skill and expertise of the chefs at Elai

Next, the kottu porotta, a dish that stole my heart with its bold and unique flavors. The sizzling sound of the griddle and the rhythmic chopping of the porotta created an exciting atmosphere. The shredded porotta, combined with succulent pieces of chicken and an array of vegetables, was a medley of textures that delighted my taste buds. The spices were expertly blended, providing a perfect balance of heat and flavors. The dish had a delightful smoky undertone, adding an extra layer of complexity to the taste. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures that made me savor every moment.

The presentation of all the dishes was exquisite, showcasing the culinary artistry of the restaurant. The attention to detail in the plating was evident, and the vibrant colors of the garnishes added a touch of elegance.

Furthermore, the service at Elai was outstanding. The staff was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to provide recommendations made the entire meal even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of authentic Indian cuisine, Elai is an absolute must-visit. The chicken biryani and kottu porotta that I had the pleasure of savoring were truly exceptional. The flavors, the presentation, and the impeccable service combined to create an unforgettable dining experience. I left Elai with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for more. Whether you are a connoisseur or new to Indian cuisine, the chicken biryani and kottu porotta at Elai will undoubtedly leave you craving for their...

I hate to rate somewhere so lowly, but when I spend £54 on a takeaway for two people, I expect something sensational. I would rate this zero stars if I had the option.

The chilli paneer was distinctly average. The paneer would be nice if it were tandoori roasted but it was sloppily cooked in sweaty onions and tomatoes with no particular flavours or spice.

The Chicken 65 was frankly laughable. It was a reasonable portion size but was essentially sweaty chicken pakora. No spices, no garnish, nothing. Just a tray of battered chicken, and it had more batter than chicken. That's simply not what Chicken 65 is. Check out spices and spirits for an authentic Chennai style Chicken 65.

Kerala Beef Curry was supposedly to be slow cooked soft beef in a flavourful sauce, but it was chewy and bland with many pieces completely inedible. The quantity of beef was also very poor.

Kozhi Varutharacha Curry should have been rich and spicy but it was a watery soup with a small amount of pre-cooked (and tough) chicken tossed into the desolate liquid at the last moment.

The garlic naan was passable, but that's being generous. It was doughy with no crispness and covered in raw garlic pieces.

We had a dine-in at Elai when it opened and were impressed, so it pains me to leave such a review but I find it hard to believe that so many errors are an accident.

The price charged for our meal versus the quality was unacceptable and I...

I am writing this review as a response to the manager's comment on our review on the dining experience at Elai on 21-06-2025.

If the restuarant was not ready to accommodate a big group at late hours this should had been informed to us at the time of booking. Even when we called to inform about running late nobody asked for preorders. So how is it our fault that we ordered diverse food options. While taking orders we were not informed that certain food items might take longer to prepare. I would like to see some timestamp evidence when you say that the food arrived within 30 minutes as this directly says that our group of 24 people including our children are lying. If you really think the refusal to serve complementary starters have triggered misunderstanding and dissatisfaction, why would a dissatisfied group of people with children order a huge variety of food from the menu? Do you think it is professional to try and blame the customer when things go wrong. 4.I would also like to see some evidence as to when the air-conditioning was turned off as it was turned off when the food was still on our plates and you are once again trying to say we are lying.

Overall, you never bothered to apologise even once for the disgraceful service at your restaurant and even your comment shows the level of unprofessionalism and lack of customer focus with which you are running...