Shahjan Tandoori — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Wow! We dined for a dear friend Bruno’s 21st birthday meal 2k24, so it was destined to be a big one. We started the day with a spot of shopping to shake off the post-Christmas rush, followed by an exhilarating go-karting race to work up an appetite. After a competitive session on the track, we were more than ready for what turned out to be the best curry meal we’ve ever had!

From the moment we walked into the restaurant, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a cosy yet vibrant setting that made it the perfect spot for a celebration. The staff were friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable dining experience.

Now, onto the food. I had the Lamb Korma, Butter Chicken, and Naga Curry, accompanied by Keema Naan and rice. Every single dish was perfection.

The Lamb Korma was luxurious and comforting. The lamb was so tender it fell apart at the slightest touch, and the sauce was a creamy, nutty blend of mild spices that was perfectly balanced—rich without being heavy. It was indulgence on a plate.

The Butter Chicken was another standout. The sauce was velvety and packed with flavour, combining a slight smoky undertone with a delicate sweetness. The chicken itself was tender and juicy, soaking up the sauce beautifully. It’s a dish that’s hard to beat, and this place nailed it.

The Naga Curry, though, stole the show. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you love bold, fiery flavours, this is the dish to order. The naga chilli brought an intense heat, but it was never overwhelming, allowing the fruity, smoky depth of the curry to shine through. It was complex, addictive, and left you wanting more, even as the heat lingered.

The sides were just as impressive. The Keema Naan was soft, fluffy, and generously filled with spiced lamb mince. It had just the right amount of chew and was perfect for mopping up the curries. But the real hero of the meal was the rice.

It might sound strange to rave about rice, but this was in a league of its own. Fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly cooked, each grain was separate and light, with just the right amount of moisture to soak up the rich sauces without becoming soggy. It was the perfect canvas for the bold flavours of the curries and could easily stand on its own as a dish to savour.

Everything about the meal was spot on. The flavours were bold, the textures were perfect, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. Each dish complemented the others, making the entire meal feel like a perfectly orchestrated feast.

The service was exceptional, too. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, always making sure our drinks were topped up and our table was cleared promptly. They even surprised Bruno with a special birthday dessert, complete with a sparkler and a round of applause, which made the evening feel even more special.

We rounded off the meal with desserts that were just as impressive as the mains. The Gulab Jamun was soft and syrupy, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without being too heavy. The Mango Kulfi was creamy and refreshing, the perfect palate cleanser after such a rich and indulgent meal.

This curry house exceeded every expectation. From the warm, welcoming atmosphere to the outstanding food and thoughtful service, it was an experience we’ll never forget. Every dish was crafted with care, and you could taste the passion and attention to detail in every bite.

Bruno’s birthday was destined to be special, but this meal made it truly unforgettable. Whether you’re craving rich comfort food like the Lamb Korma, fiery and bold options like the Naga Curry, or perfectly cooked sides like their rice and naan, this place delivers on every front.

If you’re a curry lover, this is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the very best of Indian cuisine. Do yourself a favour and book a table. You...

We had an incredible dining experience at Shahjan Tandoori. From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was second to none – warm, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. The service was excellent throughout, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcome.

We ordered a wonderful selection of dishes: seekh kebabs, tandoori popadoms, chips, lamb Karachi, prawn curry, chicken jalfrezi, meat kebabs, and pakoras. Every single dish was fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. A special mention to the lamb Karachi – we requested it not too hot, and the chef catered perfectly to our needs while still delivering rich, aromatic spices. It was exactly how we wanted it, showing how much care goes into both the cooking and the customer experience.

The prawn curry was packed with fresh, tender prawns in a beautifully balanced sauce, while the chicken jalfrezi had the perfect kick for spice lovers. The seekh kebabs and pakoras were cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside yet juicy and flavourful inside.

Overall, Shahjan Tandoori offers amazing food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. We will definitely be recommending this place to family and friends...

Visited last night (26/09/2025) and had a pleasant experience. All the waiting staff were efficient and polite and considering the restaurant was full when we arrived, they never hurried us, nor did we feel rushed. The dining room is small and classically decorated for its genre, with starched white table linen. The resulting comfortable interior had a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. The menu is chock full of all the Indian restaurant staples from Tandoor to Tikka, Biryani to Balti. All our dishes were well prepared and presented and despite the almost maniacally busy service, everything arrived promptly, together and exactly to our order. Importantly it was delicious and everyone enjoyed it. It's been a while since a restaurant offered a digestif "on the house" but the manager made sure every table was offered the chance. I was reminded of this restaurant's 46 year history on this site. This is how it used to be....