Mustang Masala — Restaurant in England

Review of Mustang Masala Oakwood Derby

I recently had the opportunity to visit Mustang Masala in Derby, and I must say that overall, it was a decent dining experience. However, there was one aspect that fell short of my expectations—the food, which was a bit bland.

Starting with the positives, Mustang Masala has a pleasant and inviting ambiance. The restaurant is well-decorated with a fusion of traditional and modern elements, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive, providing prompt service throughout my visit.

The menu at Mustang Masala offers a wide range of Indian and Nepalese dishes, providing a variety of options for different tastes. The selection includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, catering to different dietary preferences. I appreciated the diversity of the menu and the opportunity to explore different flavors.

However, when it comes to the food itself, I found it to be somewhat lacking in flavor. While the presentation was appealing, the taste fell short of what I expected from a restaurant specializing in Indian and Nepalese cuisine. The spices seemed to be toned down, resulting in dishes that lacked the vibrant and aromatic flavors that are typically associated with this type of cuisine. The lack of depth in the seasoning made the overall experience somewhat underwhelming.

That being said, it's worth noting that taste preferences can vary greatly from person to person, and what I found bland might be considered just right by others. It's possible that the kitchen was aiming for a milder flavor profile to accommodate a broader range of palates. However, for those who enjoy bold and robust flavors, the dishes at Mustang Masala might leave them wanting more.

In terms of pricing, the menu at Mustang Masala was reasonably priced considering the portion sizes and the quality of ingredients used. The restaurant offers good value for money, especially for those dining in groups or families.

In conclusion, while Mustang Masala in Derby offers a pleasant dining experience with its inviting ambiance and friendly service, the food falls short in terms of flavor. The dishes, though well-presented, lack the vibrant and aromatic spices that are expected from Indian and Nepalese cuisine. However, it's important to note that taste preferences can vary, and others might find the milder flavors to their liking. If you're looking for a place with a cozy ambiance and decently priced menu, Mustang Masala is worth considering, but if you're seeking more authentic and flavorful Indian and Nepalese dishes, you might want to explore other options...

Saw these guys had plenty of rock solid Google customer reviews, so thought I'd give them a go for a change..

Dropped in early Tuesday evening - just after 5pm..

Friendly greeting from Ibi, their Manager. Decor tidy and attractive - everything very clean and tidy..

Good food and drink menu - plenty of choice but not too overwhelming.

Went for the Achari chicken with keema rice - took the option of making it madras hot. (Nice to get offered the option)

Was very tidily presented - flavour was spot on (well balanced, pleasantly hot but not at all unpalatable - just the right amount of pickle sharpness which a good Achari gives) - ingredient quality high, meat very tender and well marinated, generous portions - but not too overwhelming or wasteful.

Plates, cutlery and tablecloths all spotless.

Talking to Ibi, it's clear they take price in what they do - their phone rang constantly whilst I was there with people ordering takeaways, confirming there's many in the area making the most of a very good local business.

First impressions from first visit was very good - and will definitely get into the habit of going more regularly - as it's a notch above anything else I've tried on north side of Derby and surrounding villages..

For intimate romantic meals for two, the open plan seating layout may not be what you're looking for, but I'd honestly encourage anyone to give it a go - it strikes me as a rock solid place to get good food and attentive service at a very fair price.

Top...

I don't often leave reviews for restaurants but had to for this.

I'm from London and we have our pick of amazing indian restaurants. When booking Mustang Masala, I spoke to Ibbi, the manager on a few occasions to establish a set menu for our large party, all with different dietary requirements. He told me to leave it with and he'd sort it. I was surprised with very reasonable price per head and if I'm being honest, wasn't expecting anything amazing.

When getting to the restaurant, we were met with the warmest welcome and shown our table.

The food came out promptly and the service and presentation was amazing.

Each person was given a plate with a selection of starters.

Now I'm used to the normal overcooked chicken tikka we get in the lower priced indian restaurants around here but the chicken was cooked to perfection and juicy and tender. All the mains were absolutely fantastic and the Naans were fluffy and light.

The best thing about the night though was the staff. Ibbi and his team were brilliant and so patient with our rowdy group of 21 people.

We plan to do the same trip next year and will 100% be...