My Dera — Restaurant in Nottingham

Desi Dera Asian Restaurant is a haven for those seeking authentic and flavorful South Asian cuisine. From the moment I stepped in, the warm hospitality and inviting ambiance made me feel right at home. The interior blends traditional decor with a modern touch, creating a comfortable yet culturally rich dining experience.

The menu is extensive, offering a variety of Pakistani and Indian dishes that cater to every palate. I started with the Samosas, which were crispy on the outside and filled with perfectly spiced potatoes and peas. The accompanying tamarind chutney added a tangy sweetness that paired beautifully with the savory filling.

For the main course, the Chicken Handi was a standout—succulent chicken cooked in a creamy, aromatic gravy that was perfectly spiced without being overpowering. The Lamb Biryani was another highlight, featuring tender, flavorful pieces of lamb nestled in fragrant, saffron-infused rice. The balance of spices was impeccable, making each bite a delight. Paired with freshly baked garlic naan, the meal was nothing short of perfection.

To round off the meal, I tried the Kheer, a traditional rice pudding that was silky, lightly spiced with cardamom, and just the right amount of sweetness. It was a comforting end to a rich and satisfying meal.

The service at Desi Dera was excellent—our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and happy to make recommendations. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable given the quality and authenticity of the food.

Final Verdict: Desi Dera Asian Restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Pakistani and Indian cuisine, whether for a casual meal or a special occasion. Highly...

Absolutely disgraceful. Had to ask them to clean the tables and seating as soon as we got there, they did clean the tables and seating but we're quite reluctant. The washroom was disgusting, looked like someone had thrown up in the wash basins the night before, and the management didn't see fit to have the place cleaned up. The lamb curry was mediocre at best, nans were acceptable, the chips were cardboard like, possibly oven chips. The mixed grill was terrible. All of it was tasteless apart from the unbearable amount of salt. The "lamb" chops were most definitely NOT lamb. Spoke to a young man who appeared to be the "head" waiter, about how disappointing the whole experience had been, in particular the food. He took some back to the kitchen and came back to acknowledge that it was not fit for consumption. He did offer to have a fresh mixed grill prepared for us, but by this time it was too late the evening has already been ruined. The waiter was quite evidently embarrassed by the whole situation and didn't make eye contact for the next hour that we were there. The "food" is perhaps more suited for people do not know what Pakistani food should taste like. All in all a terribly...

I had high hopes when visiting this restaurant, but unfortunately, the food failed to meet even basic expectations. Starting with the fish – it was served cold, which immediately put us off. Then came the malai boti, where instead of tender, juicy bites, we were served dry, undercooked chunks of what seemed to be hastily chopped chicken breast. I raised my concern with the waiter – who, to be fair, was polite and attentive – and he kindly took it back to the kitchen. What came next was baffling: he returned with a smile, saying the chef believes it would become too dry if cooked more. Honestly, it was already borderline inedible – how much worse could it get?

The final blow was the chicken karahi. Not only did it lack the depth of flavor you’d expect from such a dish, but it also left me feeling nauseous for the rest of the day – a clear sign that something wasn’t right.

In fairness, the service was good, and the staff were courteous throughout. But we came for the food, not just smiles and apologies. Sadly, the kitchen seriously let the place down. Would not recommend based on...