The Cumin Restaurant — Restaurant in Nottingham

We booked the restaurant for an anniversary dinner based on the many positive comments we had read, but admit that the feeling was one of disappointment. It was not only that the expectations had been set high, but we purposefully ordered a range of dishes, both starters and mains, and overall found the food more bland than most Indian restaurants at which we had eaten.

We were greeted warmly, our reservation was found, the service was attentive throughout without being overbearing and the staff friendly.

The poppadoms were crispy but the accompanying sauces were mostly bland. Stand-out winner was the spicy mango chutney, very tasty, but the mint sauce was among the most tasteless we had experienced.

The starters were quite good, the paneer mushrooms well cooked and presented and a good portion, the squid rings well complemented by a spicy dip, which added the flavour. Salad was fresh in both starters.

Mains we chose the prawn curry which was the stand-out dish for me, and once I had stirred the sauce and the prawns, the flavours came through. Pilau rice and plain naan, ordered separately, very nicely cooked and tasty.

The chicken pea dish my wife ordered she thought was OK, but again mentioned it being bland, and the chutney that accompanied it, essential to add taste. Overall, we felt that there could have generally been more taste tobthe dishes, and less heat.

Good portions and we could not eat it all and took a leftover bag home with us.

When presented with the bill, the Fork discount was not included, we asked for it and a quick hand-worked calculation was made which did not correspond to the value of the discount, but was lower. We did not linger to query it, as a queue of people had formed behind us tp pay, and we felt it would be impolite to delay them further (we ourselves had been waiting for a group of 6 or so men to each pay their share of their meal, a tedious and time-consuming process.

Overall, many small things could...

Restaurant Shines! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the moment you step inside Cumin, you're enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The subtle Bollywood-inspired décor adds a unique charm that sets it apart. But even before you see the food, the incredible aroma that greets you at the door immediately tells you this is a different kind of Indian restaurant. It's a tantalizing blend of spices that promises a truly authentic culinary experience, unlike anything else in the area. And the food certainly delivers on that promise! Having dined here numerous times, I can confidently say that Cumin offers some of the most authentic and flavourful North Indian and Punjabi cuisine in Nottingham. The fish curry is an absolute revelation – a delicate yet deeply satisfying dish with a perfect balance of spices that leaves you wanting more. Their garlic chilli chicken curry packs a delightful punch, bursting with fresh garlic and vibrant chilli flavours, while all the lamb curries are consistently tender and rich, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. What truly elevates the experience is the exceptional service. Sunny and Monica, the owners, clearly have a passion for their restaurant and their customers. Sunny's recommendations have never steered me wrong, always guiding me to new and exciting dishes. The staff are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making you feel like a valued guest. Cumin isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey. The unique flavours, the high-quality ingredients, the genuine hospitality, and that unforgettable initial aroma make it a standout in Nottingham's vibrant food scene. Whether you're a seasoned curry enthusiast or new to North Indian cuisine, Cumin is an absolute must-try. I wholeheartedly recommend it and look forward to...

I've been going to Cumin for many years and it's about time I gave them the rave review that they deserve. I chose Cumin as our destination last night because I've never had a bad experience there and this was no exception. The restaurant itself has a good atmosphere and is very comfortable. The staff were all very friendly, competent and service was prompt. We were made to feel welcome.

Last night's food was outstanding. Each of the dishes was distinct and well described on the menu. Unlike many Indian restaurants where most of the menu items sound very similar and ambiguous , you can read Cumin's menu and have a very good idea what each dish will be like. Also the Chilli rating is accurate; i asked for a 2 chilli dish to be upgrade to a 3 chilli dish and was very pleased with the outcome; the dish was hot but not offensively so.

I recommend having a starter and trying different things - I was blown away by one of the Aloo starter which one of my friends had - I realise now that by having the same SOOKHA JHINGA prawns every time I go (because I love them) I, miss an opportunity to sample the rest of the menu. We were all very happy with our main dishes too; this time I did try something different form my usual Methi, and was very glad that I did. We are luck to have a number of very good Indian restaurants in Nottingham but I think that Cumin is the best of them all. Thanks Cumin!

Update Apr 2024 The Cumin is just as good as it has always been - I'd not been for a few years. I tried the butter chicken this time and man...