Jalali Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Tamworth

Did Jalali meet with 'greatness' the arabic meaning, or was it more 'Jalali-bad', not the Afghanistan capitol but referring to lacking greatness?

The Jalali 'Indian' restaurant occupies the former Congregational Chapel built between 1920's-30's. Worthy of 'conservation' status it retains the tall triple lancet window.

Settings and Service - Personally I like re-purposing buildings, the tall windows are visible inside. Now onto the food and service.

We had a good time here. We walked in, apparently booking is usually necessary on a Sat'. I joined our group of six sometime after and they hadn't been asked for orders which req'd prompting by me. The waiter got the order right. The table a little small for six but managed to remove items not needed, stack nan's etc. The group did notice the delay taking orders and for food to arrive was lengthy, which must have been felt by staff as the main staff member did apologise they'd been busy that night. Personally, I felt the time for orders was just right, allowing conversation we intended to have before the meal. Everywhere doesn't have to be Wagamama's where they dish the food instantly to get rid of you quickly.

The food verdict. The pauperdoms arrived soon after ordering, as they do. These weren't the best sauces I'm more used to. Very sweet and I agree with a previous Google review, syrupy. Normally I'd expect a chutney (my fav) a mint, a slightly bitter sauce, a yogurt sauce, but these I recall were all sweet. Made full use of them, but I'm not a sweet fan. I discussed with waiter three choices and went with his opinion the Naga (hot) would be best. I enjoyed it. Often finding vindaloo not hot enough for me, this didn't seem hot at first, but exactly as waiter described, the heat built gently. By the end I had a warm glow I like. I could have gone hotter, but nice not to blow the lid off for once. Again, when I started I could taste the sweetness, that wore off, but indicates higher sugar levels. The Special Nans were excellent. We all enjoyed the food I believe. Added benefit, I feel great the next morning, not always the case with Indian food. The price verdict. Prices are keen on the menu for dishes. Typically £10 a dish. Adding the necessary extras of rice, nans, tarka dhal all adds up of course, but on the whole, reasonable. I see before comments drinks expensive. I'd have to disagree for the compulsory beer or cider. They have two Cobra's on draught, the newer one being a pale ale. I'd prefer Kingsfisher, but I accept 'Cobra is King' at most places and the normal Cobra was for me the better choice over Cobra's new addition; and it was good cool tasting too. Both Cobra and cider bottle were just south of £5 each, which is reasonable not expensive. Bear in mind we're not far from the brewing capitol of the country, Burton on Trent for beer! The soft drinks were exactly the same price for large, £5, which I think was expensive for a syrup/water drink which has not gone through the craftsman brewing skills required for beer. The total bill did seem more expensive than expected. It seemed the 'bar' drinks lines had over costed and there was a squiggle on the bill we didn't understand or could account for. There was no 'quibbles with the squiggles' and the bill was promptly reduced about £10 to correct.

Conclusion - I'd like to give 5 stars, but in fairness I give 4/5 because for me the pauperdom sauces were very sweet, may suit someone else perfectly of course. I liked the service but to be critical our group seemed to have been ignored until I approached the bar. The main food was very good and the prices were inline and reasonable. Drink prices for beer are very reasonable, soft drinks appear expensive. Good re-purposing of a former chapel. Staff are affable. Would we go back? Yes definitely. Do I recommend? Yes, again definitely, but if you've read through then take onboard my points above, you may or may not agree, but this is based on my genuine...

First and foremost accusing someone of having a 'mental health problem' on a review platform is not only wrong but highly offensive to genuine people who do.

Secondly I'm not angry mate, no tantrum involved. I wrote my review calmly and collectively based on the service I received.

After reviewing the google policies, there is no way in any shape or form I personally have violated them. The facts are as follows:

I dined with yourselves (as you've conceded) and paid my share of the bill (again as you've conceded) Raw chicken was served to once of our party (of which you originally conceded and partially apologized for) so in what way shape or form you think I'm violating google policies, I'll never know. You served out of date beer (of which you conceded and did actually apologise)

All that being true, I'm entitled you review you. You don't like it - tough. I haven't been rude, offensive, fraudulent (you agree we dined with you). You can argue with all I've said but its irrelevant.

If you quote me the part where I've broken google guidelines then I'd be happy to have a look. And for the record this is not a new account created to 'damage your reputation'. Its been active for many years and has reviewed other restaurants so to accuse me of being a secondary account for the primary guest is also false.

Try and be a little bit more respectful when you get criticism btw. You might think by replying with offensive comments is the best way to deal with it but it really isn't. Just makes you look a bit silly.

I was part of the main group that came in and was served raw chicken , given out of date cobra and hidden costs added to the bill. Only really writing this review as our original was removed for some unknown reason. Any review you post comes with a side order of back chat and arrogance for desert. Biggest bit of advice I can give you is double check your final bill against the menu for clarity and check dates on bottles if ordering them. If this review gets removed , will contact Google with receipts to prove our...

Three of us dined here on Saturday 4th February having pre-booked 24 hours in advance. The food was ok but nothing special. Chicken Pathia was very spicy but hardly any sweetness at all and a chapati was undercooked in parts so quite stodgy. However, the food wasn't the main issue; having finished our main courses, the waiter then almost immediately put our bill on the table. We were not offered desserts, coffee, or any other drinks, although we hadn't even finished the drinks that we had on the table! Less than 5 minutes after the bill was delivered, another waiter came over, (I think he is the 'head waiter'), and said, "I don't mean to be rude, but I really need this table". We had been in the restaurant for less than 75 minutes! And we had booked! The problem is, they accept too many 'walk-ins' and then they rush the pre-booked tables because people are waiting for a table. This is the third time we have been here but this will be the last. There are plenty of other options for a nice Indian meal...