“My name is Raj, so The Raj was made for me,” said
the smiling Indian gentleman as he greeted us. Whilst sounding as if it
could be true, this was actually not the real history of The Raj Restaurant.
Whilst many owners do name their restaurants after themselves, The Raj
opened a few years ago, with the catchy name redolent of the days of India
and the British Raj. When it came up for sale, Mr. Raj, who was living in
Bangkok, heard of this restaurant bearing his name, and seven months ago he
took it over. Raj at The Raj!
The restaurant is not difficult to find, being almost
opposite the Pattaya Driving Range on Third Road, and is painted a bright
red colour with a well illuminated frontage on the building. There is a
small patio area outside for the smokers, while inside it is
air-conditioned, with the seating arranged in several alcoves around one
side and the rear wall, while on the other side is a full length sit-up bar.
The tables are covered with colorful tablecloths with contrasting linen
napkins. The atmosphere is definitely bright and clean. The service girls
are all dressed in traditional Indian garb to complete the scene. Around the
walls are several TV screens, which will be used during the telecasts of
sports such as ‘India versus anyone’ cricket, or more often screening
the Indian musicals (with a cast of thousands!).
The
menu covers the usual selections expected in an Indian restaurants, with the
vegetarian starters generally under B. 100 including vegetable pakora or
samosas. Other (non-vegetarian) starters are under B. 150, including an
interesting Goan chicken salad.
Main dishes are around B. 200-250 including items from
the Tandoor such as tangari kebab (BBQ chicken drumsticks) and then there
are all the expected curries, paneers, breads, rices and dal’s plus the
Raj special chicken in coconut milk with Indian herbs.
There is also a small selection of Thai favourites (B.
75-180) for those whose dining out partners refuse to eat anything but Thai!
Drinks are inexpensive, too, with local beers at B. 65,
while the imported Paulaner is B. 150, but very popular, said Mr. Raj.
Raj informed us that his food is prepared to your order,
and that includes an indication of how spicy or otherwise. Since it is
individually prepared, it may take a little longer than if it were just kept
in Bain Marie’s and re-heated. The restaurant is comfortable, and we did
not mind the chance to chat.
My guests that evening had come from the UK, and for
those who indulge in trivia, Indian food is now the most popular cuisine in
Britain, and you can forget your fish and chips and Toad in the Hole! One of
them was also a vegetarian, and she was looking forward to the range of
vegetarian options that Indian cuisine can offer.
She was not disappointed and the aloo chat (potato based
dish) and the onion bhaji (an onion battered creation) were heartily
endorsed. Her carnivorous partner and I were also very impressed with our
selections, with the gosht roganjosh (lamb curry) being both of our
favourite, with the pieces of lamb being very tender, and the curry was not
floating in oil, as I have seen too many times in Indian restaurants. Our
Raj informed us that his lamb was imported from New Zealand which explained
the succulent tenderness. The other items we sampled were again of high
quality and flavoursome without any hint of ‘harshness’ which can
overpower the true taste.
We finished with some Indian tea which had a
cinnamon/cloves musky taste and certainly complemented the food (and is
complimentary too).
I left The Raj in no doubt that the new owner Mr. Raj has
already left his imprimatur on this restaurant. The personal touch has
elevated this Indian restaurant in my opinion. Highly recommended. By the
way, The Raj also does takeaways, or you can use the Door 2 Door delivery
service.
The Raj, 3/110-111 M6, Third Road, North Pattaya (opposite Pattaya
Driving Range), telephone 038 370 704, email [email protected]. Open noon
till midnight. Adequate street parking.
