If you are looking for a post-work hangout that hits the sweet spot between electric energy, top-tier hospitality, and authentic, flavour-packed Indian street food, tamatanga is an absolute must-visit.
You’ll find them all across the UK, but we dropped by the awesome Leicester restaurant during peak post-work hours and were immediately greeted by a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. Colorful, fun, and alive with conversation, the restaurant sets a welcoming tone the moment you walk through the door. But while the upbeat décor and lively room get your attention, it’s the food, drink pairings, and flawless service that make you want to stay all night.
The Tamatanga Thali: A Masterclass in Indian Comfort Food
To get a true taste of what the kitchen can do, we opted for the iconic Tamatanga Thali—a traditional, beautifully presented feast that lets you sample multiple curries alongside rice, naan, poppadoms, and chutneys. It is outstanding value for money and comfortably one of the best ways to experience their menu.
We sampled four distinct curries:
- Nee-Ma’s Chicken Curry: Comfort food at its finest. Rich, deeply spiced, and tender, this dish feels like a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
- Chicken Khurana: Loaded with bold flavors, perfectly cooked chicken, and a luscious sauce that demands to be scooped up with fresh bread.
- Keralan Lamb Curry: A standout for lamb lovers. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a fragrant, coconut-infused coastal spice blend with a gentle heat.
- Homestyle Chicken Curry: Simple, authentic, and packed with aromatic spices. It delivers that wholesome, cooked-from-scratch depth of flavor that many high-street Indian restaurants struggle to replicate.
Every dish on the Thali balanced spice, texture, and richness effortlessly—a true knockout lineup from start to finish. I don’t know how we found the room, but we also tried the signature fries, which are banging!
Cocktails & Drink Pairings: Clever Twist on Classics
A great meal deserves great drinks, and tamatanga’s bar menu is easily on par with its kitchen. What truly elevated our evening was the team’s knowledge; the staff seamlessly explained the flavor profiles of every dish and recommended ideal drink pairings to complement our curries.
Our drink line-up included:
- Mango & Chilli Mojito: Tropical sweetness meets a sharp jalapeno kick. It cuts through the rich curries beautifully.
- #hairofthedog: Bold, refreshing, and surprisingly easy-drinking—a clever cocktail with real personality.
- Amaretto Sour: Smooth, nutty, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
- Old Fashioned: A classic done right. Rich, smooth, and expertly stirred with just the right hit of spirit and orange oils.
We cleansed our pallete with an authentic Indian lager, on tap.
Dessert: The Mind-Blowing Chocolate Naan
Just when we thought the meal couldn’t get any better, dessert arrived—and it completely stole the show.
We tried the brand new Chocolate Naan, a concept that sounds absurd on paper but turns out to be absolute genius. It’s a warm, fresh naan filled to the brim with rich, velvety chocolate cheesecake. Shouldn’t work, but it really, really does! The contrast of warm, doughy naan dough with the smooth, cool, chocolatey cheesecake center is nothing short of incredible. Do not leave without ordering one.
The Verdict: Exceptional Service & Unbeatable Value
What makes tamatanga truly special isn’t just the knockout food—it’s the whole package. The service was exceptional throughout the evening. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu, guiding us through dishes and drinks with confidence.
Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite, unwinding after a long shift, or celebrating with friends, tamatanga delivers a fun, vibrant experience that proves exceptional Indian food doesn’t have to be formal to be extraordinary.
The Rating: 5/5
The Takeaway: Great energy, incredible value, elite service—and save room for the Chocolate Naan!
Full details can be found here: https://tamatanga.com/