Aziz Pandesia, 1 Folly Bridge, Oxford.
Aziz has long been my favourite curry house in Oxford, and has an excellent reputation. It’s always a good sign when the owner eats there regularly…
His latest offering is Aziz Pandesia, right next to Folly Bridge, with an emphasis on ‘fusion’ food, i.e. a range of Indian, Bangladeshi and Thai dishes. The view of the river is excellent, and they have a pontoon on the river where they can handle up to 45 covers weather permitting. The overall style is smart modern, with subtle, cool background music.
We had Imperial Mixed Platter from the Thai menu for starters (£8.75 for two), comprising the usual selection of deep fried nibbles, but obviously freshly made from good ingredients.
For main course, our friends stayed with Thai and had Green Chicken Curry with Thai aubergine, bamboo shoots, sweet basil and coconut milk, and duck in a red curry sauce. The green curry was reported to be the best my friend had tasted outside Thailand, and it was indeed delicious. We went for the Indian option, and had chicken Adrake Pajne (with ginger) and king prawn with pumpkin, together with enormous portions of fragrant rice, sak aloo and keema nan. All excellent.
Service was efficient without being overbearing (for example they don’t try to top up your glass for you, a practice I hate), and cheerful with it (“to be honest, sir, I can’t pronounce it either”).
Total bill – £55 per couple for 3 courses, drinks and tip. Warmly recommended.
Web site: http://www.aziz.uk.com/Aziz_Pandesia/scripts/homepage.asp
Tel: 01865 247775