For 15 years, an Indian restaurant in Southend has been serving the local community, with some customers returning since the day it opened.
Indian Diner, at 568 Rayleigh Road in Eastwood, has built up a loyal following for its Indian favourites, chef specialities and friendly service.
We went along to find out what has kept customers coming back for a decade and a half.
The owner said: “Over the last 15 years we have had lovely support from our customers. We want to thank them for using our restaurant and making it a successful Indian restaurant in the area.”
Customers coming back since the beginning
Several customers told Your Southend they have been visiting Indian Diner for years.
Jane Crosland said: “I’ve been using this restaurant and takeaway since it opened… we love the food and service!”
Elisa Daly added: “One of the nicest Indian restaurants, lovely staff and excellent food.”
Paul Hunt has also been a customer since the beginning.
He said: “We have been using Indian Diner since it first opened. The food is always amazing and the staff have been making us feel welcome since day one, and we count them all as good friends now.”
What’s on the menu at Indian Diner?
The menu combines familiar curry-house favourites with tandoori dishes, biryanis and a sizeable range of chef specialities.
Traditional choices include Madras, vindaloo, dansak, pathia, korai and jalfrezi, while the tandoori selection includes chicken tikka, shashlik, lamb chops and a mixed grill.
Among the chef specials are Deshi Chicken and Lamb, cooked with shatkora pickle, a Bengali citrus fruit, in a rich sauce.
Kala Chicken and Kala Gosht are marinated overnight with black pepper, coriander and fennel before being cooked in a spicy coconut sauce.
Other choices include Madhu Khatta with honey, lemon and ginger, Special Chilli Massala with green chillies, Rusun Mirchi in a spicy plum sauce and Special Murgi Massala, combining boneless chicken with minced meat, egg and fresh spices.
There are also biryanis, starters, sides, rice and breads, with the restaurant offering dine-in, takeaway and home delivery.
The Tuesday meal deal
Indian Diner also runs a popular Tuesday meal deal, with a starter, main course, side dish and rice or naan available for a set price per person.
15 years in Eastwood
Reaching 15 years is a significant milestone for an independent restaurant, particularly with plenty of competition for Indian food across Southend and the surrounding area.
Their success points to a simple combination behind its longevity: quality food people enjoy, plenty of choice and a welcoming team that has kept customers returning year after year.
Indian Diner
568 Rayleigh Road
Eastwood
Southend-on-Sea
SS9 5HX
Telephone: 01702 511 010
Customers can dine in, order a takeaway or home delivery, and make table reservations.