Ashiqee, Chadderton

Classy joint, used to be council offices I was told. Nice place for a family boxing day indian meal. Popadums to start as usual and they were brilliantly augmented by lime pickle which was probably the best item of the evening and wasn't even on the menu. The menu helpfully labelled most dishes with chilis to indicate strength ranging for one to 3. Only vindaloo was a 3 chili rated dish.

Starters were substantial and even though I picked a 2 chili strength the chicken tikka kathi roll was just chicken tikka in a chapati and not very spicy at all. For main course I opted for a 2 chili lamb madras and was rewarded with a hot, fiery sauce that did have some taste. Some nice pilau rice, vegetable rice, nans etc. As usual far too much food provided and all 9 people at the table failed to eat all the food supplied. Puds were ice creamish (no kulfi) and a variety of coffees were taken. The bill was supplied with a glass of faux baileys - nice touch.

No caesar salad but starter was served with a lettuce, cucumber, tomato salad. Not as good as it should have been in a restaurant of this calibre.