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A Dining Delight at the Cowfold Cottage Tandoori

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 15:08

By Robert Veitch

There’s curry, and then there’s… really good curry. We asked Robert Veitch to visit the Cowfold Cottage Tandoori to learn more about the restaurant where the allure of high-quality food is hard to resist

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On a cold, frosty evening, the enchanting smells emanating from the Cowfold Cottage Tandoori lured my friend and myself towards the entrance in excited anticipation.

It’s located centrally in Sussex, on the junction of the A272 and A281, positioned equidistant from Horsham, Henfield, Billingshurst and Haywards Heath, it's an easily accessible dining destination. The entrance is a few steps from the main road, down a footpath to the left-hand side of the ancient building.

Inside the 13th century timber framed building, Mustafa Ahmed and his wife Amena welcomed us. There’s a cosy ambience upstairs, whether you want a romantic meal for two, a curry with friends and family or to book the whole place for a celebration; Mustafa and the team will cater to your needs.

The family business has a background in the spice industry and supply spices to curry houses across the southeast. “We are passionate about quality and taste and we take pride in ensuring the dishes have the finest and freshest ingredients," Amena explained. We perused the menu, which encompasses traditional and contemporary dishes, with eager enthusiasm.

Poppadams arrived with a zingy Lime Pickle, creamy Mint Sauce, and a rich Mango Chutney. Our starters followed; a Breaded Butterfly Prawn best described as the enjoyable essence of the sea, and a succulent Chicken Tikka that was perfectly seasoned with spice. Delicious.

Onto the main event and my Garlic Chilli Chicken was well spiced and balanced nicely with garlic and green chilli to create a hot gratifying dish – not blistering hot – but flavour over heat. My friend’s King Prawn Jalfrezi incorporated a generous helping of delectably plump prawns sizzling with peppers and onions with a spicy kick that tickled the tastebuds faultlessly. Our sides included homemade Onion Bhajis and an appetizing creamy Sag Paneer which complemented and balanced the spice beautifully.

Throughout the meal staff were attentive without being intrusive – ensuring a pleasurable and well-paced meal with no sense of being rushed. “This is really, really good curry,” noted my friend. As Mustafa was keen to point out. “We’re keen to raise the standards of service and our aim is for guests to have a relaxed and tasty meal… an enjoyable dining experience.”

“It’s well worth travelling for,” testified the couple on the adjacent table as they passed us on their way out. “We’ve come ten miles as we love the food here.”

Well-spiced fresh food, superbly cooked, in a historic location, it’s a winning combination. “People have almost forgotten how to have an enjoyable meal out, because of the lockdowns,” noted Mustafa. “We offer specially picked and blended spices and herbs, fresh ingredients and high levels of service in our family run business.”

If you’re passing through the area or want to experience a meal to remember, this dining destination will not disappoint – bookings taken by telephone.
 

For more information
Cowfold Cottage Tandoori
The Street, Cowfold RH13 8BW
To book your table: 07949 206371
Open seven days a week from 5:30 – 10:00pm
Takeaway and delivery options are also available
 

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