Farhana Indian Restaurant & Take Away

There have been some great improvements recently to the already excellent Farhana.They have really smartened up the outside with bold new red entrance door and matching windows. The inside has changed a lot too with a smart new light wood floor and red table cloths to match the outside decor. With bright overhead lighting, it is far more like a cafe now than a restaurant.

The haphazard approach to the menu has gone. Your choice is now a standard a la carte sit down menu or a cheaper everything in one container take away menu, such as chicken vindaloo and rice. They have a brand new website too http://www.farhanatakeaway.info

The Farhana is still unlicensed – Bring your own beer/wine from Tesco Express opposite or buy from their range of iced soft drinks.

The Farhana still isn’t much to look at from the outside – Smallish and unimposing – There are lots of smarter restaurants in the area. On looks alone, this would not be your obvious choice.

Two things make it special – the reliability & sheer quality of the food & Faruk, the owner – Such a nice person & a perfect host – Very interested in Indian food & restaurants in general …. “Have you tried that new one opposite the station yet”, he asks – Any good ?"

The same chef has been there for years & some of the a la carte dishes are his own inventions. Farouk will proudly explain how a particular item was created. He may quietly reveal its secret ingredient & explain how it was “tweaked to perfection” to fit in with local taste.

Favourite Dish: I recommend Aloo Chat to start – Then perhaps try their “Chicken Tikka Asari”, which I absolutely love !

It’s chef’s own recipe …. A tangy, creamy, yoghurt based, hot and sour sauce poured over pieces of tender, succulent, marinated chicken breast – Secret ingredient – A small amount of lime pickle.

Vegetarians are particularly well catered for at the Farhana with no less than 24 ridiculously cheap vegetarian side dishes – Any of these can be served as a main course on request. My favourites are Aloo Gobi (potato and Cauliflower) or Matter Panir (Peas and Indian Cheese). Enjoy !

I have tried many Indian restaurants over the years and I must say that after just one visit Farhana is now one of my favorites. Although it looks more like a take-away from the outside, with posters in the windows and a lit up sign advertising various deals inside, the food is top notch, very tasty indeed. The service was very good and the staff friendly. They do not have an alcohol license but are more then happy for you to bring your own. They also offer a take-away/delivery service and I was pleased to hear that they cover the area I live even though it is 3 miles away (I think they cover a 4 mile radius). I highly recommend this restaurant.

I have been to the Farhana about 25 times and have never been disappointed. You can find it on the roundabout near Barking Park with the huge modern sculpture called “The Catch.”

They have 2 menus … either a la carte or choose something pre-prepared from the chiller cabinet, which is quite a new idea for them. All my vegetarian favourites are in the old menu, so although it is slightly more expensive, that is still my preferred option.

Prices are ridiculously low and the service pretty good. (They always get a tip from me).

Give them a try !