All these comments are genuine and authentic. If you would like us to include your comments please send an email to info@massalacobham.com

“...Early reviews for Massala suggest... an unqualified hit on his hands, thanks to the exalted cooking of head chef Sunil Sinha, who trained with India's Taj hotel group. Dishes are both skilfully rendered and infused with individual flourishes and flavours. The disc-shaped onion and potato bhajia is given depth and texture with curry leaves and crushed peanuts while the moist and aromatic murg malai chicken tikka is laced with cardamom and lemon. The jhinga merunisha – jumbo prawns marinaded in yoghurt, saffron and carom seeds – are equally arresting. Impressive mains, such as the murg tikka lababdar, with chicken tikka in a yummy sauce of fenugreek, tomato and onion, and a subtly flavoured mixed seafood curry, also leave an indelible mark of joy” The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/may/08/food-drink-picks-of-the-week


The Taj Bengal can claim some of the credit for the imaginative training it imparted to chef Sunil Sinha who has opened an excellent Indian restaurant called Massala in Cobham, Surrey.... Another chef, Ramesh Lal Shah, has been recruited just to look after the charcoal-fired chulha that needs lighting every morning and raking out and clearing every third day. Apparently only 1 per cent of 8,000-10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK have chulhas but cooking slowly on them does make the food much tastier. That an Indian restaurant should have been welcomed in oh so English Surrey...shows how Indian cuisine has dismantled barriers in Britain. Some time back I listed the top 10 Indian chefs in Britain. To this list, I am now tempted to add Sunil.  Amit Roy The Telegraph Calcutta India  http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100711/jsp/7days/story_12670023.jsp

"...you really do have a team to be proud of...but I have to say that it was all absolutely stunning. I don't say that very often. But it was, I just hope Cobham realises what they have in their locality. Such cooking out classes many of the so-called top restaurants in the West End." Pat Chapman Editor Cobra Good Curry Guide & The Curry Club www.patchapman.co.uk

"...Massala...Cobham is now one of the best places on the planet to get a curry... You can tell there’s a learned skill to marinating the chicken shashlik starter to get it that tender; the lamb maans is a recipe replicated directly from its source in Rajasthan; and the monk fish malabar from Southern India outclasses any fish curry I’ve had...All of these dishes, far from making us think we were tasting something never tried before, filled us with a sense of familiarity – but they’re special. That’s the point. This is curry house going gold standard....I’m convinced I’ve found my favourite local Indian restaurant – but why does it have to be in Cobham? Surely a chef of such distinction could make a killing in the West End. I see this humble little Surrey eatery challenging the likes of the Bombay Brasserie and Cinnamon Kitchen.... Cobham might just have the best local Indian restaurant in the land, but if they’re trying to keep Massala a secret, they’re doing a good job of it. And quite right, too; it’s between me and the residents of Cobham. And the readers of The Arbuturian" www.arbuturian.com/2010/massala-cobham

"...I have to say that this dish was exquisite and the prawns were cooked to perfection - it was possibily the best prawn dish I have ever tasted...and the Peshwari Nan was exceptional; once again, possibly the best I have ever tasted " Daniel Smith Surrey Advertiser

"...Spicing was subtle and seemed, at first, to be quite gentle but gave that growing spice aftertaste that is the mark of a chef who is a master of spicing. Lamb chops were next on the menu and were some of the best, we agreed, that we had ever tasted as chef explained the process which started as far back is purchasing the entire lamb.
Last on our starter journey was a duck dish consisting of goujons of duck , positively spiced which went perfectly with the raita and led to one of our company remarking that Chef Sunil is certainly a 'master of meat'...The total meal was a tour de force in which the main course dishes were equally as exciting as the starters.
The first to get us excited was a plate of thin slivers of duck, cooked and spiced carefully to stay tender and juicy, in an amazing fig sauce that was both rich and redolent of fig seeds. One of our favourites, dal makhni, had to wait until the next dish to be tried as it would have overwhelmed the delicate, fantastic duck but did go brilliantly with the butter chicken which was one of the best we have tried...Combined with a selection of very well cooked breads, there was little more one could have asked for in a meal.
Chef Sunil is undoubtedly a master of his profession and the entire experience at Massala is one to be applauded and supported. The restaurant has already become popular in its short existence but by rights it should be packed every night plus a waiting list of people who enjoy wonderful food at very reasonable prices. Massala can rightly claim to present a serious challenge to any other top restaurant in the sector in the country"  Peter Grove Journalist & Food Critic www.moodfoodmag.com

“This is a superb and intimate modern Indian with cooking which the well-heeled of Cobham and any lover of sub-continental cooking would adore. Flavours are fresh, distinctive and robust without being overpowering, while the service is friendly and efficient. Superb stuff and long may it rule!"  Humayun Hussain, Editor Tandoori Magazine www.tandoorimagazine.com

“Massala is an excellent Indian restaurant with great dishes on their menu, certainly worth making an effort to seek out and undertaking a bit of a journey for. We would definitely recommend it.” Alan King, Foodepedia  www.foodepedia.co.uk

"...the Chef really pushes the boundaries and delivers deliciously divine food" Cat McGovern Fluid London Restaurant Guide www.fluidlondon.co.uk

"Massala, a softly lit, calming restaurant in Cobham, Surrey has got it just right. The menu is full of regional dishes that are well explained and invite you on a food journey through India......  All of this is cooked to perfection- more home style than your usual curry house- so it is not greasy, spicy or salty. Nice style with a lot of substance"    Monisha Bharadwaj Cookery Writer, Journalist and TV Personality www.cookingwithmonisha.com

“The unusual but melt in the mouth Roast Lamb Laziz from the North East region was a pleasant surprise and reminded me of a slow-cooked hearty lamb casserole with all the flavours of India…with its warm, inviting ambience and simply styled modern decor, Massala is for me a taste of home from home. And next time, I’ll be bringing my mum along to vouch for it.” Manju Malhi, Cookery Writer and TV Chef www.manjumalhi.com

"This is really good news! A lovely Indian restaurant in Cobham. Food is delicious - the cooking first class. I've been to restaurants like Benares and Cinamon Club in London and the cooking here is comparable! Will come back again" Sri Owen - Food and Cookery Writer and Travelling Cookery Teacher www.sriowen.com 

"Massala spelt with two “s” is unique, and they have certainly lived up to this status with their inimitable flavours in food, decor and service. Chef Pradeep Asawa has ingenious ways of blending the flavours of spices which are evident in the exquisitely spiced dishes. A true representation of the food of India” Mridula Baljekar Cookery Writer and Broadcaster www.mridula.co.uk

“The food is fantastic – as close to authentic Indian food that you can get in the UK. I had a fabulous dining experience here. I will be back and I will be telling people to come! Your floor staff are a credit to you – it is very hard to find such a high standard of service these days” Sneha Baljekar

"Massala is a surprise... and deserves to be considered as THE out-of-town restaurant for lovers of real Indian food. Great prices and unbeatable quality. Two talented chefs for the price of one. It’s going to be an award-winning restaurant. Remember my words" Chrissie Walker Food Critic "Mostly Asian Food" http://mostlyasianfood.com/#Massala_Indian_Dining

"...wonderful evening and excellent servce... best Indian food I've had outside of India...Love it!" Eastern Eye Newspaper

"Real Indian food with excellent service" Mrs M. Subhashini Minister High Commission of India

"Authentic Indian food with very good service"  Dr A. Murugesan Director Government of India

"...if you are looking for a truly original Indian culinary experience with incredibly tasty food then you really can’t go wrong with Massala, Cobham. I’d go as far to say that out of around 300 Indian restaurants that I must have eaten in over the years, there have only been three that stand out and Massala is definitely up there." http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/massala-fine-indian-restaurant-review-cobham/2010-09-15/

"Best Indian meal I have ever eaten and great service with a smile... Thank you we will be

back" A Chelsea Football Club Player

"De.....li......cio..........us"  John Terry

"We had an absolutely wonderful evening... the food was fantastic I have never tasted better. Thank you to all the staff at Massala..." A Chelsea Football Club WAG

I have been arranging a wide variety of company parties for ALE for the past 20 years and I can honestly tell you that this one stands out above all the rest. From the relaxed and flexible approach you had to our requests for a function which did not really exist in the form that we wanted, to the ideas as to how we might best enhance the event, to the participation, seeing all the staff and partners having a great time enjoying the variety of aspects of the event.Many people commented that they had never had such a diverse and enjoyable Indian meal including lobster, monkfish, king prawns and sea bass all prepared in different ways alongside the lovely chicken and lamb dishes topped off with the dals and nan breads. Many thanks again to you all and your staff for your efforts and for a great party. I am sure we will be back. What will we arrange next time?? Ed Birch. ALE.

"Thank you for an amazing evening - wonderful hospitality and beautiful food" Debbie Arnold Actress Eastenders

"Great Food, delicate flavours excellent service ... a 5 star experience" John Burke MD Google Corporation

"Thank you for the most fantastic night last night... The food was absolutely superb...
I am just so pleased we have a decent Indian restaurant in Cobham! Thank you for making such a huge difference and for all your hard work and commitment. As ever, we are truly grateful and look forward to seeing you soon" Karen Sugarman Shooting Star Children's Hospice www.shootingstar.org.uk  

"I have visited twice and felt I should write to praise the restaurant on the food and service. I have frankly never had an Indian quite like it. I know they say this on their blurb, but the food was simply sublime. Chicken tikka massala was to die for, and as for the nan, I am still dreaming about it..." busybusylondon www.tripadvisor.co.uk

"This is quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had. The food was absolutely superb. The flavours and taste was incredible. I have eaten in most of the Michelin starred restaurants in the UK and you have blown my socks off. Please don't change a thing just keep doing what you're doing. You are the best kept restaurant secret in Britain" PW St. George's Hill Weybridge

"I wanted to thank you for a wonderful dining experience. The food and service was great, not to mention the atmosphere felt like we were at a big family dinner." Philip Hessel East Horsley

"The food was absolutely amazing I have never tasted anything as fresh and authentic as this.... it is wonderful to have such a great restaurant in our town at last" Graham Brooks

"This restaurant is destined for great things if you continue with the authenticity of the flavours and ingredients. I have rarely tasted anything as subtle and yet distinctive in Indian cuisine" Alexander Menzies Woking

"I live in Bradford and know a good curry when I eat one... I had the best chicken tika and nan bread I have ever tasted with friendly and professional service... I will return" Shah Patel

"Delicious food! Fantastic monkfish curry,possibly the best Indian food I've eaten in the UK! Best Indian food outside North India - congratulations to Sunil & the team"

"Simply outstanding! The cocktails were fab. Cheesy naan - very British & very good! Melt in the mouth monkfish * staff are lovely. See y'all again soon" D JV & Alan Gok

"Thanks very much for a wonderful evening...we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves... superb hospitality and simply the best ever curry (I thought the Chilean Merlot was spot-on too). I am very grateful that you organised the tour of the kitchen; icing on the cake, thanks." Michael Nardin Berkshire

"Thanks for my best Indian meal ever. A great selection of tastes and textures and no after effects. It even drew a positive response from Yvonne. A first for her where Indian food is concerned.Why can't it always be like this?"  Greg Kerchhoff BBC

"Fantastic food fantastic service and fantastic ambience. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience - our first of many at Massala"

"We are here with friends from Birmingham. We are from Bournemouth & staying the weekend at Cobham Lodge - did a search on the web for somewhere to eat - yours had the best reviews & we were not disappointed - it was the best we've ever had. Thank you for your hospitality & we will be back again & also recommend you to all friends" Pauline & Malcolm Farr & Andrew & Hayley Cowsill

After 2 takeaways we have at last experienced an "eat in"! Magnificent food and lovely atmosphere" Matt Arnold Bookham

"...my kids only ever wished to eat at Pizza Express, Strada or Loch Fyne, but Massala has changed all that... they love your food and the mocktails are fab.." AG Thames Ditton

"What a fantastic surprise! Amazing food! Fantastic service and great atmosphere. We will definitely be back" Glen & Gaymer Walton on Thames

"Excellent vegetarian choice...really enjoyed the food" SE Leatherhead Surrey

"I'm always apprehensive with taking my young family to an Indian restaurant but I could not believe how much my 3 kids aged 9, 7 and 5 loved the food. They were made to feel very welcome and the food was just amazing.You are just the best restaurant around for miles. Thank you - you have us as customers for keeps!"

"I badly missed Indian food locally since Cobham Tandoori went but Massala is just amazing...it beats every single other Indian dish I have ever eaten..." FG Claygate

"The food & ambience is excellent. The sizzling prawns were brilliant" Stephen Man

"Well I've been to Indian restaurants all over the UK and the World but this is as good as any, if not better. It actually tastes like Indian food. Well done Chef! Also I must mention the whole of the Indian Staff (cricket Team) for their humour and service" Jeremy Yorkshire

"We are already looking forward to coming back again! Fantastic lamb dish! Excellent aloo tikki, also the nan was very tasty in fact we enjoyed it all very much. Different from the usual Indian Curry restaurants" F & L Oxshott

"Have to say being vegetarian this was the best meal I have ever had! Wonderful decor & service will definitely be back. Well done"

"Best Indian food (incl. all round India) great service & thank you to the manager. Be back soon" Lady Veronica Cobham

"Eaten here twice - both times the food has been amazing!! Compliments Chefs!! MW

"Very good food, having spent the last month in the Midlands I consider myself an expert. I felt like all lone diners, that staff sometimes find it hard to deal with just one person, but you've done well! Thanks"

"The best Indian ever. You will be bored of seeing us!! Fantastic" MS Hinchley Wood

"Food & service second to none as usual. Fab way to spend a Saturday evening. Discovered the Pina Colada...Highly recommended" Sarah and Paul Ashtead

"Kevin is very happy, after 4 years he has found a perfect Indian..very good food"

"4th time here - always fantastico! Nice warm friendly. Great to see so many people out on town in sleepy Cobham" The Vikings of Cobham

"A lovely tasting menu and fantastic Indian cooking. Thank God for a good quality restaurant in Cobham"  SW East Horsley

“...you knock spots off the old Cobham Tandoori... its chalk and cheese...” GD Ashtead

"The best curry I have ever had" Jenny aged 5 Guildford

"Its been a long time since we had a true Indian dinner with all those things we look for: balanced spice, flavours from within, all fresh & excellent high quality raw material. Great service & friendly staff! We will come again. Per & Merit Cobham

"Great to have a sophisticated dining experience in Cobham at last" Ivan and Anne

"Sea bass was fantastic - great to have delicious food in Cobham"

"... with fabulous flavours and aromas that cannot be described. I would travel miles to see you again but am lucky enough to have you on my doorstep in Elmbridge" Alan Johnson Esher

"I badly missed Indian food locally since Cobham Tandoori went but Massala is just amazing...it beats every single other Indian restaurant I have ever eaten.in.." FG Claygate

“...I came at the invitation of my good friend John Szepietowski who told me Massala was good but I was not prepared for what I discovered... the best Indian food I have ever tasted...” OW Hinchley Wood