At Blog Preston we love new places to eat at. It doesn’t matter what the food is. Egyptian, Hungarian, Chinese, English..err, well we don’t get many of those these days. But when we are told about a new curry house we are first in the queue.

The new Silk Route curry restaurant emerged from the ‘ashes’ of the ill-fated Ming Dynasty Chinese restaurant off Strand Road.

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The place is situated on what looks like an industrial park. But it’s not really. Just set back from the main road and plenty of free parking which is a real bonus.

We were invited to try the food on opening day. I can tell you it was an interesting evening.

Opening day for any new venue can be traumatic. Especially if the essentials such as the electric wiring isn’t finished or the main sign hasn’t been put up outside. Last minute ‘tweaks’ were everywhere.

Despite that, the place was packed. Word must have really spread to all curry lovers in the neighbourhood. They were all here! Orderly queues formed at the entrance as hungry diners eagerly awaited a table.

We just politely asked to be seated, and we were. With much apologies from the staff for waiting all of 15 minutes!

Being first night of a brand new restaurant we were treated to a selection of ‘tasters’. There was no menu to choose from. This was not a normal night.

The hugely helpful and very apologetic staff started us off with a poppadom and pickle tray. Crisp poppadoms and a choice of four ‘dips’. Mango Chutney, Lime Pickle, Yoghurt Raita etc. Very pleasant.

Starters were a pile of Chicken Tikka pieces on the bone with salad. Tender and very well cooked.

We noticed the seemingly manic service from the waiters, flitting around the room trying to make sure everyone was fed. And they did, doing a great job on the (first) night.

There were so many people wanting a table by now we noticed staff putting up makeshift trestle tables and covering with tablecloth. Very enterprising and the punters didn’t mind.

They made sure we had the mains tasters quick enough as well.

We were given a plate of saffron rice with what looked like chilli strips and four pots bursting with curry goodness that I think were Vegetarian Curry, Chicken Tika Masala, Lamb Bhuna and Chicken Dahl.

All the dishes were very tasty and very different. Well done to them for choosing dishes with varying textures and flavours.

The star for me was unusually the veg curry. Absolutely delicious. The lamb was on the bone which was surprising but understandable as more flavour can be gained cooking that way. Must say the rice was excellent.

Food wise I don’t think the Silk Route has anything to worry about. The teething problems of a new opening will get better. I didn’t hear anyone complaining and the staff and management went overboard in a nice way with their welcoming service and attitude.

We cannot score the Silk Route based on their opening night but we will return later in the year to try out more dishes and to see how they are getting on.

Tel: 01772 378998

The Silk Route
Strand Road
Preston
PR1 8UY

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Have you been to the Silk Route yet? Let us know in the comments below