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Aziz 228-230 Cowley Road. Tel 794945

Reviewed
April 04

Aziz has a reputation as the best curry house in Oxford. Although, sadly, I can't admit to having tried quite all of the alternatives, I was certainly curious to discover whether the food was worth the long trek from my house in Jericho, especially given that I had to pass so many of my old favourites on the way.
My first impressions were certainly favourable. Having arrived slightly early we relaxed in comfortable chairs, nibbling on the Bombay mix provided, while our tables were readied. Once seated, we ordered a round of popadoms and some draught Kingfisher while we perused the extensive menu, enjoying the literary gems interspersed with the dish descriptions. When the chutneys arrived with the above, they were an excellent selection and full of flavour.
The menu was varied with a superb combination of traditional flavours and restaurant specialities. Being a vegetarian I was delighted with the number of meat-free main courses on offer. In addition to the menu there was also a daily specials card on the table.
A difficult choice made, I ordered Palak Paneer. When it arrived, the dish was richly flavoured with a good balance of cheese and spinach. The Paneer cheese was probably the best I have ever tasted; light and not at all greasy. My friends chose Chicken Dopiaza and Bangladeshi Fish Curry. The chicken was very tasty with a good heat. Perfectly textured, the meat was well combined with the spices and the dish had clearly been prepared with some care. The Bangladeshi curry was delicately flavoured allowing the natural taste of the fish to come through well without sacrificing the rich spices.
A pleasant surprise when our food arrived was a complimentary vegetable side dish of lightly spiced root vegetables to share. The rice portions were generous and the naan bread light although the puri bread was slightly greasy.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet and intimate. It seemed like the kind of place you could bring a date without the common Oxford worry of a rowing eight or a rugby team taking over your evening! The service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing. The ambience was certainly suitable for an occasion demanding more than an average curry. Despite this the prices were not too expensive for an indulgent treat with no occasion to excuse it! Highly recommended.

For a main meal, bread, rice and popadoms you should expect to pay about £11-13 (maybe a little more for some special dishes).

Laura Duggan