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British Curry Awards 'Best Newcomer' finalist Maya in
Surbiton, Surrey was one of the many restaurants all over Britain
raising money for The Curry Tree Charitable Fund during National
Curry Week.
Visiting the smart restaurant to collect the cheque we were welcomed
by Shamim Malek who runs the already popular venue like a veteran
majordomo, very much belying his years. Opened on the site of an ex
Italian restaurant, Maya is luxuriously decorated in beige and brown
with good table layout and very comfortable chairs.
We were put at ease by Hussain, who declared himself to be "the
number one waiter in the word" (and who are we to argue?) and
watched as the restaurant filled up despite it being midweek. The
menu was extensive and very keenly priced and we enjoyed a selection
of starters (around £3.95) such as King Prawn, Shami Kebab and
Chicken Chaat, before deciding on the main courses (£around
£7.95). With a good choice of seafood dishes and even nine
different duck creations, it took some serious decision making but we
settled on a spicy Khalia dish, Saag Prawn and lovely tender lamb.
The entire meal, washed down by a very nice Chenin Blanc, was very
enjoyable and set in a very relaxing and comfortable atmosphere with
a background buzz from a lot of happy looking diners. Maya is not
likely to set the world alight with innovative cuisine but it is
certainly offering exactly what its target market wants, so deserves
every success. |
