Viraaj
Opening up a new restaurant just down the road from where you ran a popular place like the Dilshad would be a daunting task, but not so for Sufi Miah - who did just that when he opened Viraaj in October 2010 on the old Woodseats pub.
And it resulted in another warm and welcoming venue, thanks, in part, to the black and red decor, but mainly down to the enthusiasm and hospitality of Sufi and his staff.
The Food
I often get a slight sense of trepidation when I’m told that ‘it’s a contemporary twist on traditional cuisine’, so it was with this in the back of my mind, that my wife and I were shown to our table.
Poppadoms and pickle tray were swiftly delivered - and this was a pickle tray with a difference. Featuring carrot pickle and tamarind sauce alongside mint yogurt and onion and mango, the tamarind sauce in particular hit the spot nicely.
For starters, my wife opts for the Haleem Soup; a tasty, hearty mix of strips of meat, potatoes and lentils. I go for the Chicken Kalijee - a fiery mix of onions, peppers, chili and… chicken liver! Not something you’d normally see on menus in most Indian restaurants.
The liver was cooked to perfection. After a bit of a breather my main arrives, packed with tender lamb and cooked with Bengal bitter lemons which gave it a delightfully sour flavour. The wife plumped for the grilled Pangash - beautifully cooked bit of fish.
The Verdict
Comfortable, informal surroundings, knowledgeable staff (the chef has won awards, and generous portions of well made, tasty food, make it a winner.
I guess I shouldn’t have worried about that ‘contemporary twist’. Not when it’s this good.
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Takeaway also available.
Additional Information:
- Opening times
- Sunday – Thursday – 6pm-11.30am Friday – Saturday – 6pm-12am
- Avg Starter
- £2.50-£8.95
- Avg Main
- £5.95-£10.95
- Cuisine
- Indian & Bangladeshi
Contact information
- Address
- 743 Chesterfield Road
Woodseats
Sheffield - Postcode
- S8 0SL
- Telephone
- 0114 2509066
- Website
- http://www.viraaj.co.uk
