 See what I mean about the steps...? 
Possibly The Best Curry House In London!
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Recommendation added: 25/06/2006 22:22
By: dewberry (YSUK rating +825)dewberry has been thanked 2 times for this contribution
"If you're ever wanting a bite to eat at London's Docklands, then look no further than Mem Saheb on Thames.
Mem Saheb is an Indian restaurant located on Amsterdam Road. The colourful outside fits perfectly with the multi ethnic restaurants which are dotted around this area – although it's nice to see an Indian restaurant which actually LOOKS authentic.
When you go in, do try to get a table near a window as from here you've got a fantastic view of the Thames and the ill fated (but very impressive) Millennium Dome.
The seating arrangements are slightly cramped, but this is quite a small restaurant by London standards so I can see why they're making good use of space. Most tables seemed to seat four, with a few tables for two and a couple which would seat six. Mem Saheb will, however, push two tables together if you're bringing a larger party. Tables are attractively laid out with crisp white tablecloths and pretty vases containing real flowers.
By the time we arrived we were both ravenous so ordered starters, main courses and several accompaniments to the meal. I had Onion Bhaji's to start, which were deliciously doughy with a fabulous onion seasoning. For my main meal I chose Chicken Korma which was served with the lightest, fluffiest pilau rice I've tasted in a long time. The Korma was so tasty that I actually licked my knife when I'd finished eating! There was a huge amount of well cooked chicken and the sauce was rich and creamy rather than greasy, as seems to be the norm in sit down Indian restaurants these days. The Naan Bread which I ordered was doughy, floury and delicious – just the thing for mopping up the very last of the Korma sauce.
My partner ate Lamb Biryani which was also great; I find lamb is notoriously chewy when used in curry but here at Mem Saheb the meat was tender and had retained its moisture. The sauce had a healthy kick to it, becoming (according to Mark) very spicy the more he ate. The heat of the sauce was soothed somewhat by the fluffy boiled rice which is served with this dish that was, apparently, better than any curry house in Birmingham!
We also ordered chips, samosas and poppadoms to go with our meal, all of which were perfect – particularly the poppadoms which were served with a lovely spicy salsa and minty yogurt dip.
For pudding (yes, I had room!) I ate lychees and ice cream which was lovely. I'm pretty sure the ice cream was pistachio but I can't be 100% about that and didn't like to ask for fear of looking dense!
Staff at Mem Saheb are great, very attentive with a brilliant knowledge of the menu. They look ultra smart in black suits and those little white pinnies which just touch the knees.
Mem Saheb is licensed with a very small choice of drinks. Lager seems to be the order of the day here, with several brands available both bottled and on tap. We both drank Kronenberg; but could have chosen from Carlsberg, Fosters or a selection of spirits. I noticed they sell Pimms!
Our two hour stay at Mem Saheb cost a total of £75 including a tip, and while that sounds expensive don't forget two of us had each eaten our bodyweight in delicious and authentic food!
Disabled access isn't, to put it mildly, great. There are steep steps to get to the entrance of Mem Saheb and as I mentioned earlier, the inside is packed and could be awkward for someone with mobility problems. Add to this the fact that there is limited parking in this area and you'll probably have a bit of a walk to get to the place.
The best way to get here is using the underground. Get off at New Cross Station and walk down to the Docklands. At the main roundabout for the Isle of Dogs take the 1st exit A1206 Manchester Road and then turn left into Amsterdam Road. It's approximately a ten minute walk.
It is possible to drive here, but it's through some tedious London traffic. Drive into the Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach, follow the signs for Central London and turn at the A13 East India Dockroad. From here Docklands and the Isle of Dogs are clearly signposted, and once again you need to take the A1206 Manchester Road and turn left in Amsterdam Road.
Mem Saheb on Thames
65 – 67 Amsterdam Road
London
E14 3UU
Tel: 02085383008"
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