Massala Lounge,
3 School Road, Sale, M33 7XY
Telephone 0161 972 0400

I have often passed the Massala Lounge and couldn’t quite decide if it was a bar, a restaurant or both. One of the girls from the office said she had a good curry there recently, so we decided to pay it a visit. It is situated beside the Metrolink Station and opposite the Town Hall.

The layout of the dining room has a sixties feel about it, being angular shaped and quite bright. Cosy would be the wrong adjective. However it is warm, draught free (except at the bar) and double glazed against the passing Sale traffic.

Our coats were taken and we were shown to our table where we were offered poppadoms, drinks and menus. The restaurant was quite quiet and there were plenty of staff on duty.

We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio, a jug of iced water and some poppadoms to keep us going whilst we studied the extensive menu. As openers we both had prawn puri, a spicy prawn concoction served in a pancake. Very nice it was too, although the portions were large for starters, considering the Indian feast that was to follow.

For the main course we ordered a balti sauce, and Nawabi, a highly marinated chicken dish served sizzling on a hot platter.

On the side we had dishes of pilau rice, keema naan bread and saag aloo, a soothing combination of spinach and potatoes.

Both dishes were subtletly cooked with herbs and spices from the Indian subcontinent, creating tastes that felt hot in the mouth yet allowed other flavours to announce their presence.

The side dishes perfectly complimented the main courses.

There was no room for dessert given the ample portions we were served with. Anyway, I believe dessert is an addition to the British/Indian menu that wouldn’t be found in a traditional setting.

The service was prompt and helpful. The bill came to £51 for two of us. A birthday party of 20 came in shortly before we left and the place came to life. The restaurant has no difficulty catering for large groups.

Will we return?

Yes, this is a good Bengali cuisine and we liked their hot, spicy flavours.

Our Verdict

Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Food: 8.5/10
Value for money: 9/10

Editor’s note: If there is a restaurant you think our TMD should visit, good or bad, then let us know with an email to tmd@haahandbook or call us on 0161 975 4925.