Usha Indian Restaurant Stratford Upon Avon

So, there I was, wandering the charming streets of Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, when my stomach started rumbling like a distant thunder. I'd spent the morning exploring the Bard's birthplace and now, I was in desperate need of some sustenance. I looked around, and that's when I spotted it - a vibrant, little Indian restaurant tucked away in a corner, like a hidden treasure. It was Usha, and it was love at first sight.

Now, I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but Usha's exterior was already giving me all the right vibes. The warm, inviting glow spilling out from its windows, the tantalizing aromas wafting through the air, and the friendly faces peeking out from behind the counter - it was like it was beckoning me in, whispering, "Come, sit, stay awhile."

First Impressions

Stepping inside Usha was like stepping into a little piece of India. The walls were adorned with colorful paintings of elephants, peacocks, and lush landscapes. The soft hum of conversation in the air was a mix of English and something that sounded suspiciously like my server's attempt at a Stratford accent meets Mumbai. I chuckled, taking a seat at a table by the window.

I was greeted by a smiling face, a menu, and the question that always makes my heart flutter - "What can I get you to drink?" I went for the classic, a mango lassi, and settled in to peruse the menu. But before I could even decide, a basket of papadums and a selection of chutneys arrived at my table. Freebies? I was already sold.

Food, Glorious Food

Now, I'm no stranger to Indian food, but Usha's menu was something else. It was like they'd taken all my favorite dishes, given them a little twist, and said, "Here, have some of this." I went for the Murgh Tikka starter - succulent pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a tandoor oven. It was like a party in my mouth, and everyone was invited.

For my main, I opted for the Lamb Rogan Josh. I mean, who can resist a dish named after a Kashmiri prince? And boy, did it live up to its royal name. The lamb was tender, the sauce rich and creamy, and the spices - oh, the spices! They danced on my tongue like a Bollywood chorus line. I was in heaven.

But the pièce de résistance, the cherry on top of this Indian food sundae, was the dessert. I'd heard whispers of Usha's Gulab Jamun, and I was not disappointed. These sweet, syrupy balls of dough were like little clouds of heaven, melting in my mouth and leaving me wanting more.

Service with a Smile

Now, I've had my fair share of meals out, and I can tell you, the service at Usha was something special. From the moment I walked in until the moment I waddled out (yes, I ate that much), I was treated like royalty. The staff were attentive, friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. It's like they were serving up not just food, but happiness.

And the cherry on top of this service sundae? The owner, a lovely lady named Usha (yes, the restaurant is named after her), came over to chat with me. She told me about her journey, about how she'd brought a little piece of India to Stratford, and about how she loved seeing people enjoy her food. I felt like I was part of her story, and she was part of mine.

So, Would I Recommend Usha?

Are you kidding me? In a heartbeat. If you're in Stratford Upon Avon and you're looking for a taste of India, look no further than Usha. It's not just a restaurant, it's an experience. It's warm, it's welcoming, it's delicious, and it's a little piece of India in the heart of Shakespeare country.

So, next time you find yourself in Stratford, do yourself a favor. Skip the fish and chips (well, maybe not skip it entirely, but you know what I mean), and head to Usha. Your taste buds will thank you. And who knows, you might just find yourself a little piece of heaven, just like I did.