I have been doing reviews of Croydon’s local restaurants for some time, many good, some mediocre and a few which have been pretty poor, writes Claire Gadd.

So when I was asked to sample the food at Taste of Bengal at Station Parade, Sanderstead, I was hoping it would not disappoint – and it proved it was definitely one of the better places I have tried.

The interior is softly lit, contemporary in style, but still warm and welcoming.

We were shown to our table by a smartly-dressed smiling waiter who made sure we were settled, supplied us with poppadums and went to get our drinks order while we looked at the menu.

My guest and I decided to share starters of King prawn puree and a mixed platter of chicken tikka, samosa and onion bhaji. They were absolutely delicious.

For the main course we ordered one of my favourites – chicken tikka masala and Haryali chicken which is baked in a marinade of spinach, mint and coriander puree, served in a creamy sauce.

We ordered Keema rice (cooked with minced lamb) different but equally delicious and some light and fluffy Peshwari naan (stuffed with coconut, sultanas and almonds). This really was an exceptional meal .

And in these economic times, the prices are more than reasonable with many starters being less than £3 and curries for just over £4.

The whole family will love the Sunday buffet which is available between 12.30 and 6pm for just £5.90 for adults and £4.90 for children under 12.

You can also eat as much as you like with the lavish buffet evening every Tuesday from 5.30 to 10pm when there are more than 20 freshly prepared dishes to choose from.

This costs just £6.90 for children under 10 and £8.90 for adults.

A takeaway service is offered with a 10 per cent discount for those collecting their meal or you can receive two bottles of beer for orders over £20 delivered to your home. Free delivery is offered on orders more than £10 within a three-mile radius.

Taste of Bengal 1 Station Parade Sanderstead South Croydon CR2 0PH Tel: 020 8651 5445/020 8768 3818 www.tasteofbengaluk.com