Shanti, Leeds

Just off Kirkstall Road in Leeds you will find Vue cinemas in a look-a-like industrial estate. In the said estate are many restaurants. Most of them cheap and cheerful, such as Pizza Hut and Mc Donald’s. However there is a jewel in the estate that is Shanti.

I reviewed this Indian restaurant some 18 months ago, and at that time it was endeavouring to break the Indian dining out mould. For example, spending a few hours enjoying great food with a great atmosphere as well as sampling the odd bottle or two of vino.

Have they achieved it? I would have to say no, although trends are changing quite rapidly towards the nation’s official favourite food with more and more Indian restaurants raising the bar where standards and venue are concerned.

Shanti’s major drawback is its location, yet funnily enough that is also its strength. It gets a big overflow from the cinema. Let’s face it, a good film and a curry, does life get any better?

Shanti offers more than that, much more in fact. The food served is probably in the top five of its kind in the region. It tastes fresh and light. After chatting to the owner he explained everything is fresh and individually cooked to order. Apparently even things like the chic peas and spinach are fresh. Not tinned. Which I understand could be unique in this area. You can tell the difference! The food is very, very good! The chicken is extremely tender, as is the lamb. The starters are first class. Not typical of Indian starters; very light and fresh tasting.

Shanti has a U.S.P (unique selling point) in that the adjoining restaurant is an American diner, namely `Louisiana’. From the start of January 08 anyone wanting ribs, burgers, corn on the cob etc. can order from the Louisiana menu. Great for kids or couples where someone does not like Indian. Though why anyone would be with someone who does not eat curries is beyond me!

Shanti offers a dining experience not many other Asian restaurants do. The food is unusually light and because the food is so freshly cooked your dining time is extended. In a way this forces you to relax a bit more and stop the indoctrinated idea of a ‘twenty minute curry and home’ syndrome.

Amit, the owner is always on hand and is clearly proud of what he has achieved. Shanti does lack atmosphere and the staff need to smarten up a little, or need a uniform, however they are attentive and do look after you. When you introduce two restaurants into one, I suppose you are going to get some teething problems. Its redeeming feature is that the food is superb.

Category under £20.00

Review Summary

Atmosphere ♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦

Contact Details

Shanti at Louisiana
11 Cardigan Fields
Leisure Park
Kirkstall Road
Leeds LS4 2AZ

Tel: 0113 203 8458