On the wettest February on record we paddled our way from the far corners of Milton Keynes to Wolverton Square and the warmth of Namji. (Actually, it was cold, but we’ll say no more about that.)

My expectations were high, remembering the bustling front room atmosphere from last time with the owner talking about how the dishes had been developed to her family’s taste, and her husband working evening shifts alongside the day job. That does not translate so well onto the new wipe-clean menus.

The food was excellent, if a little on the mild side (– two of our group tried the same dish, one mild and one medium but would really have considered the medium to be mild). Generally speaking this applied across the range although every dish was delicious, and the large mixed grill was large, mixed and excellent!

The service was haphazard – with food being brought as it was ready – so much so that one of our starters arrived as the others were finishing the course and their plates were being cleared. Some of the main courses arrived with their accompanying rices coming much later. That said, it did mean that the dishes arrived as they were ready. Unfortunately there were no warming dishes, and the food was waiting to be served onto cold plates, but that aside it was very pleasant.

Be aware that  it may seem a little pricier than other places but remember that if you want alcohol you bring your own and so there are savings there. We were provided with foil containers to take leftovers home and enjoy the next day.

Overall, the food quality is still good, but it is pricey and has lost its atmosphere – it needs to rediscover the claims on its website – to be the best in Milton Keynes and to fulfil it very laudable community objectives.

Malcolm

Also, check out the scores and the common curry.

Common Curry – Good sized portions but still expensive
Certificate –  No certificate awarded. A great shame it fell down on the overall experience as the food is very good. Is it being neglected because of it’s sister restaurant in the Xscape?
Web site – https://www.namji.uk/

Positive	Negative
Plent of vegertarian choices on the menu	Lacked ambiance, bright lights, only one other family there
Three large ‘rugby ball’ shapes for the Ishrats Keema Aloo kebab. Tasty but a bit too pasty	Also lacked that homely, welcome feel from our previous visit
Punjabi lamb samosa, very tasty	No pops, but not really needed
Chilli grilled prawns, six prawns, sweet mayo sauce on the side	Given two menus, not sure why
All good sized portions for the starters	Starters came out a different times, 10 mins difference
Pakora (fish), very tasty	Starter plates being cleared while some still eating
Mixed grill, really huge, prawns, lamb and potato ok but the chicken and kebab were dry	Plates for mains were cold, waiter responded, “we dont have plate warmers”
All dishes will be prepared to your preferred spice level	Restaurant was cold, waiter responded, “were only a small outfit”
Saag Gosth, very tender and flavoursome	Cold air fan finally switched on, we changed it to warm ourselves
Very tasty and gratuitous serving of Chicken and Prawn Korma
Lovely Lahori Karahi Lamb, very tasty, great lamb
Nicely spiced Methi chicken, as ordered. Thicker than the average sauce
Generally the naan, rice (also good portions) and veggie sides were all good
Keema naan good, if you don’t like it too doughy, was a bit greasy though