Unfortunately, woeful. Seekh kebab was overcooked and tasteless. Prawn Ceylon seemed to comprise of prawns that were flavourless and at best partially cooked. Sauce was generic tomato, green chilies and I think dried coconut flakes, couldn't taste any other spices. Had a pint of John Smiths sold as draught on the menu, came from the kitchen rather than the bar and was remarkably similar to Smiths that would come out of a can. I know the place is well thought of, hope it can get back to what it used to be.
Jason T
Dined here tonight. We should have walked out when we were told there was a 2 hour wait. I thought this was an exaggeration so decided to say. Our meal arrived just within 2 hours. Both my wife and I though that our curries tasted sweet and weird. We both left at least half.The reason for the wait is that the owner won’t let the waiter even pour a drinkAnyway, life is too short for a 2 hour wait for a curry, we don’t do fast Akbar’s but regular speed like Massala on Borough road.
eddie brown
Jamal is a great host, who goes above an beyond to serve wonderfull Indian food.He does it all himself with help for two staff.Please be patient getting your food as it is worth the wait.Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options.Parking close by.Wheelchair access.
Charlotte West
The food was really nice.... but... the atmosphere was rubbish, the staff basic and we were overcharged compared to menu prices. Which made us feel like they were taking advantage of us not being locals
H Brown
Really enjoyed our curry. The service from start to finish was exemplary. You can really set this restaurant apart from its contemporaries in the area due to its fresh ingredients and home style cooking.Sure to be back soon 10/10Wheelchair accessibility: Automatic doors and low level entry
Paul Heath
Hard working chef, owner, barman all in one!Food is prepared and cooked fresh so expect the time in the restersunt to reflect same .The food is brilliant, lovely tasting and good portion size .Tried it once a few months ago and been back twice and not been disappointed. Forget Akbars frozen pre prepared menu delivered from Bradford this is freshly cooked and tastey . Highly recommended.Told amr.jamal to just do me something of lamb medium hot and he did not dissapount me.
Danielle C
We visited this restaurant for my husbands birthday, we phoned directly and booked a table with Jamal. When we arrived he was hysterically shouting and telling us that he was too busy! We are used to this, he moans about this every single time!! This time though, there were 3 tables in - all sat in shock as he was shouting and balling at us! We tried to explain that we had a table booked as we were confused but he was swinging his arms around. We walked out embarrassed. I wrote an honest review as we were so disappointed and he responded by calling us rubbish customers and we don’t understand. No we don’t understand, hire more staff, don’t take bookings or close your restaurant. As speaking to paying customers like that is not acceptable!!
Stewart Lance
Best indian in boro. Absolutely unreal food
Danielle Chadwick
Have been to Jamal’s numerous times over the year. Although the food is nice, he stands there moaning about how stressed and busy he is as he cooks it all fresh. Great but hire another chef… booked a table tonight for my husbands birthday. Turned up and he started shouting and balling saying he was about to shut the door as he is so busy! There was 3 tables seated (10 people) he was shouting at us in front of everyone saying we should have booked as it will take time for him to cook the food. We explained that we booked and he said there must have been an issue online. I pointed out that I booked it directly with him on the phone!! After a few minutes of being totally humiliated and balled at in front of everyone, waving his arms around and almost hysterical - we walked out! How does he stay open? So rude! Never again!
Jimmy Sp
Great place. Plan ahead for little bit of time but food is unrivalled for quality and taste
At Jamal's it's all about the food - which has been excellent for over 25 years we've been eating there. Good curries take time, and these are GREAT, so please don't be in a rush. Jamal personally serves a table at a time, cooking each dish to order. Worth trying some different dishes - Jamal will often suggest something to try based on what you normally like.Some of our favourites:Chicken Tikka Kalia (with some Naga chilli)Lamb Methi (takes time and skill to get such flavour from the fenugreek leaves)Chicken Dansak (lots of flavours and nice if you like something sweet but tangy)Tarka dall (again, needs time to get the full flavour from the garlic)Saag aloo or lamb saag (haven't found many chefs who can get that much flavour from spinach)Chicken tikka biryani (plenty of subtle flavours, and no soggy rice)Onion naan
ALETowlson
Visiting from Nottingham and came with my Dad and friends. We were told everything was cooked fresh and there may be a wait - and it was well worth it. Food was amazing and Jamal was so friendly. Will be coming back next time I am visiting.
IanC87
The best Indian food in Middlesbrough, Jamal, cooks all the food himself. You have to wait for the food but it's worth it. Thanks Jamal
Lisa Moon
Sorry to say as much as I loved this place, there was no atmosphere, only one waiter serving drinks/food.Had to preorder curries?
Trucker Butty
My partner and I found ourselves in Middlesbrough and staying at the Jurys inn hotel, we decided on an Indian meal for tea, sooo glad we googled nearby eateries and Jamal’s was closest, the food and service was second to none! It was a lovely experience as The man himself introduced us to his restaurant and explained what to expect and he didn’t disappoint, he came by when we had finished eating to see if all was ok, felt a real personal touch from a guy who clearly had cooked everything to order fresh. Very tasty food at an affordable price portion sizes are bang on too.
Unfortunately, woeful. Seekh kebab was overcooked and tasteless. Prawn Ceylon seemed to comprise of prawns that were flavourless and at best partially cooked. Sauce was generic tomato, green chilies and I think dried coconut flakes, couldn't taste any other spices. Had a pint of John Smiths sold as draught on the menu, came from the kitchen rather than the bar and was remarkably similar to Smiths that would come out of a can. I know the place is well thought of, hope it can get back to what it used to be.
Dined here tonight. We should have walked out when we were told there was a 2 hour wait. I thought this was an exaggeration so decided to say. Our meal arrived just within 2 hours. Both my wife and I though that our curries tasted sweet and weird. We both left at least half.The reason for the wait is that the owner won’t let the waiter even pour a drinkAnyway, life is too short for a 2 hour wait for a curry, we don’t do fast Akbar’s but regular speed like Massala on Borough road.
Jamal is a great host, who goes above an beyond to serve wonderfull Indian food.He does it all himself with help for two staff.Please be patient getting your food as it is worth the wait.Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options.Parking close by.Wheelchair access.
The food was really nice.... but... the atmosphere was rubbish, the staff basic and we were overcharged compared to menu prices. Which made us feel like they were taking advantage of us not being locals
Really enjoyed our curry. The service from start to finish was exemplary. You can really set this restaurant apart from its contemporaries in the area due to its fresh ingredients and home style cooking.Sure to be back soon 10/10Wheelchair accessibility: Automatic doors and low level entry
Hard working chef, owner, barman all in one!Food is prepared and cooked fresh so expect the time in the restersunt to reflect same .The food is brilliant, lovely tasting and good portion size .Tried it once a few months ago and been back twice and not been disappointed. Forget Akbars frozen pre prepared menu delivered from Bradford this is freshly cooked and tastey . Highly recommended.Told amr.jamal to just do me something of lamb medium hot and he did not dissapount me.
We visited this restaurant for my husbands birthday, we phoned directly and booked a table with Jamal. When we arrived he was hysterically shouting and telling us that he was too busy! We are used to this, he moans about this every single time!! This time though, there were 3 tables in - all sat in shock as he was shouting and balling at us! We tried to explain that we had a table booked as we were confused but he was swinging his arms around. We walked out embarrassed. I wrote an honest review as we were so disappointed and he responded by calling us rubbish customers and we don’t understand. No we don’t understand, hire more staff, don’t take bookings or close your restaurant. As speaking to paying customers like that is not acceptable!!
Best indian in boro. Absolutely unreal food
Have been to Jamal’s numerous times over the year. Although the food is nice, he stands there moaning about how stressed and busy he is as he cooks it all fresh. Great but hire another chef… booked a table tonight for my husbands birthday. Turned up and he started shouting and balling saying he was about to shut the door as he is so busy! There was 3 tables seated (10 people) he was shouting at us in front of everyone saying we should have booked as it will take time for him to cook the food. We explained that we booked and he said there must have been an issue online. I pointed out that I booked it directly with him on the phone!! After a few minutes of being totally humiliated and balled at in front of everyone, waving his arms around and almost hysterical - we walked out! How does he stay open? So rude! Never again!
Great place. Plan ahead for little bit of time but food is unrivalled for quality and taste
Restaurantji Recommends
At Jamal's it's all about the food - which has been excellent for over 25 years we've been eating there. Good curries take time, and these are GREAT, so please don't be in a rush. Jamal personally serves a table at a time, cooking each dish to order. Worth trying some different dishes - Jamal will often suggest something to try based on what you normally like.Some of our favourites:Chicken Tikka Kalia (with some Naga chilli)Lamb Methi (takes time and skill to get such flavour from the fenugreek leaves)Chicken Dansak (lots of flavours and nice if you like something sweet but tangy)Tarka dall (again, needs time to get the full flavour from the garlic)Saag aloo or lamb saag (haven't found many chefs who can get that much flavour from spinach)Chicken tikka biryani (plenty of subtle flavours, and no soggy rice)Onion naan
Visiting from Nottingham and came with my Dad and friends. We were told everything was cooked fresh and there may be a wait - and it was well worth it. Food was amazing and Jamal was so friendly. Will be coming back next time I am visiting.
The best Indian food in Middlesbrough, Jamal, cooks all the food himself. You have to wait for the food but it's worth it. Thanks Jamal
Sorry to say as much as I loved this place, there was no atmosphere, only one waiter serving drinks/food.Had to preorder curries?
My partner and I found ourselves in Middlesbrough and staying at the Jurys inn hotel, we decided on an Indian meal for tea, sooo glad we googled nearby eateries and Jamal’s was closest, the food and service was second to none! It was a lovely experience as The man himself introduced us to his restaurant and explained what to expect and he didn’t disappoint, he came by when we had finished eating to see if all was ok, felt a real personal touch from a guy who clearly had cooked everything to order fresh. Very tasty food at an affordable price portion sizes are bang on too.