National Curry Week: the top 10 Indian restaurants in Essex

From kormas to jalfrezis, we just can't get enough of the spicy food - and have now dedicated an entire week to celebrating the curry.

There are a number of great restaurants serving the popular dish in Essex, but here are the top 10 according to Trip Advisor.

1. The Ghurka Restaurant, Chelmsford

This Chelmsford gem tops the list. The Nepalese curries are rich in flavours and spices which make it a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.

One reviewer writes: "I eat here very regularly. Today fancied something different and had a full vegetarian meal - a first for me. Beautifully prepared and presented. The service, was as always, exemplary. If you haven't discovered this gem yet here yet you really should give it a try." 

2. Village Indiya, Grays

An impressive 80 per cent of reviewers rated this restaurant as "excellent". 

Reviewers praise the service, food and interior of the curry house.

3. Maharaja Restaurant Benfleet

This Benfleet restaurant boasts a buffet and disco complete with dance floor.

A reviewer commented: " We had a meal for 6. This is still the best Indian for miles - excellent food and really friendly service. Would definitely recommend."

4. Cinnamon Restaurant, North Weald

Although a tad out of the way, this restaurant certainly seems worth the trip as it takes the fourth spot.

One reviewer said: "Again the cinnamon proved to be another successful night out with my family. The staff are so friendly and helpful nothing at all is a problem, the food is excellent - consistently good - the wines are lovely and go well with each dish. The tables are well laid out, with lots of room in between, never crushed together. There's nothing more I can say, other then,can't wait for my next visit."

5. New Delhi Grays​

A second entry for Grays, with reviewers praising the welcoming staff, fresh food with ample portions and exceptional service.

One reviewer even said the restaurant served the best Indian food she has eaten.

6. Livedosa, Chelmsford

Live Dosa specialises in Keralan food, from the south west of India. Dosas - a sort of pancake - are the one of the many speciality dishes it serves.

The food is praised by reviewers as being particularly flavoursome.

7. Tandoori Parlour, Thundersley

Tandoori Parlour is still open - despite being confused with Benfleet Tandoori which has been closed down.

Tandoori Parlour offers a buffet or sit down meal and there is a vast selection of dishes to chose from.

A reviewer wrote: "This has got to be one of the most relaxing restaurant I have ever been to. The food was delicious and there was a huge veriety to choose from. The staff were so very attentive and friendly, that it felt that we were close friends rather than visitors. Brilliant place all round."

8. Redchillizes, Westcliff

This restaurant is praised for its "authentic and genuine" cuisine. It specialises in dishes from south India.

Prices are reasonable and there is a good choice of vegetarian dishes too.

9. Yak & Yeti, Leigh

Yak and Yeti offers authentic Indian cuisine along with delecious Nepalese and Tibetan cooking, given you a number of different dishes to try.

One reviewer wrote: "Had a family meal with a vegetarian amongst us. The menu was varied with plenty to choose from. The food was excellent and the service was faultless. We will be back very soon!"

10. Kushi​, Grays

Kushi is a family run restaurant and provides fresh and authentic food from regions of India and Bangladesh.

It also has restaurants on Canvey.

A reviewer said: "Fantastic service from the staff, really welcoming and accommodating. The food was unreal. They had some specials on the board that i was so happy I went with. Can't go wrong with great quality and big portion size. Great value and as always can't wait to go back!"