Essence Of Bengal - Thurrock

Took the opportunity of their special 4 courses for £12 which is for Thursday night only. Did phone up to see if we needed to reserve and though they took our name,there was no need. A group of guys on a night out was the only company and as the restaurant is on the small side did in the end look crowded. We shared a Shemi Kebab and Sheesh kebab for starters . Tasty and spicey. For my main meal had the Murgh Melai (Malayan Chicken )which stated as hot and creamy. Very tasty but lacking in spice. My wife had the Pistachio Chicken which she said was very tasty. The 4 course was made up of a starter, main with rice(or naan bread) and a vegetable side dish. I had the Motor Paneer and my wife had the Aubergine as vegetable side dish. King Prawns,Prawns and a mixed meat dish were not included in the deal,though all the other options like Chefs specials were. Beer £4 and a glass of wine £6. All over an enjoyable meal and will come again. Have marked it as average as good not an option. Service was ok,as just one guy doing all the ordering and serving. The wait was not long so no complaints

The Bengal is 1 of 2 Indian restaurants on Lampits hill so are trying to be good to stay in business at this trying time. We had a good meal there and would definitely go again.I usually have a Madras which was fine and interestingly slightly hotter (spice wise) than the other restaurant down the road Reasonably priced. No real problems so would recommend

As always guys. Great night out. Your company is part of our evening. Food is great beers always cold and the ciders in the fridge. Great cuisine followed by a coffee. Lovely jubbly

Live locally, always had good food but not this time. Always order tikka chicken in whatever dish we have, this time we ordered the set meal one B and an extra main meal both has tikka chicken, it could of been anything we was eating, no flavour, full of water and definitely not tasting like chicken. Afraid we will not be going back.

I didn’t think it was possible for Indian food to be so lacking in taste. Had a prawn puri ? to start, and a chicken madras, with mushroom rice for main course. I reckon if I’d been blindfolded, I’d have struggled to tell the difference between the prawns and the chicken. All very wet. Not good enough.