Shalbon makes me swoon with its delicious aromas every time I open my front door and yet, whenever I pass it, it does not seem blessed with trade.
I've only ordered takeaway. While it was nothing out of the ordinary, there was certainly no room to complain. Staff were courteous and we were encouraged to ask questions about items on an impressive menu. A small seating area for takeaway customers makes the whole thing that much more pleasant.
But yet, those empty seats.
In fairness, it has nothing to do with standards but sheer saturation of similar. Five or more curry restaurants lurk within a very small distance. The trouble for Shalbon is that they are all relatively high-concept; Panache, for instance, offering a consciously higher-end environment, with Turmeric Jones also trying to trade off a younger, professional crowd. It could also be the case that it's somewhat, perhaps even literally, in the shadow of popular Chinese restaurant Lee Garden next door. It's quite easy to overlook Shalbon and forget it's there. I can't forget it though, there's an aromatic reminder every day. I really should be paying them for the privilege. read more