"On the evening of the 26th November 2023, I, along with two friends, embarked on a culinary journey at Bangla Pride in Oakengates, Telford. This establishment is renowned for its authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, offering a spectrum of flavours through its expansive and unique menu. Our visit, which began around 9:30 pm, was marked by the restaurant’s commitment to exceptional service and its dedication to delivering quality dishes. Our meal commenced with an array of appetisers, including a tube of refreshing Mint Sauce, a crisp Onion Salad, a tub of Mango Chutney, a robust Red sauce, and four light Plain Poppadom’s. Each appetiser set the stage for the main courses with their vibrant flavours and textures. For the main course, we indulged in a fiery Hot King Prawn Tawa, expertly prepared Madras Hot and without coriander, alongside two servings of Lamb Tawa, seasoned to a perfect Medium Hot and also without coriander. Accompanying these was a flavourful Tarka Dall, a comforting serving of Boiled Rice, a plain Haan, and a fragrant Garlic Naan, each dish complementing the other and creating a harmonious blend of tastes. To accompany our meal, we chose a large Water and two Cream Coffees, known as Floater Coffee, which provided a soothing finish to our dining experience. Notably, the staff at Bangla Pride were the epitome of warmth and hospitality. Their attentive and welcoming nature ensured that our dining experience felt like a home away from home. Each dish was prepared exactly as requested, showcasing the kitchen’s attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. As we concluded our meal, we made sure to express our heartfelt gratitude to the waiters and kitchen staff. Their efforts in creating such a warm and inviting atmosphere made our evening not just a meal but an unforgettable experience, one that we will cherish for a long time. In summary, our visit to Bangla Pride was a delightful exploration of Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, made memorable by the restaurant’s dedication to flavour, quality, and customer care. We had the following: Starters One container of Mint Sauce Onion Salad Mango Chutney Red Sauce Four Plain Papadums Main Course Hot King Prawn Tawa (Madras Hot, no coriander) Two Lamb Tawa dishes (Medium Hot, no coriander) Tarka Dal (no coriander) Boiled Rice Plain Naan Garlic Naan Beverages One Large Bottle of Water Two Cream Coffees (Floater Coffee style) The friends were prepared the way we ordered it. The staff were very warm and welcoming. They made sure we felt at home. Poem In Oakengates, Telford, there is a gem, Bangla Pride, a culinary stem. A place where spices meet and blend, Where every dish feels like a friend. One evening, as the clock struck nine, Two friends and I, in mood to dine, Stepped into this abode of taste, Eager for flavours, in no haste. Appetisers first, a tempting start, Mint sauce, onion salad, a culinary art. Mango chutney, red sauce in a tub, Plain poppadom’s, our tastebuds to scrub. Then came the mains, a sight to behold, King prawn Tawa, hot and bold. Lamb Tawa twice, medium heat, Tarka Dall, a lentil treats. Boiled rice and plain Haan, simple yet fine, Garlic Naan, in its aroma, we would recline. Each dish is tailored, with no coriander in sight, Perfectly crafted, to our sheer delight. To quench our thirst, choices were made, Ample water, and coffee, cream-laden and laid. Floater Coffee, a duo, for a caffeine embrace, A gentle end to our dining grace. The staff, like stars, shone bright and warm, Welcoming, and caring, in every form. Ensuring comfort, like being at home, In their presence, our hearts freely roam. So, here is to Bangla Pride, a culinary treasure, In Telford, it stands, as a place of pleasure. With dishes so fine, and hospitality’s heart, A memory made, in every part. By Masood Saeed (27 November, 2023)"
