Whoever is behind the GEM (Going the Extra Mile) service campaign should use Daawat Tandoori as a case study. Their level of service and personal attention put the majority of restaurants including many fine dining establishments to shame. AND WITHOUT adding an often insulting mandatory 10% service charge to the bill! Shiv Kumar and his team should be awarded a medal.

Let me clarify at the outset that I'm not associated with the restaurant or personnel in any way, nor do I derive any benefit from this review. I'm purely motivated by complimenting quality, value and service where and when they are due. And these are the three main reasons why you should keep Daawat in your sub-conscience when it comes to North Indian cuisine.

I've been dining there innumerable times and can vouch for the consistency of these three key parameters. With so many other reviews, I'm going to give only a general one.

With four chefs from different parts of North India each looking after different sections of the menu, they consistently deliver quality no matter what you choose from the menu. While I'm no connoisseur of North Indian cuisine, I'm familiar enough to stand by my claim.

But the surprising standout quality of this little establishment is their service. Nothing reasonable is too hard to fulfil. More complimentary papadams? No problems. Glass of water automatically topped up, etc. You want your dish done in a certain way, not an issue. Shiv comes around and asks about the food and is genuinely interested in your response.

And value? I regularly pay less than $30 for two AND doggie bag what we can't finish home!

The only suggestion I can offer them is to upgrade their decor, particularly the walls to improve the ambience. Their dining area and toilet facility are clean though. I have yet to check their kitchen.

Parking is a real issue in that part of Upper Thomson Rd. The Council should really do something to alleviate the situation in this very busy strip packed with restaurants. But, hey, if you're coming across town, park somewhere more convenient and take the many buses plying there!

This is a gem. It's more than worth your parking hassles.