A memorable first Indian meal at Vadah in Stockton
Thatβs why I booked a table for me, my sister and Oakley at Vadah in Stockton. If anyone could deliver a memorable first Indian experience, I knew it would be them.
Since opening in 2014, Vadah has built an impressive reputation, collecting awards and glowing reviews along the way. Having recently been wowed by a Sunday lunch at its sister restaurant, Noir Dβor, trying Vadah felt like the obvious next step.
Finding it is slightly tricky at the moment with the ongoing work around Castlegate Mill, but once inside, any frustration quickly disappears.
Glamour greets you from the door, with luxurious dΓ©cor, velvet booths and floral ceiling displays that had Oakley declaring it was βlike being in a movieβ.
As tradition demands, we started with poppadoms and dips.
Determined to try everything, Oakley sampled the lot, even creating her own dip combination that she insisted we taste.
After watching her mix it with her finger, we politely declined.
For starters, we went with the basics and chose onion bhajis and chicken pakoras. My sister will admit she doesn’t have a very adventurous palate, and I didn’t want to scare her off!
The bhajis were among the best Iβve tasted β light, crispy and beautifully spiced. The pakoras were equally impressive, with crunchy batter and tender chicken. Oakley approved of the pakoras, particularly the βskinβ (batter), but left the bhajis to the adults.
For the main course, I stepped away from my usual fiery choices and opted for a chicken hariali. Packed with garlic, ginger, green chillies and spinach, it delivered plenty of flavour and just enough heat.
My sister stuck with her trusted chicken tikka masala, which was rich, creamy and packed with perfectly cooked chicken. It also turned out to be Oakleyβs favourite dish, helping herself to thirds and later proudly telling her uncle sheβd had βthree teasβ.
Alongside pilau rice, chips and both plain and cheese naan, there was more than enough to share. A novelty for me, who usually ends up eating far too much because my husband refuses to share!
The cheese naan was a standout β soft, fluffy and filled with perfectly distributed, stretchy cheese in every bite.
As impressive as the food was, the dry ice presentation stole the show. Oakley was fascinated, and it transformed dinner into an experience rather than simply a meal.
I think that’s what sums Vadah up perfectly. Itβs the little details that elevate it above the ordinary.
The presentation, the theatrical touches and even the hot towels at the end. Everything feels designed to make the occasion special, whether youβre celebrating something or not.
The only downside is that they don’t have paper menus- everything is online via a QR code. While I appreciate the concern for the environment, it can prove slightly difficult trying to order dishes without having a menu to easily reference.
The bill came to Β£79.50 for starters, mains and drinks, which felt fair given the quality and portion sizes. There was even enough left over for my sister to take some home, much to Oakleyβs delight.
As we left, Oakley was handed an ice cream and immediately asked, βCan we sit in the same place when we come tomorrow?β
So, would we return to Vadah? I don’t think we have much choice. Oakley is already planning her next visit, where she will “sit next to her uncle Ben” and honestly, we’re more than happy to join her.
Ratings
Service: 9
Surroundings: 10
Food Quality: 9
Value for Money: 9
The details:
Castlegate Mill, Riverside, Stockton, TS18 1BZ
01642 675660
vadah.co.uk