To celebrate my partner Josh's birthday, I recently visited Yuvraaj restaurant for a night of authentic Indian dining. Situated in Ashbrooke, Yuvraaj is just a stone's throw away from Sunderland's city centre, making it ideal for those who want to sample all the city has to offer before or after their visit.
Having recently been named Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the Nation’s Curry Awards, it is easy to see why Yuvraaj stands out from the crowd for its exquisite cuisine, superb service and luxurious surroundings.
Boasting a combined experience of over 80 years, the family-run business uses only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Yuvraaj offers traditional Indian favourites, coupled with unique Bangladeshi dishes and contemporary Western flourishes. The carefully curated menu includes a plethora of meat and vegetarian dishes, as well as an extensive seafood selection and a variety of Bengali signature specials. Customers can also enjoy an affordable early bird and special menu, with a starter, main course, rice dish and dessert available for only £15.95pp.
As the name suggests, Yuvraaj (meaning Indian Prince) offers both food and decor fit for royalty. With plush, velvet seating, satin drapery and elegant chandelier lighting, the restaurant fuses shades of purple and gold to create an opulent space. The lavish setting was also complemented by the exceptional service, with friendly staff who were attentive to all our needs throughout our visit.
Feeling thirsty, we kicked off proceedings with a lovely bottle of Pinot Grigio and a selection of poppadoms and homemade house pickles, whilst waiting in anticipation for our starters. With much choice available, we shared the Yuvraaj Treat which offered a unique blend of meat, fish and vegetarian favourites. All fused with tasty tikka spices and vegetables, this proved a real “treat” and demonstrated the attention to detail and flavour on offer at Yuvraaj.
Following on, we sampled the scrumptious Chicken TIkka Bhuna and Lamb Rogan Josh. With a delicious blend of spices and mouthwatering thick sauces, both dishes were exquisite and paired up nicely by a generous helping of pilau rice and garlic naan bread.
Whilst we preferred to stick to our tried and tested favourites, more adventurous diners can also enjoy a range of innovative recipes, including signature gourmet dishes. Exclusive to Yuvraaj, these include Bengali grilled lamb chops, pan-fried Bangladeshi fish and marinated king prawns, which are prepared using the chef’s own flair and creativity and tailored to your preferred spice strength.
Despite feeling fit to burst, we still made room to enjoy ice cream, coffees and liqueurs, which proved a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening spent at Yuvraaj.
All in all, Yuvraaj really is the jewel in the crown of Indian restaurants within the local area. Showcasing sophistication and elegance in abundance, the venue offers both delectable food and excellent service. We can’t wait to return.
Yuvraaj Indian Restaurant can be found at 6-7 Douro Terrace, Sunderland, SR2 7DX.
For more information, call 0191 510 2002 or visit their website
www.yuvraajrestaurant.co.uk