Grand opening for traditional Indian cuisine in Littleborough

The Rochdale Online team tuck into some superb Indian food at Thamin

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August sees the opening of the new Thamin Indian Restaurant in Litteborough.

Situated at Dearnley Cottage on New Road, the Thamin - named after a rare species of deer that changes its colour at different seasons - has a fresh approach to traditional Indian cuisine.

Inside, a modern design with minimalist Art Deco influences creates a timeless environment for visitors to this latest addition to Littleborough's range of dining experiences.

A new concept in serving authentic dishes in contemporary surroundings, the Thamin restaurant will provide traditional, freshly prepared Indian meals and side dishes, accompanied by a range of unique desserts and drinks to suit all tastes.

Whilst Indian restaurants and takeaways are in plentiful supply, the owners of the Thamin were aware that it could still be surprisingly difficult to find good Indian food in Littleborough or Rochdale that met three important criteria; to taste great, to be made from traditional Indian ingredients and recipes, and importantly, to be healthy.

"Curry is an extremely tasty and popular cuisine," owner Abdul Haq said, "But it is a shame when people think that the dishes they are eating, which are sometimes packed with artificial colours and flavours, are the same as those that Indian people might eat in their own home. Our aim is to show that Indian food does not have to be an unhealthy indulgence - if prepared in the right way our traditional foods can be as healthy as they are delicious".

The restaurant's renowned award-winning head chef, Sheikh Kamran, is a culinary purist with the professed aim of popularising only authentic Indian dishes that follow the principles of an an ancient 5,000 year-old Eastern lifestyle. He relishes the opportunity to demonstrate how traditional food ingredients can be adapted to suit the most discerning local tastes.

As well as the wide selection of meat and vegetarian curries, customers can order wraps, savoury snacks, dips and soups, all available to eat in or take away. Those with a sweet tooth can try the delightful range of melt-in-the-mouth Indian desserts.

Although breaking from the norm in some areas, the Thamin still offers the best features of a traditional Indian restaurant, familiar to most local diners, with produce and ingredients including a wide range of fresh spices and chutneys and oils.

The Thamin's pledge is a simple one - to provide discerning diners with vintage Indian cuisine and classic dishes from the subcontinent’s lavish gastronomic history.

The Rochdale Online team recently enjoyed an evening at the Thamin and employees had nothing but good things to say about the new restaurant.

Technical Director Ian Kimber said: "We enjoyed magical food, packed with flavour, in a stunning contemporary setting."

Web designer Aaron Hargreaves summed up the evening by saying: "Quality food, friendly service, stunning modern environment and plenty of good beverages!"