"Now I must start with saying I hate Rusholme - gangs of youths in hoodies hanging around, boy racers tearing up the strip in their father's cars and restaurants serving poor quality food, brown lettuce and waiters treating every customer like the pissheads that normally frequent these restaurants late at night. If you want a good Indian, you need to go to the city centre or mill towns like Rawtenstall or Burnley. At 11pm on a Monday night after the football though, it was the only place open to eat and after reading rave reviews of Shahenshah on this website, I thought I'd check it out.

I have to say, I was very impressed - the food was very tasty, the lamb sizzler, a dish I'd return to try again and the decor was modern, bright and inviting, unusual for the Curry Mile. The only thing that let the place down was the manager/owner(?) A very intimidating character, he seemed to begrudge serving us. I asked for advice to try and differentiate between the three lamb sizzler dishes on offer - I'm still none the wiser - his tone, very aggressive and blunt, was also apparent when he served other customers. He forgot to bring the starter I ordered and then started arguing with me when I queried it, repeatedly accusing me of never ordering it in the first place. Fortunately another waiter butted in (over-ruling his boss?) and told me not to worry, he'd get it for me now. And that's where lies the problem in me reviewing this place. The 3 waiters working last night were all very friendly, smiley and helpful. The manager (or the one choosing to wearing a white shirt rather than the black uniform) was incredible, bringing the whole experience of visiting here down. I'd like to go away remembering the excellent food, good price, great waiters and lively atmosphere - instead I come away remembering an arguement I choose not to get involved in. Sack the boss and this would be one of the best Asian restaurants in Manchester!" - Michael, Manchester - 20/3/07 (visited on a Monday, after 11pm)

"Service was amazing, the waiters were all attentive and even the greeter on the door wasn't pushy like some in Rusholme and he even shook my hand on the way out! The food is to die for, as I have never tasted a curry like it before! Make sure you go for the works and have starters, I can highly recommend the vegs samosas and bharjis. The naans are the best on curry mile too, we've even considered just going in for the naans to take home! By far one of the best restaurants in curry mile if not the best!" - Craig Giles, Manchester - 6/6/06 (visited on a Saturday evening)