K2 in Hemel Hempstead

I love curry, but the ones I make at home either end up slightly bland or far too hot. So, when I go out for curry, I want something special – and the K2 in Hemel is definitely that.

I’m also fairly hard to please when it comes to my curries, but I’d heard good things about the food at the K2, so I was hopeful.

The restaurant is lovely. It’s huge so you’re not sitting on top of your neighbours, but even on a Tuesday night it had a real buzz – always a good sign. Our table overlooked the lush garden and we watched a heron land looking for its dinner. Later on, the lights made it even prettier.

Now for the food.

I ordered Paneer Tikka, one of my favourites, for starter, while my husband Tom had Aloo Tikki Ragda, which is spiced potato cakes with chickpeas and tamarind. Both were absolutely delicious, particularly the chickpeas.

The main courses were Meen Moilee – sea bass poached in coconut and turmeric, and Dal Maharani – black lentils with fresh ginger, garlic and tomato.

The Dal was absolutely stunning. The flavour was rich and had real depth. Tom told me the fish was lovely too; the flavours strong but not overpowering, with a good, solid, spicy taste.

We were too full for dessert but we did manage to sneak in a peshwari naan, which was just the way I like it – slightly crispy and very coconutty – and some pilau rice, washed down with a Cobra beer. Yum!

The K2 pride themselves on their menu and I can honestly say I’ve never had a curry as nice as the Dal. The menu is interesting and different, although still has all the old favourites. A perfect meal, whatever night of the week.