shahjan tandoori in Chelmsford

Lovely food recommended by the staff. Helpful and professional staff will be returning

Great service, lovely atmosphere, very delicious food! Would highly recommend.

Currently here having a curry. Couldn't wait till I got home to review. This place is absolutely amazing. The best curry I have ever eaten and I've had quite a few. The staff go above and beyond and the manager came and had a chat. Five star service with the best food ever. If you are looking for somewhere good to go then Shahjan is the place to go. By miles the best in Chelmsford. Can't wait to come back.

Perhaps the best curry I’ve had for a decade, everything was fresh/hot and tasty. Great service, nothing too much and incredibly friendly.

Amazing! I really liked it; the food was wonderful and I enjoyed my Chicken Korma. As we were eating, there was lovely traditional Indian music in the background, adding to its charm. I loved the whole experience and overall it was wonderful. They were very kind to us and I can’t wait to come back there soon!

Dine in and take away always good 👍

The food was scrumptious. The staff were so incredibly kind and the service was lovely.

The best Indian restaurant in Chelmsford by far. I’ve been coming here for over 25 years and can highly recommend the food and service. Ahmed and his team are always welcoming and remember and returning customer.

Fantastic food and always on time for takeaway pickup

We dined here on the off chance last night after having a few drinks in Chelmsford. What a gem, food was delicious and the service was second to none by every member of staff there. We will definitely be back

absolutely lovely experience! Highly recommend especially for visitors.

Wow! We dined for a dear friend Bruno’s 21st birthday meal 2k24, so it was destined to be a big one. We started the day with a spot of shopping to shake off the post-Christmas rush, followed by an exhilarating go-karting race to work up an appetite. After a competitive session on the track, we were more than ready for what turned out to be the best curry meal we’ve ever had! From the moment we walked into the restaurant, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a cosy yet vibrant setting that made it the perfect spot for a celebration. The staff were friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable dining experience. Now, onto the food. I had the Lamb Korma, Butter Chicken, and Naga Curry, accompanied by Keema Naan and rice. Every single dish was perfection. The Lamb Korma was luxurious and comforting. The lamb was so tender it fell apart at the slightest touch, and the sauce was a creamy, nutty blend of mild spices that was perfectly balanced—rich without being heavy. It was indulgence on a plate. The Butter Chicken was another standout. The sauce was velvety and packed with flavour, combining a slight smoky undertone with a delicate sweetness. The chicken itself was tender and juicy, soaking up the sauce beautifully. It’s a dish that’s hard to beat, and this place nailed it. The Naga Curry, though, stole the show. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you love bold, fiery flavours, this is the dish to order. The naga chilli brought an intense heat, but it was never overwhelming, allowing the fruity, smoky depth of the curry to shine through. It was complex, addictive, and left you wanting more, even as the heat lingered. The sides were just as impressive. The Keema Naan was soft, fluffy, and generously filled with spiced lamb mince. It had just the right amount of chew and was perfect for mopping up the curries. But the real hero of the meal was the rice. It might sound strange to rave about rice, but this was in a league of its own. Fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly cooked, each grain was separate and light, with just the right amount of moisture to soak up the rich sauces without becoming soggy. It was the perfect canvas for the bold flavours of the curries and could easily stand on its own as a dish to savour. Everything about the meal was spot on. The flavours were bold, the textures were perfect, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. Each dish complemented the others, making the entire meal feel like a perfectly orchestrated feast. The service was exceptional, too. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, always making sure our drinks were topped up and our table was cleared promptly. They even surprised Bruno with a special birthday dessert, complete with a sparkler and a round of applause, which made the evening feel even more special. We rounded off the meal with desserts that were just as impressive as the mains. The Gulab Jamun was soft and syrupy, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without being too heavy. The Mango Kulfi was creamy and refreshing, the perfect palate cleanser after such a rich and indulgent meal. This curry house exceeded every expectation. From the warm, welcoming atmosphere to the outstanding food and thoughtful service, it was an experience we’ll never forget. Every dish was crafted with care, and you could taste the passion and attention to detail in every bite. Bruno’s birthday was destined to be special, but this meal made it truly unforgettable. Whether you’re craving rich comfort food like the Lamb Korma, fiery and bold options like the Naga Curry, or perfectly cooked sides like their rice and naan, this place delivers on every front. If you’re a curry lover, this is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the very best of Indian cuisine. Do yourself a favour and book a table. You won’t regret it!

Great food, great service. Friendly atmosphere.. Can't fault it.

The best Indian restaurant and takeaway in Essex! This place is a family favourite and the food never disappoints. Ahmed Munim and his staff are very friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is great with the music and the wonderful smells of food from the kitchen.

Great food and service , definitely recommend

My husband and I have been eating here (dine in and takeaway) for over 15yrs. We’ve now moved out of Chelmsford but still come back here when we can and take our children who love it too. Visited tonight with my 10yo daughter. We had such a good meal, the most welcoming and friendly service, and felt thoroughly looked after throughout. Just love this place. Best Indian in Chelmsford.

My family have been coming for over 30 years and the food gets better each time

I would suggest this places food is amazing!!!!

Excellent food and brilliant service

Lovely atmosphere. Terrific food.

Lovely meal and lovely staff! Definitely my favourite Indian in chelmsford. Highly recommend

Very lovely meal and lovely staff

I've been eating here for many years and took my family for my daughters birthday, this was her first time eating in a Indian restaurant. I hadn't booked and it was very busy being so near to Christmas but Ahmed and his colleagues couldn't have been more accommodating and managed to squeeze us in. The food was outstanding as always and the service spot on . Thank you

Very nice! Veg dhansak was really good Staff were really attentive and helpful.

The Shahjan is a brilliant Indian restaurant in Baddow Road Chelmsford . We have been dining here to over 45 years . Love the ambience. Love the service . Love the food . Not five star but 100 star xxxx

unreal, mint restaurant will come again! 💪 ask for the Naga extra hot it is great 👍🏼

Best restaurant for any occasion, especially a birthday meal with the music and luxury treatment. This Indian is what Chelmsford needs and you deserve. Naga naga naga!!!!

Had a pleasant dinner with friends, as it was a Sunday evening it was nice and quiet so we didn't have to shout across the table to be heard. We had a mix of food which we all enjoyed. The staff were excellent, always available if we needed anything but not hovering over you like some restaurants. Would definitely recommend shahjan.

food was 10/10 im going to come here all the time. came here with my mates and everyone loved it. The madras is incredible

Excellent service, delicious food

The best food with the best service. Always welcoming and a cracking curry

Lovely food and always so welcoming! Best in Chelmsford!

Absolutely amazing in every sense. Food was perfect, very quick. Amazing service. Helpful, friendly non pushy. Highly recommended

Always great food and service A+ recommended

Lovely meal lovely atmosphere and great service!

Great food and even better customer service!

Superb food and as always a great atmosphere with excellent service, my first choice for a local Indian restaurant

The Mogul Emperor Shah Jah would be proud of his namesake... Excellent food. Excellent Service.

Great Jalfrezi, bit too easy on the Chilli. Starters and Sides were lovely. Fab staff.

Wonderful service, great food, lovely atmosphere, coming back soon 😁👍

Good food and friendly, cheeky service charge on the recipe but was well deserved

Best curry I ever had. The service is excellent too.

Visited today, food and service was excellent. We were made to feel welcome and weren’t rushed. It’s nice to eat out somewhere where you feel your patronage is appreciated

Brilliant night out, 10/10 we love you Ahmed!

We had a lovely time! Brilliant food and service with very friendly staff.

Amazing food and such nice people

Jaman made our night lovely, handshake from the man, whiskey on the house and straight vibes all round

Great food and excellent service!

Very welcoming and helpful staff. They have a large menu but the waiters are happy to help you pick something to your taste. Food was delicious. Tasted freshly made and well marinated. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very relaxed so perfect for a chilled evening to end your day. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Chelmsford.

all in all really lovely experience, very polite and friendly staff to accompany the meal. would come again :)

Went for my grandads birthday, he was absolutely spoilt by the team. Service was excellent and food equally delicious

Lovely wholesome family dinner, thank you !

We had a lovely evening, food was really great

It was a Monday night in late October so out group of 7 were the only ones in at the time we visited. I think this was just an odd quiet time. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Birthday person got a bottle on the house. We also were given a box of mints not just one each! Portions were generous. Including the chutney. All came out hot. Great mix of flavours. I particularly liked my chickpea main. All were in agreement we were glad we went there. Management thanked us and shook our hands at the end. Nice to be in somewhere that appreciates your custom.

Had a meal on a quiet Monday night. Very welcoming staff, very friendly and great food

We had a wonderful meal on Saturday evening, the food was really tasty - big portions and great money for the value. The lamb bhuna was particularly nice!! The manager even came over to us to check the food was ok. The waiters also made sure the food came out quickly as we had booked the cinema quite soon after our meal. Thank you for a lovely evening, we will be back for sure :)

We love it here. Food is always delicious. It’s by far the best curry house in Chelmsford. The staff are also so friendly.

Great little authentic restaurant in Baddow Road which serves a variety of delicious food at reasonable prices. The staff were friendly and very courteous. Will definitely return to this restaurant.

Very nice ambiance desi vibe, nice service and tasty food.

Best Indian in Chelmsford in my view, authentic hasn’t changed for years and great food, good service.

The food is delicious and the warm hospitality by the staff is cherry on the cake. Really enjoyed my time here!!

One of the best Indians in town

Excellent service and food was amazing would definitely return . Would recommend you visit

Was OK nothing special may b next time will see

Traditional Indian with great service!

Despite having a late booking for 10pm, the waiters could have not been more attentive! The food was great as always, and came quickly. Very good quality and value for money- we also loved the complimentary drinks at the end :). This has been a family favourite for years and we most definitely will be coming back for more.

We had a lovely evening at Shahjan. The food was yummy and reasonably priced and the super friendly staff made it a really enjoyable experience. Decor is cute and cozy and the extra shots and mints were a delightful surprise. Highly recommend

Great night out for a birthday 🎂 meal out thank you so much for the wine the meal was lovely 😍 👌

Cooking was somehow better than my mothers, it was outstanding!! Definitely would recommend

They were very friendly helpful great food great atmosphere

Best Indian curry and service. We visited from Kent and had Imran serve us. He was very awesome my son said he is such a polite guy. The food was excellent and tasted really good. We will come again.

Amazing food, perfect atmosphere and lovely service. Food came quick and was fresh. Delicious meals, all served on clean plates. Overall, best Indian in Chelmsford, hands down. In particular, Imran took my order and he was polite and well put together. Come here, if you want real Indian food.

What a restaurant! Visited with my wife and the atmosphere was lovely and relaxed, especially for a Friday night. The portions of food were very generous, tasted superb and the service was excellent. Didnt feel rushed at all. The Sag Paneer in particular was perfect. Would 100% be back and would recommend to anyone looking for a hearty Indian meal out.

Best Indian I have ever been to, it was my birthday yesterday and they put in so much effort and even gave me a bottle of Prosecco and all shook my hand and said happy birthday, the kindest most friendly staff at any restaurant and the best Indian I have ever been to

The most overpriced oldest 50 year restaurant known in Chelmsford, mediocre food overall - lacked flavour - you’d find better else where. Please avoid, not worth trying this place! The manager with a suit upselling starters without the official price.

Go there. Wonderful food, friendly service, perfect all round.

So sorry but food ( takeaway) tasted off tonight , nan breads were cremated and curries tasted disgusting, clearly bad.... Called restaurant and very apologetic, offered another meal but declined...

Fantastic Food and Service..Very Delicious Deserts..Specially Coconut Ice Cream....Highly recommended Indian Restaurant in Chelmsford…Dine In Take away available..Friendly and Fast Service .Friendly Staff Specially Athi..

Cracking ruby with friendly attentive waiters

I've been enjoying Indian restaurants in Chelmsford for over 40 years. I do have my favourites. But in all honesty, the Shahjan is hard to beat.

A very nice restaurant with a good atmosphere and really friendly staff. I ordered a custom curry and naan which they did and it was delicious! Lots of flavor and spice I loved it and a nice brandy and chocolates to finish. Definitely recommend 💯

We were very well looked after during our stay and the food was delicious!

Just visited here with 11 others for my son's 16th birthday. Food was excellent and the service was amazing. Lovely friendly people who made you feel welcome and special. Cannot fault this place.

Great experience dining here for the first time. Staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Food was excellent.

Fantastic curry, If it ain't broke don't fix it, perhaps why it has been running for 44 years Legendary chelmo curry house.

I have been visiting Indian restaurants for 50 years and this one Is by far the best I have ever known. I have only been going there for a month but Munim already greets me warmly every time as his Most Loyal Customer. The choice of food Is varied and excellent and I never have to choose Munim picks his recommendation for me every time. I get a complimentary brandy with my coffee and the waiters then spend at least an hour chatting with me which makes the whole experience wonderful especially the outstanding service. They are proud to be the oldest restaurant in Chelmsford founded in 1979 and I wish them another 45 years of success. Well done!

Very very good service. Food pretty standard. But did the trick

I have been eating here regularly for years , and in the past almost weekly and I always thought it was the best value and quality in town. Not anymore. We had 2 standard main dishes which were good although I thought very expensive . Also , a garlic naan which has got a lot smaller and which had hardly any garlic taste , and we also had a serving of rice which was pathetic. Probably less than half the amount in the past , and a single beer and tap water. Lucky my partner wasn’t hungry. The dishes are a lot smaller and a lot more expensive. To charge over £50 for that is ridiculous. The days of poppadoms , with 3 or 4 side dishes to share ( which are not large enough anyway ) are gone. Sadly my last visit

We had a really lovely evening. I had Salmon Tikka and it was the best I've had. The staff were very attentive with out being in your face. It's a traditional old school curry house and we will certainly revisit.

Bland starter - prawn puri - no flavour Mains bit oily greasy heavy. Had much better Indian food elsewhere. Expensive - £45 each for starter main sides and 2 beers! Wouldn't revisit

The prices outside are misleading as the menu inside has different pricing. The food and service left much to be desired.

I will never visit here again. We had to send the chicken dishes back as they were dry and chewy. We couldn't even cut into them. The poppadoms were very oily. And feel like we was over charged. Would not return here

Not sure how we were charged £113 for 3 of us and one drink each. We didn't exactly have alot to eat either!

The food was lovely thankyou for a lovely evening

The food was excellent very tasty and the best part was the staff was so kind, professional and sweet especially “Munim” Highly Recommended! One of the best

Working in the area had a couple of takeaway meals was very impressed,so decided to try the restaurant again food was excellent had a Lamb dansak & a keema naan,special mention to my waiter Hussain very friendly & gave 1st class service

Had a Lamb dansak & keema naan takeaway,food was excellent staff very friendly

Great place!! Nice staff and excellent food. 👍☺️

Brilliant service and food. Some of the best Indian dishes I have ever tried. The restaurant interior is classically beautiful. The staff were amazing and accommodating.

We received a warm welcome upon entering the restaurant and were immediately shown to a table. The waiter was both polite and helpful and brought out a plate of poppadoms and accompanying side sauces as requested. The mint sauce was thick and delicious, as was the mango chutney, onion salad and pickle. We ordered a Chicken Tikka Dansak, a Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi, Pilau rice, Sag Aloo, Onion bhajis and a Peshawari nan. All was cooked beautifully and the chicken so tender. My husband ordered the chocolate mousse, whilst I ordered a floater coffee. The waiter was friendly and polite. The management couldn't do enough for us and when it was time for us to leave, offered us a little glass of brandy and a small shot of liqueur. It was a pleasant touch. Definitely will visit again. We were treated like VIP's.