Last Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to visit Chillies in South Woodham Ferrers for a food review. This was my first visit to the restaurant, and I was excited to sample their menu after hearing many rave reviews about them.
Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by Kam and Harry, who were both very friendly and smartly dressed. Kam now helps manage the restaurant and mentioned that they have been established in the town for 20 years.
We were offered drinks to start. Since I was driving, I opted for an alcohol-free drink, which was a nice choice, especially on such a hot day. I then perused their comprehensive menu, which featured a variety of options starting from appetizers to main dishes. For my appetizer, I chose the mixed grill, which was beautifully presented and included a combination of chicken and lamb tikka, along with sheek kebab and a side salad. I liked the way the plate is personalised, a nice touch!
I hadn’t anticipated there would be many other diners being a Tuesday, but there was a steady flow of customers. Sitting beside me was a couple who dined there every Tuesday, travelling from Althorne. They assured me that it was well worth the journey, as they had consistently enjoyed the food throughout their many years of visits to Chillies and wouldn’t go anywhere else now!
I had the opportunity to speak with Harry about the menu between courses. He mentioned that they have a signature main course that they are well-known for, and they take great pride in that dish. He also told me that if you are looking for something a little different yet better than the standard options, they offer an excellent alternative. When I asked how often they change their menu, he explained that it’s updated once a year.
Chillies has earned a 5-star food hygiene rating, reflecting the highest standard for food safety. This rating highlights their commitment to maintaining excellence in all aspects of food hygiene management and their dedication to providing a safe environment for customers. This rating is reviewed annually, with no prior notice given to when food hygiene inspectors will conduct their inspections.
During peak times, Chillies employs two main chefs and an additional five staff members to assist. Regular visitors know that Christmas time at Chillies can get extremely busy, sometimes accommodating up to 100 diners. Therefore, it’s advisable to book your table well in advance! They have made booking easier by offering an online reservation service on their website. They believe that online advertising and social media are essential, and they are pleased to collaborate with Our Town online magazine.
Choosing my main course was a breeze. I told Kam my preferences, including how spicy I wanted it, and he selected the dish for me. The table was set with hot plates, which is something you don’t always see these days, but it keeps the food warm. Kam chose the Muj Chicken for me, which features sliced chicken tikka cooked with aromatic spices in a rich sauce. It smelled and tasted delicious, and the portion sizes were generous—there’s nothing worse than enjoying a meal that isn’t substantial enough!
All in all we had a lovely dining experience tasting the lovely food that Chillies has to offer.
Wendy Murray,
Editor, Our Town
Find out more about Chillies here.