RUCHI, QUALITY TO THE Q - BY LILY MEDWIN 

Ruchi takeaway – quality to the q. 

As someone who has never really been a fan of Indian food, I can say with full confidence that the food at Ruchi was exquisite and just the sort of thing I needed. 

Having heard about Ruchi opening in Thame, Oxfordshire - through writing these articles, Ispontaneously decided to give them a go! 

Saleem, owner and chef of Ruchi restaurant chain, in Thame and Maidenhead, was incredibly accommodating when I interviewed him, and when collecting the takeaway to try (fully paid for). In gaining the full Ruchi experience, it certainly did not disappoint. With Ruchi’s highly praised google reviews, my expectations were high and I can say without a doubt, that I would agree with all who praise Ruchi on their stunning food, touching hospitality and overall family-friendly feel to the restaurant. 

Hospitality and kitchen work has been within Saleem’s family for multiple generations and simply by talking to Saleem for under an hour, I saw that he is hugely passionate about what he does, especially when accommodating their food to suit the customers preferences – to which I thought was a very nice touch to the superb experience. 

As stated on their website, ‘our aim is simple… to produce natural, wholesome, healthy and appetising food’. And that they do. When eating Ruchi’s meal with my family, we discussed the flavours and our own overall view of the food itself. As I have not had a lot of experience with Indian food, I was very glad for Ruchi’s to be one of the first and the first of many more, Indian meals I will have. An important note to add about the healthiness of the food, was the lack of grease in each of our dishes. My mother also commented saying how it was the first Indian meal she had in a long time, that wasn’t drenched in excessive amounts of grease that spoils it all. The food was flavourful, clean, appetising and introduced me to a whole other world of flavours and tastes I would have never thought to try. 

The specific dishes I tried and really enjoyed were the; Bindhi Bahji, Onion Bhaji, Lamb Doopiaza, Bombay Aloo and Garlic Nan. The Bombay Aloo had a nicely balanced flavour and good seasoning, the Lamb Doopiaza was impressively flavoured with hints of spice whilst having mild undertones which for someone who’s head gets easily blown off by spice was very pleasant. Overall, the food I tried at Ruchi was interesting, had plenty vibrant flavours and was impressively done. 

This Indian takeaway is amazingly accommodating and thoughtful. Having an open kitchen space, gives customers the ability to have a further developed communication with the front of house staff, and are able to be advised on what dishes they would recommend, to their preferences. The owner mentioned to me how he will frequently change dishes to enable the customers to have a full Indian takeaway experience. He also recommends the Chicken Tika Masala for those who aren’t good with spice, which actually originated from Glasgow! A fact I was completely unaware of until talking to Saleem about his business. 

Although they have not achieved full potential for filling spaces in their restaurant section, I have full faith that in a short period of time, Ruchi will be bursting with customers wanting to eat in and takeaway. 

Since having opened a second chain in Thame almost 9 months ago and having their first Ruchi in Maidenhead since 1958 (which is one of the oldest restaurants in the country) – the feedback that Ruchi has received has been very positive. When speaking to manager and owner and chef, Saleem, he mentioned how this second branch haven’t done any marketing or advertisement, so their popularity is solely through the customers views, opinions and is of customer demand. Just taking a brief glance at the google reviews on their website, it is simply undeniable how many people adore Ruchi’s food. A review stated how ‘we were very impressed’, ‘the dishes were absolutely delicious and much fresher and less greasy than the food from our usual takeaway’. Another said, ‘lovely food and great service, we will be back!’. This feedback is just a few of the many compliments and high praise Ruchi takeaway restaurant receives. 

This very much demonstrates how poignant community and family is at Ruchi. Saleem’s passion for food and running a business stemmed from working with his dad at age 16 and said how ‘he has followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle’. 

Having been in this industry for almost 39 years, he said how there is ‘nothing negative about it and this is the passion and what I’ve been doing for a long time, restaurants have really inspired me and I don’t see any negativity in this sectre’. 

The owners experience and expertise at Ruchi, gives a great advantage to the business’s foundations. Saleem has worked with one of his chefs for the last 20 years, trains all of the chefs first-hand and sits down with them daily to discuss new menu options that he creates. Their Chicken Tika Masala is one of their best selling dishes along with, Mutton Balti. He says ‘I’m forecasting everything from a-z as I am a chef myself’ and ‘every day is something new for you and you learn’. This continual passion is clearly of infinite importance to him and is definitely one that he enjoys doing. 

Its ‘all about handling the food and the passion of the food’.

At Ruchi, you will receive nothing less than quality to the q.