WHEN a restaurant is listed within the top 100 places of the Good Curry Guide, you know a treat is in store.

We ordered poppadoms and chutneys while we studied the extensive Bangladeshi menu on offer at Misbah Tandoori, Priory Street, Monmouth. I plumped for the onion bahji for starters while my partner opted for the sheek kebab.

Two large bahjis arrived and they were gorgeous - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The sheek kebabs were surprisingly mild, but plentiful, and arrived with just enough salad as a garnish.

Our main courses arrived piping hot. My partner's chicken balti was spicy and had plenty of onions and a kick to it. The large naan bread was just how it should be - sweet and crispy on the outside, doughy in the middle, perfect for dipping.

My chicken tikka bhuna looked too good to eat - the presentation was immaculate. The sauce was delicious, and not too thick, with just the right amount of tomato and onion. The boiled rice was light and fluffy. In both meals the chicken was all white meat, cooked to perfection.

Unfortunately we didn't have room for dessert - despite the tempting menu, but we rounded off the meal with coffee.

The Misbah prides itself on the traditional and authentic cuisine it offers at a great price with excellent service (as proved by the many certificates adorning its walls). Two courses, poppadoms, plus coffees and a bottle of house red wine came to £37.25.