Many of us whip out the mint sauce for our lamb roast over Easter but if you are on the hunt for something extra special this year then these three Harrogate restaurants have got you covered.

Get your chops around these – some of our featured restaurants have a more traditional offering while others have used inspiration from cultures around the world for their own take.

Spice Culture: Patiala Shahi Lamb Chops

Shahi Jeera (Royal Cumin) flavoured lamb chops marinated with ginger, garlic, yoghurt, mace and cardamom.

Spice Culture marinates its lamb chops for more than eight hours before cooking them in the Indian Clay Oven (The Tandoor) at a very high temperature.

The chef then serves the sizzling lamb with a salad mix and mint yoghurt chutney. This popular dish is a winner with the chef’s own mix of special Indian spices which he blends and grinds in the kitchen.

This Shahi Jeera is Spice Culture’s best selling dish – a real customer favourite perfect all year round but particularly at Easter.

West Park: Slow Cooked Leg Of Spring Lamb

Served with Tomato, Mint & Pea Fricassee, Creamed Potato, Spinach, Lamb Sauce.

West Park Hotel’s Leg Of Lamb dish is part of its seasonal spring menu that helped win it the ‘Best Food Offer’ at The Publican Awards 2022.

Freshly made to order, the flavours of this mouthwatering lamb are enhanced by creamed potato and fresh spinach. This is the perfect spring dish.

Papa’s: Lamb Souvlaki

Onion, garlic, oregano and a touch of mint marinade with side salad.

Papa’s Lamb Skewers are a real taste sensation. The chef marinates them for hours in herbs and spices before chargrilling them for that signature smokey flavour.

Enjoy the skewers with flatbreads, Mediterranean salad, or any other their other authentic dishes. This is not a dish to be missed.

Shahi Raj Indian restaurant has won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award while working to try and recover after lockdown.

The award is based on customer reviews which have placed Shahi Raj in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Since reopening last week, the restaurant is trying to rebuild its success despite decreased bookings. Capacity has had to be halved to meet safety guidelines, and some evenings only three tables have been in use.

The family-owned restaurant has been a part of the Boroughbridge community for 20 years. Restaurant manager Shahenur Rahman said:

“When I first received the award I was shocked because, in the present situation, we were still working hard to make sure the restaurant is safe for our customers. It was difficult at the beginning: before we were doing 10 to 15 sit-down meals a night during the week but that had to be halved for safety. Dining is still in decline as people are wary but we just have to make the best out of the situation.

“I don’t think it’ll get back to how it was for six to 12 months. We can’t just throw the towel in when things get tough.”

The Indian restaurant has struggled since lockdown but hopes that as people gain confidence they will return.

During lockdown the restaurant was delivering meals to members of the community who were in need of help. A takeaway was also set up to continue to generate funds whilst the restaurant had to remain closed.

Read more:

• Boroughbridge has been praised by visitors who say they feel “more than safe”. 
• District restaurants cautious to accept the Chancellor’s plans to boost hospitality.