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Moonlight Indian Restaurant in Corsham is one of those rare gems that keeps drawing you back. Whether it’s for the warm service, relaxed atmosphere, or the reliably delicious food, it remains a favourite for Indian cuisine in the area. On our latest visit, the four of us settled in for another enjoyable evening of familiar favourites and flavourful dishes.
Sometimes, the best evenings are those planned at the last minute—and our recent Thursday night dinner at Moonlight Indian Restaurant in Corsham proved just that. Entertaining relatives visiting from Malaysia, we made a spontaneous decision to introduce them to one of our favourite local Indian spots. Despite not having a reservation, the staff welcomed us warmly and seated us promptly—a testament to the restaurant’s consistently attentive service and relaxed atmosphere.
Starters That Set the Tone and Conversation
As always, we began with a generous serving of poppadoms, crisp and fresh, accompanied by the familiar dips—mint yogurt (raita), mango chutney, green. minty chutney and a zingy onion relish. Light and moreish, they served as the perfect prelude to our main meal while we caught up with family.
The classic poppadoms were light, crisp, and just the right amount of crunch. They were served with the usual selection of dips and chutneys: mint yogurt, mango chutney, green minty chutney and a spicy onion relish. A simple beginning, but one that never fails to whet the appetite.
For our mains, we originally hoped to order the lamb shank curry, a standout from our previous visit which we wrote about here. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available that evening, but that didn’t stop us from exploring other options on the menu. As we understand it, the lamb shanks needed to be marinated overnight.
Signature Dishes from the Heart of the Kitchen
While we had initially hoped to re-order their unforgettable Lamb Shank Curry (which we reviewed during our previous visit here), it wasn’t available that evening. But the disappointment was short-lived, thanks to their Signature Collection, which offered equally enticing alternatives.
Dalcha Lamb
We settled on the Dalcha Lamb —a dish that immediately stood out. Marinated tender lamb, slow-cooked after a stint in the tandoor, was served with chana dal, red onions, green chillies, bell peppers, and curry leaves, all gently spiced with ginger and fresh mint.
Hearty, aromatic, and rich in texture, it delivered layers of bold flavours without being overwhelming. I bit into the green chillies twice and was smart enough to pick them out to avoid a third time. It did give the dish a kick and I loved the kick it dishes out.
Madhuri Chicken – Chef’s Special
Wanting a milder curry to balance the lamb, we initially leaned toward our usual choice of Butter Chicken—a favourite thanks to its creamy tomato and cashew sauce. But this time, we asked our waiter for a recommendation, and he pointed us to the Madhuri Chicken. We’re glad we took his advice.
The tandoor-cooked chicken arrived bathed in a luscious tomato and cashew gravy, subtly flavoured with rose water and garnished with lemon slices and broccoli cress. The creamy yogurt base gave it a velvety finish that was comforting without being cloying—an excellent option for those preferring a milder dish with depth.
Vegetable Sides and Aromatic Accompaniments
To round out the meal, we ordered two vegetable dishes—Palak (sautéed spinach with onion, garlic, and butter) and Bhindi Bhaji (fresh okra with crispy onion, lemon, and coriander). While both were flavourful and well-seasoned, we found them a touch on the dry side and would have preferred a bit more sauce to blend with our curries. That said, the Bhindi had just the right tang from the lemon, and the Palak was fragrant and earthy.
For carbs, we indulged in both rice and naan:
Basmati Pilau Rice and Mushroom Pilau were delicately spiced and so aromatic they could be eaten on their own—fluffy, fragrant, and satisfying. Keema Naan, stuffed with seasoned minced meat, was hearty and well-packed, while the Garlic Naan offered a soft, chewy texture and just the right hint of garlic.
Friendly Faces and Familiarity
As the meal wound down, we found ourselves unable to finish everything—those poppadoms had taken up more room than expected! We ended up boxing half of the food, including the rice and breads, to enjoy later. The flavours held up well even the next day, a testament to the quality of ingredients and preparation.
What made the evening truly special, though, was the hospitality. The owner and waiters recognised us from previous visits and made us feel right at home. One of the staff, as it turned out, had studied at Universiti Sains Malaysia and had lived in Bayan Baru, a neighbourhood familiar to our visiting relatives. The shared connections led to a warm, lively banter that added a personal touch to the meal. Experiences like this remind us why Moonlight remains a firm favourite.
Final Thoughts
From the excellent service and well-crafted dishes to the friendly atmosphere and cultural camaraderie, Moonlight Indian Restaurant in Corsham continues to impress. It’s no surprise that it’s now one of our top picks for Indian food this side of Bath. Whether you’re craving something comforting and familiar or hoping to explore their signature creations, you’re bound to leave satisfied—and likely planning your next visit.
