Anokaa review: 'Fantastic experience' at Salisbury Indian restaurant

From food to customer service, everything at Anokaa is worth experiencing.

Anokaa is situated on Fisherton Street, a bustling thoroughfare in Salisbury. It is just a short walk from the cathedral and the main shopping area.

I visited Anokaa for an interview, shadowing a senior reporter, and was unexpectedly invited by the owner, Mohammed Oduo, to have lunch. Mohammed told us he has been running this restaurant for 20 years.

They are still thriving, and I believe the secret to their longevity is their unwavering commitment to quality. To me, it is one of the best Indian restaurants I have ever been to. On TripAdvisor, it is ranked 7th out of 104 best Salisbury restaurants.

Inside Anokaa, in Fisherton Street. (Image: Newsquest)

Stepping inside, I felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The lighting is a bit dim, enhancing the luxurious feel, and the well-dressed staff contribute to the upscale ambiance. We were promptly taken to our table and served drinks.

We were given the Seasonal Lunch Menu, available between 12 noon and 2pm for £10.50 each. It includes starters, main courses, and side dishes. The descriptions were so appetising that I wanted to try everything. However, since I am not a fan of very spicy food, I asked the staff to recommend some dishes.

For starters, we had sautéed chili chicken with tempered Sichuan pepper and curry leaves as well as shallot and parsley infused Welsh lamb shoulder kebabs with onion raita. The portions were small, so there was no worry about being too full before the main courses. The chicken was soft, slightly spicy, and sweet—absolutely delicious. I could have finished it quickly.

Sautéed chilli chicken with tempered sichuan pepper and curry leaves for starter. (Image: Newsquest)

For the main course, I chose lean lamb leg curry with butternut squash and steamed basmati rice, while my colleague had North Bengal-style chicken curry with bay leaves and cardamom, tender greens, and steamed rice. The spices in the lamb were well-balanced, and the butternut squash was sweet, moist, and nutty. The basmati rice had a lovely coconut milk flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lean lamb leg curry with butternut squash and steamed basmati. (Image: Newsquest)

Besides the food, what impressed me most was the customer service. The dishes were brought to us promptly, and we didn’t have to wait long. Our water glasses were constantly refilled, and a staff member frequently checked to ensure we were satisfied with our meal.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Anokaa and look forward to returning to try other dishes.

For more information about Anokaa visit www.anokaa.com.