Rationing of rice hits Britain’s Chinese and curry restaurants

Rice is being rationed in Britain as shopkeepers limit supplies to their customers to prevent hoarding. Restrictions on sales in Asian neighbourhoods are reported as emergency measures are taken by governments worldwide to combat the soaring cost of rice and prevent outbreaks of food rioting.

Tilda, the biggest importer of basmati rice, said that its buyers had resorted to restricting their customers to two bags per person.

“It is happening in the cash and carries,” said Jona-than Calland, of Tilda.

“It’s to stop people from hoarding. I heard from our salesforce that one lady went into a cash and carry and tried to buy eight 20kg bags.”

According to Mr Calland, the retailers, who sell to the curry and Chinese restaurant trade as well as to families, are rationing their customers to two to four bags during the current fear over rice shortages.

Us retailers are also rationing rice, including Sam’s Club, the warehouse club operator that is part of Wal-Mart.

Source : Times Online

Deeba - Poynton

T 01625 879885

A 2 Chester Road, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire. SK12 1QT

W http://www.deeba.co.uk/mainpage.htm

Visit arranged by: Martin Noble

Reviewed by : Martin Noble

Eight curry eatting connoisseurs descended upon the Deeba Indian Restaurant on Chester Road (Poynton, Cheshire). The Deeba also has a sister restaurant located in Cheadle.

The lads arrived at the first official monthly 'timetabled’ Curry Council event. Parking was located the front of the restaurant but spaces were minimal. There is also a shared car park behind the post office.

The Deeba also offers a takeaway service from the building immediately adjoined next door to the restaurant. All food is cooked in an open plan kitchen, which offers takeaway customers a chance to see their food being prepared and cooked.


A choice of two Indian lagers on draught (both Cobra and Kingfisher) was immediately offered, which must be highly commended. Poppodums (with a good selection of condiments) were served but the experience was ruined by the waiters bringing the starters to the table as the party were all still half way through eating our poppodums.

Members of the group sampled the mammoth Tandoori Mixed Grill starter (for two) which included Tandoori chicken, Chicken tikka, Shami Kebab, Lamb tikka, Sheek kebab, and Onion bhaji. This was of a high standard and more than satisfied the committed carnivore's in our party.

The main courses sampled included a elegantly spiced madras, the sauce being fiery but civilised. An unusual chilli chicken (pieces of battered chicked, with green chillis, green pepper & onions, stir fried in a sweet chilli sauce) was sampled along with a variety of tomato based curries.

Winfield, who is watching his weight, opted for a prawn cocktail starter and a reduced fat curry with boiled rice. This highly unusual choice was condemned by the Curry Council. Winfield was told by all to stop this nonsense and eat properly at next month's curry or face immediate expulsion from the Curry Council.

The Deeba offer all main courses as a healthier option (reduced fat content) for the more health conscious eater.

The overall experience was good. The group also benefitted from the 20% discount card offered by the restaurant. It was also noted and appreciated that this establishment is a 100% non smoking restaurant.

The only down side of the evening was the rushed delivery of the starter. Overall, a good mainstream curry house in a pleasant environment.

Food 8/10
Service 6/10
Atmosphere 7/10
Value for money 8/10
Originality 6/10

Overall 7/10