Everything about Let’s Eat In seems wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
For a start, this takeaway serves Chinese, Indian, Thai and Italian food. From experience, that kind of mixed “international cuisine” usually sends me running.
Secondly, something as basic as rice or noodles costs extra. These are normally included in the price of most takeaway meals, so this seems notoriously scabby.
But appearances can be deceiving, and Let’s Eat In consistently defies my expectations. I popped in to their Shankill branch last Friday on the way back to my Wicklow home, and I remembered why I really like the food here.
It’s actually really good value because all the dishes, including the rice, have more than enough to feed two people – and I’m embarrassingly greedy. I don’t know why Let’s Eat In don’t try to sell their meals as meals for two because, with rice, that is what they are.
I got the Chickpea Chana Masala from their Indian menu, which come in a tomato sauce with fenugreek, fennel, tamarind and coriander. The individual flavours really come through despite the spiciness of this dish. I also couldn’t resist the gorgeous Garlic and Coriander Naan bread, which was oh-so-fresh and lovely. Too much for one so I shared it with my partner. There was still too much.
On previous visits I’ve had their Thai curries which range in price from €7.75 to €9.25, and I’m a big fan of their Szechwan Chicken. They’re all lovely, but their Indian food excels: I reckon it’s as good as Bombay Pantry, which is high praise indeed. Never tried the Italian food at Let’s Eat In.
This takeaway is run by the man behind the great Shalimar restaurant, which he closed down a few years ago to focus on the takeaway business. Let’s Eat In has branches in Blanchardstown, Sandyford, and Shankill. They’re currently running a “Great Meal Deal” offer: a main course (mostly chicken) from a set menu with steamed rice and a drink for €9.95. It’s an ok deal, with the average savings between €1-2.
I’ll end on a slightly sour note: despite my great experiences here, I’ve heard many complaints – waiting ages for delivery, food arriving cold, not being up to scratch etc. Have you tried Let’s Eat In? Do you like it?