National Curry Week returns this week (October 4-10) for its 23rd straight year.

In Essex there are a number of Indian restaurants that you could visit or get takeaway from to help celebrate the week.

However, if you want to get some food that might be a cut above the rest, then you can take a look at the top ten in the county according to TripAdvisor.

The list of those venues is listed below.

What are the ten best-rated Indian restaurants in Essex?

Jodhpur Indian Kitchen, Basildon

Braintree and Witham Times: Jodhpur Indian Kitchen (TripAdvisor)Jodhpur Indian Kitchen (TripAdvisor)

The best rated Indian restaurant in Essex goes to the Jodhpur Indian Kitchen in Basildon.

Like a few others on this list it achieved a perfect 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor, but it managed this score out of the most review, meaning it took top spot.

It received 279 ‘excellent’ reviews out of a possible 307, with one review describing it as the “Best Indian food we’ve ever had”.

Ifraaz, Witham

Second place goes to this Witham restaurant, which achieved a 5.0 rating based on 297 reviews.

Commendation came for its attentive service and tasty chicken tikka dishes.

Jehan Curry Hut, Brentwood

The number three rated Indian restaurant in Essex is the Jehan Curry Hut, with another perfect 5.0 rating based on 149 reviews.

It has received praise for its high-quality food and service, with one review describing it as the “Best Indian Ever”.

The Gurkha Restaurant, Chelmsford

Braintree and Witham Times: A dish from the Gurkha Restaurant in Chelmsford (TripAdvisor)A dish from the Gurkha Restaurant in Chelmsford (TripAdvisor)

Moving onto the Gurkha Restaurant now, which can be found in Chelmsford.

It has managed a 4.5 rating based on an incredible 1,142 reviews on TripAdvisor, thanks to its “stunning tasty food” according to one satisfied reviewer.

Maharaja Restaurant, Benfleet

Another 4.5 rated Indian with over 1,000 reviews is the Maharaja restaurant in Benfleet.

It scored highly due to its amazing staff and incredible food.

New Delhi Grays, Grays Thurrock

New Delhi Grays is in number six spot on the list with a 4.5 rating based on 510 reviews.

It was described as having “great ambience” by one reviewer, with praise coming in for its lamb shank with “real flavour”

Redchillizes, Westcliff-on-Sea

Braintree and Witham Times: Inside Redchillizes (TripAdvisor)Inside Redchillizes (TripAdvisor)

Redchillizes takes the number seven spot on the list.

One reviewer described it as “probably the most interesting Indian restaurant” they had been to.

The food was recommended highly, particularly their Bombay mix, chutney tray and butter chicken.

Cinnamon Restaurant, North Weald

The Cinnamon Restaurant is at eighth on this this list, with a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor based on 375 reviews.

It is an all-round good experience to be had at the North Weald venue, particularly in terms of atmosphere and service.

Garden of India, Harlow

At number nine you can find the Garden of India in Harlow with a 4.5 rating based on 360 reviews.

Much was made of its friendly atmosphere and great naan bread.

Pakwaan Indian Punjabi Cuisine, Writtle

In the small village of Writtle you can find the tenth best rated Indian restaurant in the county.

The Pakwaan Indian Punjabi Cuisine has a 4.5 rating based on 259 reviews, and received that score for its lamb Rogan Josh and Tiger Prawn Biriyani amongst other dishes.

What is the history of Curry Week?

The very first Curry Week took place in October 1998 and was founded by the journalist Pete Groves.

He was a journalist who had fallen in love with curry and had a vision to drive awareness and appreciation of the cuisine.

The current objectives of the Curry Week, according to its website, are to celebrate and support the Indian restaurant industry, honour the nation’s favourite cuisine and raise money for poverty focussed charities.