Five-star review for Namaste restaurant as South Shields school children get a taste of India

A group of 50 Year 6 students from Ashley Primary School visited Namaste Indian restaurant on King George Road on Monday, February 10 to learn about the cuisine.

The trip was part of the school’s annual international week from Monday 10 to Friday 16, which sees each year group focus on learning about a different country across the world.

As part of their lessons the year group has covered many aspects of Indian culture from traditional artwork to native animals, while comparing daily life to their own in South Shields.

The children each enjoyed an onion bhaji, followed by chicken curry and plain rice, with some experiencing the cuisine for the first time.

They also had the opportunity to be introduced to Namaste’s chef and his team, who talked them through how each dish was made and shared some of their culture and traditions.

“Some of the children have never experienced Indian food, most had never tasted an onion bhaji,” said Year 6 teacher, Kerri Humphrey.

“Some don’t get the opportunity to go out for meals, this is a way to build up links within the community and local area, as well an opportunity to develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of what goes on around the world.”

The children have now each written a letter thanking the restaurant.

“They thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a really good experience,” she added.

“The majority said they would rate it five stars and would be going back with their parents.”

Razz Ahmed, director at Namaste said the team learned a lot from the experience too.

“We do a lot of work with charities, but this is the first time we have done anything with children,” he said.

“We were delighted that a primary school wanted to come to our restaurant.

“The children were engaged and enjoyed themselves. It made us really proud to share our food, traditions and culture with young people. It’s something we would like to do more.”