CURRY lovers from Wanstead High School have paid a special visit to an Indian eatery to learn first-hand how their favourite dishes are made.

A group of budding food critics from the school, in Redbridge Lane West, dropped by the Star of India, in Leytonstone, to watch its chefs in action before tucking into a tasty buffet.

Staff at the restaurant started off by showing the pupils a selection of spices and explaining how they are used in various recipes.

The group was then taken on a tour of the kitchen, where they learned how to make naan bread using a tandoori oven and a selection of favourite curry dishes.

Wanstead High School’s arts coordinator, Tracey Phillipson, said: “We watched the chefs cook chicken korma, chicken tikka and onion bhajis whilst we were in the kitchen, and they gave us lots of tips and hints so that we could make them in school and at home.

“Everyone really enjoyed the chance to see a real kitchen at work, to learn a little more about spices and some favourite recipes and of course the chance to taste everything.

“Back at school the students have been busy creating their own dishes for their friends and of course writing some lovely thank you cards to show their appreciation to the staff at the restaurant for a very special treat.”