My family is originally from Ballyfermot, and before we moved to Kildare a takeaway at Lam's on a Saturday night was always the highlight of our weekend.
So you can imagine my surprise when I heard that my hometown now has two Chinese takeaways called Lams within the same family. There's 'New Lams', which has just opened within the last two weeks, and the original 'Lams', which has been in business for 32 years.
Jonathon Lam, 39 had been working at his dad takeaway business for 20 years before asking for a pay rise and subsequently falling out with his father Ken, leading him to open his own takeaway with a very similar name right next door. Jonathon said that he had to make this decision to support his family.
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Jonathan told The Irish Sun: “I know it is controversial. I’m not in the hurt business if you get me, I’m not in the business of hurting him. The reality is I’m doing what’s best for me. This is the only option left for me."
Meanwhile, Jonathon's father Ken said: “I let him go. I think he lost face because he no longer works for me. It’s like revenge.
"To me, I think it’s wrong. Okay, you want to open a business against me. It doesn’t really matter. I’m good. I’m in business 32 years in Ballyfermot."
New Lam's officially opened on 10 April, and curry lovers instantly flocked to the Chinese takeaway to try it for themselves. And both father and son clearly know what they're doing when it comes to classic, comforting Chinese takeaway food.
The experience and prices at Lams and New Lam's
Both 'Lam's' and 'New Lam's' are literally side by side on Ballyfermot Road, and there were plenty of people out and about to pick up their Saturday night dinner. Both were equally busy, and several people (myself included) couldn't resist taking pics of the two rivals.
First, I went into 'New Lam's', where the staff were friendly. As part of their service, when you order they ask for your name, which is a nice, fresh personalised approach.
So I ordered a large 3 in 1 from 'New Lam's' which cost me just €5 and the service was very efficient. Once I had my order, and feeling slightly sneaky, I went next door to 'Lam's'. Again, I ordered a 3 in 1 which set me back €6, and the service was very quick and the food was so fresh.
Both 'Lam's' and 'New Lam's' are excelling in their swift customer service, and fresh food. And their prices are excellent, too.
The quality is in the food
Lam's 3 in 1 combo
The original 'Lam's' curry sauce is exactly like I remember it as being back when I was a kid; sweet and spicy, the curry sauce was thick over the well-cooked chips and the rice was soft and cooked to perfection.
Ultimately, it was a curry lover's paradise. My mam and brother, who also came with me to sample the two rival takeaway's food, agreed that Lam's has definitely perfected its curry sauce over the years. 'Lam's' 3 in 1 combo was like coming home, familiar and enjoyable.
New Lam's 3 in one combo
Meanwhile, 'New Lam's' 3 in 1 was nearly identical, but with a couple of key differences. There was just a little more curry sauce on top of the chips, the rice was just as soft and the chips were fluffy inside, but what stands out from 'New Lam's' is the curry sauce; it was spicier with a distinct coconutty flavour, and my taste buds loved it.
'New Lam's' has put a very modern spin on its sauce, and I think younger curry fans will be delighted to try it - and their spice bags, which for the record look absolutely delicious.
Who has won the takeaway wars?
Both 'Lam's' and 'New Lam's' are fantastic Chinese takeaways. 'Lam's' is more traditionally Chinese with its menu and decor and curry flavours, while 'New Lam's' is embracing a more modern, hip vibe which is apparently in its distinct curry sauce with that unforgettable coconutty taste.
Both 'Lam's' and 'New Lam's' give their customers an unforgettable food experience, whether that's enjoying their food on your way home after a couple of drinks or just sitting at home in front of the tv. I would say that if you want a traditional, familiar curry, then 'Lam's' is the way to go.
But if you're in the mood to explore bold, modern flavours, then 'New Lam's' is perfect for you. Either way, these two rival Chinese takeaways were absolutely buzzing on a Saturday evening and they're both winning the takeaway wars.
Lam's Chinese takeaway is located at 286 Ballyfermot Road, and New Lam's is next door at 284.
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