WE may be in a national lockdown, but there are still plenty of places open to enjoy some great grub.

And among those still operating as normal are takeaways.

Having a Chinese or Indian on a weekend has become something of a tradition in recent years.

So we have put together a list of the top venues in the Braintree district in case you're looking for somewhere new to try.

All ratings and reviews have been left on the Tripadvisor website:

The Ruby in Braintree

The Indian takeaway in Braintree High Street has 88 five-star ratings and offers a mix of Indian, Balti, Asian, Eastern European, Bangladeshi cuisines.

Customers have praised the venue's service and range of food.

Particular praise has also been reserved for the quality of dishes, and one reviewer claims The Ruby "ticks all the boxes".

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant

Another Indian takeaway which is highly recommended on Tripadvisor is the venue in Cressing Road.

The Taj Mahal has received 95 five-star ratings and has earned praise for its speed of service and quality of food.

The takeaway offers a mix of Indian, Balti, Asian, Nepalese and Vegan options.

Eastern Aroma

If you're after a Chinese in Braintree, then the Eastern Aroma in Railway Street may be the one for you.

Staff have been called friendly, the food 'outstanding' and the service has also been well-liked by reviewers.

With 88 five-star ratings, the takeaway is a popular choice on Tripadvisor.

It offers a mix of Chinese, Asian and vegetarian friendly dishes.

Ifraaz

The Indian takeaway is based in the heart of Witham town centre and offers a mix of Indian, Balti and Bangladeshi dishes,

It has earned a whopping 228 five-star ratings in Tripadvisor.

Reviewers say the menu is 'huge' and the service and quality of food is highly recommended.

One reviewer says the Ifraaz offers an 'Indian fine-dining experience'.

Raj Garden

Based between Witham and Braintree, the restaurant/ takeaway has earned 39 five-star ratings on Tripadvisor.

The venue, which is based in Witham South Road, offers Balti, Bangladeshi, Indian, Asian dishes.

It is described as a 'family-friendly business' which provides good service and food to customers.

Peking Chef

Another takeaway based in Newland Street in Witham, the Chinese is described as a reliable choice by one reviewer.

It has 14 five-star ratings on Tripadvisor out of 21 reviews.

The venue offers a mix of Chinese and Asian dishes, with one reviewer claiming it is the "best Chinese" they have ever had.

Spice Zone

Based in Halstead, Spice Zone is a popular choice in the town and has earned 66 five-star ratings.

The takeaway provides a mix of dishes, including Indian, Asian and Balti.

The staff are highly thought of among reviewers and the food is also given high praise.

One reviewer even states: "the flavour, spice and look of their dishes are just like no other."