Staff were sacked from Newcastle's 'dirtiest takeaway' after the filthy conditions inside were exposed.
Inspectors slammed grease-stained Shalimar as it was awarded the city's only zero-star food hygiene score.
They found meat kept in a bucket under the sink while the wash basin didn't even have soap.
Customers have called for the Cowgate curry shop to be closed with bosses threatened with court unless they clean up their act.
However a manager at the Ponteland Road takeaway insists he's aiming for a FIVE star review when it is re-inspected.
"I was off work the week when Newcastle City Council carried out the inspection due to my baby being unwell," claimed a manager, who gave his name as Shabaz.
"I could not believe what had happened with all my experience in the food trade and sincerely apologise to all of our customers for this.
"All staff that were involved with keeping the takeaway to standard have been released and new staff members have been put in place as these people let us all down not just myself but the customers as well."
September's surprise inspection uncovered a string of problems including blender blades caked in grease, leaking fridges and dirty overalls.
Staff ate pizza as they worked, even though the dough mixer was "filthy".
In a report exclusively obtained by ChronicleLive, the authority warned: "In view of the extremely poor standard, a further inspection will be carried out.
"If there is not a substantial improvement evident by the time the re-inspection is carried out, consideration will be given to the institution of legal proceedings against you."
The inspection, which costs the venue £160, has yet to be carried out. However Shabaz insisted: "We have carried out all of the work asked for by Newcastle City Council and beyond.
"We are aiming for 5 stars to put things right."
