There are four City Centre Curry Houses in Aberdeen which Hector has still to review. With Marg – out with the girls – this evening, a perfect Opperchancity for Hector to go exploring. 8848 Restaurant (347 Union St., Aberdeen, AB11 6BT, Scotland) advertises itself as having an Indian and Nepalese Kitchen. Having won – Best in Aberdeen – at the Scottish Curry Awards last year, 8848 would surely be a cut above the Nepalese Experiences of Belgium and Huddersfield? Who wins Awards?
Hector was the first customer of the shift at 18.00. Two Chaps would take it in turn recording and serving. The Menu had the usual Standards, however, Hector was here to try something different. With the Menu posted on the window, I had spotted a Dish which had the magical words – served dry – clearly printed. There was no sign of these words on the Menu which now lay before me. Instead the term – Dairy – was the suffix to the descriptions.
The Chef’s Recommendations – Nepali Dishes – included a Fish Curry – Machi Special (£13.95) and a mix of Meats – Kadhai Special (£12.95). Lamb Bhutuwa (£12.95) – Boneless Spring Lamb, Green Herbs, spring Onions, mixed spices, served dry (Hector loves the capitalisations) was the Dish which had caught the eye in the window. The 8848 Website confirmed the – served dry. This Dish is also available in – Duck – at £13.95 as – Himali Hansh Bhutauwa. Further down the Menu was Chicken Chettinad (£14.95) served with Rice. If Lamb or Fish had been available I would have been spoiled for choice.
The Laccha Paratha (£3.45) was described as being – Buttered and Layered – so hopefully more Authentic than the Tandoori Paratha served at Lahore Karahi last night. As always in Aberdeen, I noted the price of a Roti/Chapatti. £2.25 is nonsense. As The Curryspondents know, up to four are inclusive with any Main Meal in Bradford. In general, Breads are way overpriced in Aberdeen. This is where the Profit is made.
The order was given with the usual – Capsicum Caveat. The description of the Lamb Bhuttuwa did not mention – Peppers – but one can never be sure. A Sparkling Water as ever, would provide the liquid refreshment. The Waiter then offered Poppadoms. I abandoned my usual – Are you giving or selling? I am presently bored with Poppadoms.
Another Chap took a table diagonally opposite which limited my Photo Opperchancities. The Restaurant is long but not narrow. The tables are well spaced permitting privacy. From my locus I estimated around fifty seats were available in addition to those at the reception area. Sitting adjacent to the Bar, I could see the array of Drinks on offer, a Full Licence here. With white brick tiles adorning the walls, and white linen on the tables, this was very much a venue in which – To Dine.
The Lamb Bhuttuwa was presented in a China Bowl, the Masala impressed immediately. This was as Dry and Thick a Masala as Hector could hope for. The Laccha Paratha was overdone, but not burnt. The Flakiness and Layering were most apparent, the brown hue suggested some Wholemeal Flour had been used.
At first glance I had thought Lentils must have been present to give the Masala this level of Thickness. Closer examination revealed the Finest of Chopped Onions, with slices of Spring Onion also. Around eight decent sized pieces of Tender Lamb were present. The taste of the Lamb itself came across, sadly, one had to conclude that the Meat and Masala were strangers until a few minutes previously. The Lamb had not absorbed the Flavour from the Masala. The Spice Level was not challenging, the Seasoning was Fine. I came to realise that I was alternately tasting something new and pleasing and something that wasn’t quite right. It was the Paratha. Whatever Buttery Topping had been applied was detracting from the Flavours in the Masala.
With my usual three quarters of the Paratha eaten, I was able to concentrate more on the Masala. There was a distinctive – Tangy Flavour – unlike anything I have experienced, far from Achari. This was something new, my reason for being here.
A Waiter had made the customary check whilst I ate. I had expressed my pleasure at being given a Thick, Dry Masala. Another Chap passed just as I was finishing off. His welcoming smile and different garb made me conclude that this was – Mein Host. He too enquired as to my enjoyment of the meal. Time for The Hector to introduce himself.
The Calling Card was given, the Curry-Heute Website shown. The number of Visitors impressed. (…and people say these counters should be abandoned.) Chris, Mein Host, and Hector then spent the next ten minutes talking – Curry.
My preference for Curry Cafes a la Glasgow, and Bradford Curry in particular was related. The prices at these venues are significantly lower. I held up the corner of the tablecloth: One comes here – To Dine.
The various styles of Masala from Punjabi, through blended Middle India and Shorva were all acknowledged. The presence of Chicken Chettinad on the – 8848 Menu – led to the declaration of my appreciation for the distinctive South Indian taste. I believe Chris stated they have three in house Masalas, he was keen for me to try one specifically and so disappeared off to the kitchen.
The Waiter who had brought my meal then engaged. I mentioned the Fish Chettinad as served at Indian Mango (München) as being the Curry which sets the Standard. He has a friend in Deutschland and should be passing this information on.
Chris returned with a Soupçon of the Thickest Masala I have ever encountered. Daal Makhani – was my first take, it was Thicker than this, Thicker than Porridge. Nine Spices had been used in its preparation. This was another brand new – Taste Experience. I could not eat all of this alone, it was far too intense. This is what accompanies their Chicken Chettinad, presumably toned down with other additions. This inevitably led me to give the Fish Chettinad Challenge. Next time.
I asked for – The Bill – Chris was all for letting me have my meal – on the house. He appreciated the detail that would go into this review, but of course was not trying to influence me. As a Stranger, I could not accept a Freebie. When Restaurateurs invite me, that is another story.
The Bill
£13.12. A 20% discount had been applied – at Chris’ discretion. Honour maintained all round.
The Aftermath
I had to ask Chris if he knew anything about Ambal’s closure. Chris has dined with the Ambal’s staff. His next statement surprised me. Chris rated Ambal’s Fayre as being Superior to that which is served at 8848. Their attempt at maintaining Quality had cost them. Ambal’s had been my Favourite Aberdeen Curry House in the last year or so. Upstairs venues in my experience do not have the same footfall. Ambal’s is no more.
8848 Menu – Extracts
