This is Hector’s nineteenth visit to Aberdeen for the festive season, not that I’m counting… It was Graeme who suggested Ambal’s Restaurant (4 Bridge St., Aberdeen, AB11 6JJ), he and a friend had visited recently, they were impressed. Re-opened since May of this year, Hector was happy to return to this admirable Curry House.
Marg and Hector arrived fifteen minutes before the 19.30 rendezvous, three tables were occupied. Greeted by Lady Staff members, we were shown to a table on the dais. None of the Chaps who have served us previously were seen, surely they have not all gone, has this place changed hands?
We had plenty of time to study the Menu, with hindsight I wish had taken more care in photographing it. It took a few minutes to realise that not only have the prices been restored to their former levels, but the Specials, featuring Anna’s Seabass, which recently was £12.95 is now a whopping £18.95. In July, Mein Host outlined their then new pricing policy as keeping in touch with – reality – as in prices for the masses. This policy has evidently been abandoned.
One Waitress came to offer Poppadoms etc and Drinks whilst we waited. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.00) was ordered. Marg accepted that whilst she might enjoy a Papadum (£0.90), she would be alone. Hector does not play this game.
Where was our Water?
Marg asked again, and again, eventually it was revealed they had to send out for some. Once presented in a cooler it was still tepid though did improve in time. This was our Opperchancity to establish if Ambal’s had changed hands, apparently not.
By the time Graeme arrived Marg had decided on what I regard as Ambal’s Signature Dish – Bhuna Gosht (£11.95) and a Chapatti (£2.95). As is the Aberdeen norm, Chapattis are a rip-off, Bradford Readers may pick themselves off the floor at this point. I advised Marg that the last time she had Bhuna Gosht here, she had considered it to be – too dry – for her total enjoyment. Tonight, she was up for it, I had already decided on Bhuna Gosht, with my – usual Tweaks. In the summer, I concluded that I might be wound up less by ordering Rice instead of overpriced Bread, alas, having received – Inclusive Rice – last week in Köln, I could not bring myself to pay £4.00 plus for Rice. I would risk a Chilli Naan (£3.99). Risk? I have now abandoned Garlic Naans as they can overpower the taste of the Curry.
Graeme arrived punctually and was given seconds to make his choices before Original Waitress was back to take our Order. Marg kicked things off. I added:
Bhuna Gosht, with Extra Methi and no Red or Green Peppers in either Bhuna. Chillies yes, Capsicum no.
(Last time Red Capsicum appeared in the Garnish.)
The Waitress appeared puzzled at first but was seen to make notes. Graeme opted for Karaikudi Yera Thokku (£16.95) – King Prawns in Chettinad Spices – plus Coconut Rice (£4.75). Hector tried this creation once having been mesmerised by its presentation to a Fellow Diner on a previous visit. It was true to the Flavours of South India, Coconut Rice was therefore a Sensible Accompaniment if one cares to add – Sweetness – to one’s Curry. A Pint of Kingfisher (£4.50) completed the Order.
A Chap I did not recognise brought Hot Plates from the kitchen, a good start. Moments later he returned with the Order. Two Bhuna Gosht were on the tray. Which has the Extra Methi? The other Waitress was on hand also, neither knew, she who took the Order was not. One Bhuna Gosht was taken back to the kitchen for – The Hector Tweaks.
This gave time for me to complete the – Photographic Ritual. The Bhuna Gosht was served in a Karahi not a plate as in previous visits. It did have a Seriously Dry-Thick Masala, a Real Bhuna. Neither this or the Karaikudi Yera Thokku had the Artistic Garnish which one has come to expect at Ambal’s. A different Chef?
My choice was re-presented, it was clearly Steaming Hot, as I like it. It was admitted that – Extra Methi – had not been communicated to the kitchen. 
Marg had already snaffled a piece of the Naan having realised her Small Chapatti would not be sufficient. The Chapatti looked feeble in its basket. Here I insert a link to a typical Bradford Curry House where piles of Chapattis (or Naan, or Rice) are inclusive. The Naan was Thick, Fluffy and Soft. With Fresh Coriander streaks on Top and slices of Green Chilli embedded, I would shortly establish this Bread as a Perfect Accompaniment. If only I had remembered to ask for it to be served – Whole.
Bhuna Gosht
Magnificent!
There was a Mass of Soft, Tender Lamb in the Thick Masala. The Seasoning was as it should be – Robust, Strong, but not – Salty. The Spice Level was Moderate, not a Challenge. The Flavours were Intense. I asked Marg if she was getting Anise she was. Marg was thoroughly enjoying her – Methi-less – version. I was in Methi Heaven. The Blend of Herbs and Spice here was spot on. This is as good as a Bhuna Gosht gets – I declared.
Karaikudi Yera Thokku
I wondered if Graeme also had Anise coming through in his creation, in effect to establish if he had the same Masala, apparently not. Eight King Prawns were counted, a marked improvement in the four served to Hector last year. This may well have been Graeme’s first ever Prawn Curry, he had never considered Fish Curry until I started to rave about it.
He took little over half of his Coconut Rice which pleased Marg who helped herself. Rice to share at this price is OK, Rice for one?
Good sauce, smooth, and medium spiced – was Graeme’s verdict.
Both Waitresses had checked on our progress, asking the usual question:
This is exactly how I like my Curry – was Hector’s enthusiastic response.
The Young Chap appeared once more: Are you Hector?
The LG was already loaded with the staff photo, he took it to the kitchen. Chef appeared in instant, indeed it was the Chap I have come to recognise as Mein Host.
I knew it was you. Methi is our code word. The Waitress was puzzled.
I had to comment on the restoration of the prices, and the significant increase in the Seabass.
In Germany, Fish Curry is cheaper than or comparable to Lamb – I related – How far is Aberdeen from the sea?
I was informed that at Ambal’s they never use Frozen Fish, few people ask for it, and so it is dumped after three days.
A Staff – Fish Curry – Opperchancity? Perhaps if their Fish Curry was realistically priced more customers would ask for it?
I was pleased to hear that Ambal’s continues to do well, regradless of my criticisms about the Price of Sundries. I shall continue to do so until both the Diners and Restaurateurs in this city accept the obvious. Ambal’s remains one of the Best Curry Houses in Aberdeen. Hector only recommends three establishments in this city.
The Bill
£48.63. I checked The Bill to establish the price of the pint of Kingfisher. I am glad a Tip was left, we were woefully undercharged I see now.
The Aftermath
And so to the Prince of Wales. Aberdeen may not quite be a Real Ale Desert, but is far from being an Oasis… too many establishments owned by a national chain, a lack of diversity.