Edinburgh – Lazeez Tandoori – It’s in Embra’, Right? Lazeez Curry is as Good as Bradford’s!

Hector The Tourist?

Unusually, Hector has only reported from Eretz Glasgow once in recent weeks. Today, work takes Hector to The Far East once again, a chance to meet up with Neil who first made me  aware of the formerly – Impressive – but now deservedly described as – Outstanding – Lazeez Tandoori (191 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EB). Note also, there is no Hyperbole in this report, and the next Three Curry-Heute Blogs will be from places afar and will not match this.
Firstly, another chance to rant about our transport system. Is the departure platform of a train a State Secret? The Glasgow Queen St and Central Station habit of not revealing a platform number until moments before departure was equalled this evening at Haymarket. Haymarket has a Departures Board showing a maximum of four trains. Mine was the Sixth, shown on a board labelled – Arrivals – and leaving in five minutes.
Yes they have to fix that. – said a helpful First Scotrail employee.
A pity Deutsche Bahn don’t run our Railways…

When you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal

Neil and Hector passed two other Curry Houses in the Haymarket area this evening. One is reportedly Excellent but is a Franchise. Why should this be better than the one in Glasgow which closed? As for, the other, if ever there was signage designed to – Keep Hector Out.

Neil is a regular at Lazeez Tandoori, but for Takeaways. This was Hector’s second Visit, the Lamb Karahi was calling me back. Taking a table at the window, we saw Mein Host busy behind the counter dealing with the Phone, Takeaway Customers and some Chaps at the table occupied last time by Mr. Snax, Marg and Hector. After some minutes he asked if we were ready to order. The anticipated wait for a Fresh Karahi is what motivated me to order a Starter. Lunch was substantial and relatively late. Lamb Seekh Kebabs were not available, only Chicken…  I try to avoid Chicken. I was told the Chef was out sourcing more Lamb Mince. It was verified that Lazeez does not do Lamb Chops. So, Mixed Pakora (£3.95) – same as last time.
I asked for the Lamb Karahi £9.75) without Capsicum. Mein Host immediately looked up from his note taking. There was an obvious challenge coming my way, as if my request was not possible or was upsetting. I had it that way last time, it was so good, that’s why I’m back. Capsicum withheld. Do you have Fresh Methi? Only Dried was available, ok. Extra Methi Please, assuming there was Methi in the Karahi originally. Given Lunch, I should have ordered Chapattis, the Keema Paratha (£2.50) had to be sampled.
Neil was set on Keema, Boiled Rice would accompany. We were invited to help ourselves to Drinks from the fridge, glasses were provided. .

Mixed Pakora
The Pakora arrived, Vegetable, Chicken and Mushroom. Again it was apparent that this had been half-cooked previously and now just finished off, not ideal. The Mushroom Pakora was the Dodgy part last time, tonight it was Fine. The Vegetable Pakora was the Highlight, better than the Chicken in Batter. Why was I eating Lumps of Meat? Lunch would have its revenge.

Having introduced myself on arrival, Mein Host was over to chat whilst we waited for The Main Event. The Chef returned laden and acknowledged us sitting at the door. He is also the Proprietor. On reading the review of the first visit, Mein Host defended the half cooked Pakora. If they didn’t do it that way, what they served would be too solid to eat, and – too Dark and Crispy. He went on to identify the Young Chap who served me last time as the Son of the Chef, his own Nephew. The Mother was seen popping in and out of the Kitchen, answering the phone as necessary. Note, no Deliveries on a Tuesday.
Advertising itself as Takeaway and Sit-in, space at Lazeez is limited. I had to ask if I could use The Facilities. I suspect not many have asked for this, the wish was granted. I had to walk through the Kitchen and was happy to observe a Pot with Raw Onions ready to be pulped. There was no sign of the Great Curry Pot. I was even happier to find the toilet clean and working. Two mysteries solved.

We pride ourselves on the size of our portions … and also our Karahi
Neil’s Plate of Keema was delightfully Dry, the Portion Significant. The Karahi was something else. Served Bradford-Dry, even the Lamb Pieces approached Bradford-Small. The Lamb was Tender, with enough Resistance. The Masala was Thick, Very Thick, and Minimal. The Methi was there, the Oil residue was not excessive. This looked exactly how Hector wants his Curry.
The Eating was a Joy, the distinctive Blend of Flavours which can be identified as – The Bradford Taste – were there. There was a Blast of Cinnamon, Methi too. Just how wonderful was this Curry? Sheer Pleasure, there’s more.
The Paratha was Chunky, Substantial. There is a slow realisation that Perfect Flakiness cannot be achieved in a Stuffed Paratha. The test was the Mince, this Paratha passed, and some. This was as good as The Best of Keema Parathas. The Individual Grains of Mince were most visible when the Paratha was town apart. Why did Hector have Lunch?

The Combination of Bread and Karahi is the Staple of the Punjab, I am told. Dipping the Paratha in the Oil collecting at the base of a Karahi is one of Life’s Great Indulgences. Bradford-with Cinnamon – was how I described this dish to Neil. I could not pay it a higher complement.
Hector is used to a Half Kilo on-the-bone. This Portion must have was an equivalence, and being Boneless, the Meat content was Bountiful. Defeat was inevitable. The Exit Strategy was to eat Half thus leave a Decent Portion for another day.

Meanwhile Neil was having what was for him, a regular order. He found last week’s Keema to be Spicier but put this down to the aftermath of the couple of pieces of Pakora he had sampled.
Excellent Keema, enjoyed the Pakora, lovely food.

Doggy Bags were arranged.
Before we left our table, Mein Host placed a – Reserved – sign on the optimum table. This is worth noting for future Trips to Musselburgh?

The Bill
£16.79. We paid our own. The Karahi at a Tenner is more expensive than many Takeaways, however, this is in effect Two Portions.

The Aftermath
Assuming Chef was busy I asked for a Photo with Mein Host and The Mother. Chef/Proprietor appeared, they were happy to pose. Chef asked – I hope you found the food OK.
I didn’t come for OK, I seek Excellent, and this most certainly was. I mentioned the – as Good as Bradford.
Edinburgh is more famous for Tartan Dolly Shops than Curry. This is Hector, a Weegie, describing an Edinburgh Curry as being – as Good as Bradford. Can I praise this food any more?

Neil has not been to Bradford. I feel a Trip may be upon him very soon, then he will discover what the fuss is about.