Mumbles is a western suburb of Swansea where Marg has played International Hockey, The Company were here for Bier and Curry. Having said farewell to Rod who is giving up the running of the Mumbles Ale House, it was time for Curry-Heute. This is Mark and Karen’s backyard so we had to trust their judgement when they informed us that Mumtaz (478 Mumbles Rd., Swansea, SA3 4BX, Wales) is the best of the three Curry Houses in Mumbles. Mark made it clear that Mumtaz is at best, Mainstream.
The Company of Eight were asked to wait a moment whilst a table was created. We were shown through to the rear, the place was by no means full, but did fill up as the evening progressed.
A Young Waiter approached to take any Drinks Order and offered us Poppadoms.
Are you giving or selling?
As they were not Complimentary none were ordered, how to avoid an extra £20.00 on The Bill before we’ve even started. Starters were mentioned, dismissed, suddenly we were having Starters – Couples would share.
Howard and Mags would share Lamb Chops (£4.50) Dr. Stan and I were intent on sharing a Seekh Kebab (£3.30) as were Craig and Yvonne. Mark was having Chicken Chat (£3.85) to himself.
Being at a hitherto unvisited venue, The Hector had to perform his duties. A more Mature Waiter was now dealing with us. How many Chops in a Portion, also in the Seekh Kebabs?
Two Chops felt a bit Skimpy at £4.50, however, Hector was changing his mind, let Dr. Stan enjoy the promised pair of Seekh Kebabs, – I’ll have Lamb Chops too. It has been a while.
There was greater harmony when it came to ordering The Mains. After last night’s Stunning – Kesuri Lamb – at Anarkali, Mark, Howard and Hector were having Lamb Methi (£7.95). Keema Rice (£2.95) was Howard’s chosen accompaniment, Mark decided to forego Rice or Bread and ordered Aloo Gobi (£2.95) as a Side. The Menu said – Mushroom Rice with mushrooms. I had to have this, if only for the pleasure in asking. Recording everyone’s choices was keeping me busy, The Waiter realised I would not be interrupted, in fact I ordered last.
Craig had to find something he thought should be served – Mild. Lahore Special Balti (9.50) which would feature Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka and Prawns, plus a Tandoori Roti (£1.40) should be safe enough.
Dr, Stan, who is typically happy to share a Kilo of anything, was let loose. Lamb Handi (£7.25) with a Stuffed Paratha (£2.50) was his selection.
Now for – The Ladies
Yvonne asked for King Prawn Balti (£12.00) with a Naan (£1.95).
Karen saw Saag Aloo as a Side (3.85) but asked for it to be served as a Main. Special Fried Rice (£2.80) to company.
Handi Silsilay (7.95) was distinguished by having Mushrooms. This and a Paratha for Mags completed the Order.
Who would be a Waiter? It’s exhausting keeping tabs and hope I have matched up the correct photos to the correct Dishes, not absolutely certain I did so yesterday.
The Kebabs and Chicken Chat were presented without comment. The Lamb Chops were wheeled in on a trolley, they were Sizzling on a Hot Metal Platter, we were asked if we wished the Onions. Oh yes.
The Portion was in fact three Chops which was even better for Hector but gave Howard and Mags a problem. The Chops were Spicy and well-cooked, but why add the Red Food Dye? Perhaps it was in the Tandoori Paste they could have used?
It was OK – said Dr. Stan when asked about his Pair of Seekh Kebabs. Remarkably good – was Craig’s verdict.
The Chicken Chat made me take notice as soon as it arrived. Normally this is simply Tandoori Chicken on-the-bone. Tonight I saw an interpretation I have only seen at the Akash, Helensburgh (Scotland). This was Boneless Chicken with Pickle too.
Very tasty – said Mark, I bet it was.
Impressive Starters, we all know what that means…
With three Lamb Methi there was less of a photographic intrusion, still the Sides and Accompaniment had to be recorded. Where was the Aloo Gobi?
Saag Aloo
Karen’s Vegetable Delights, Saag Aloo and Special Fried Rice may encourage me to recapture the love of Vegetables which lasted for a few weeks after The India Trip. There was no worry about Excessive Masala here. Peas and Egg are what made the Rice – Special. Karen enjoyed the eating as much as I enjoyed the Visual Splendour.
Handi Silislay
The Handi Silislay meant more Lamb Chops for Mags. The Waiter could have advised on this. A better masala, but sweet – was Mags’ comparison to her Balti Speciality last night at Anarkali.
Lahore Special Balti
The Lahore Special Balti suited Craig, he only tends to have problems when something Ferocious is served to him, then he eats on, regardless.
Distinctly average, it did the job and filled a gap.
King Prawn Balti
Yvonne was far from impressed with her King Prawn Balti.
The prawns are a bit chewy.
(The Masala…) A bit gloopy.
It tastes like a chain, McDonalds.
McDonald’s don’t serve King Prawn Balti (yet) but if they did…
Lamb Handi
I was worried for Dr. Stan when I saw his Lamb Handi. Shorva, not Masala-proper.
A bit Watery, Stan?
Yeah.
And Red.
Dr. Stan may be a man of few words and would never complain, but what this had to do with Handi puzzles The Hector. This was far removed from any Traditional Cuisine. that The Hector has encountered on his extensive travels. It’s Tikka Lamb – Dr. Stan declared. Having studied their Menu again, there was nothing to suggest this. We do not expect Tikka in a Curry, and certainly not in a Handi, unless clearly stated.
At least his Paratha was well-fired and looked to be just the job.
Where was the Aloo Gobi?
Lamb Methi
When the three Lamb Methi Dishes were brought I asked which was the Spicy one. They were all the same. The Delivery Waiter offered to take one away and sort it. I was not having my Curry taken away from me.
Perhaps I should have, there was very little Spice in this Lamb Methi, the Seasoning Level was well below expected standard also. The Tender Lamb was Plentiful, I stopped counting at Fifteen, a Large Portion. The Masala was on the Thin end of the spectrum. The Infusion of Methi was not there. To me this defined Mainstream, there was nothing wrong with the Curry per se, it just did not perform.
The Mushroom Rice, however, was Excellent, Fresh Mushrooms, well cooked, the Saviour.
Howard inevitably had to compare today with yesterday. The Lamb Methi served at Anarkali was one of the Best, Ever. Today’s simply could not compete.
Enjoyable, but not yesterday’s Curry – said Howard.
Mark, an IT Expert, asked how I would make reference on Curry-Heute to Yesterday.
Don’t you know how html works? – I got away with it.
Mark’s Aloo Gobi finally arrived, this provided him with Hot, Fresh Food. It was a pity he had to eat his Lamb Methi without an Accompaniment. I must comment favourably on how hot the plates were for The Mains, always appreciated.
A Mainstream Curry – Mark knows the terminology used on Curry-Heute. He did say – Very good – when The Waiter cleared the table. Hector had other thoughts.
The above photos show that four out of the five discrete choices were served with Shorva, this is regarded as Poor by this Commentator. Yvonne’s reference to – McDonalds – felt a bit harsh at the the time, however, when one has had the time to review all that was served, then the shortcomings have become more apparent. Venues which serve – Soupy Sauce – as Standard are not the places which The Hector would ever recommend, or choose to return to.
The Bill
£113.25. Who didn’t have a Starter? Who shared one? Who had a Starter and a Side?
The reality is, we had all eaten well for a modest sum.
The Aftermath
Guessing that Our Waiter had seen enough of me, I took the Calling Card up to the counter. Mein Host was present but insisted I take a photo of the Chap behind the counter:
He does all the work.
