Light of Bengal (13 Rose St, Aberdeen, Scotland AB10 1TX) is the fourteenth Aberdeen Curry House to appear in Curry Heute. That this well established venue has taken so long to appear is down to the last visit a decade ago, or thereabouts. The Hector was in no hurry to return, however, being the day after the Day of Nonsense, the intended venue Maya (the former Manzil) was closed. Blue Moon which was also visited a long time ago was stowed with a group of some twenty chaps on a long table, no thank you. Cinnamon was passed en route, another venue which has not been visited in the years of Curry-Heute, was also closed. There had to be Curry-Heute.
On the last visit to Light of Bengal we did arrive at the end of the shift and were taken in. The Order was taken, the staff then started vacuuming all around our table as if we were in the way. The time taken for the Food to arrive was such that Robin left in frustration long before it was served. It was that night the term – a Robin – was coined. When – The Bill – was presented they tried to charge us for the Curry they never served, fortunately, we had a Jonathan on hand to explain to them why this was not appropriate.
Ironically tonight, entering @19.30, we were marched through to the rear of the premises to the exact locus where Marg and Hector sat that fated evening. Tables for two occupied one side of the passageway, booths have been installed on the other. Our table was the last booth. Set for five, three settings were cleared, this was much more comfortable than the tables for two, though I never did get to see what lay beyond. There was an aroma of Dark Red Chillies, I wondered what Dish this might be from. The first waiter asked if we required Drinks and Poppadoms. As is the Hector custom, I asked if the Poppadoms were being given or sold. So no Poppadoms. Marg ordered the Drinks.
The Drinks Menu was removed, so it was only at the end of the visit we established that the litre bottle of Sparkling Water cost £5.75. Ouch!, but still not as bad as one night at the Jewel in The Crown.
It was time to study what was quite a different Menu. The standards were there, but under – Chef’s Specialities – was an array of Dishes which required close reading. The range of Bhoona Dishes was encouraging, there should be a Hector Curry here somewhere, then Afghani (£12.95) was spotted – Double strength sauce thickened with tomato puree and garlic, sprinkled with fresh coriander. Given my penchant for Punjabi-Afghan Cuisine, this could be the basis for a reasonable assessment of the Light of Bengal. Alas, Bengal is on the Bangladesh side of India.
Marg looked at the Karahi, however, this was described – Very rich flavour obtained by using fresh ginger, garlic and green peppers. The Garlic Shagorana – Tandoori dish cooked with a sauce of fresh herbs, garlic, tomatoes and onions – appeared to avoid the Dreaded Ballast.
To accompany, Marg desired Vegetable Fried Rice (£4.65 – how much?), whilst Hector was motivated by the enjoyment of the perfect Paratha last week at Glasgow’s Yadgar, it had to be.
A new awiter took the order. I gave the usual caveat – Can you please ensure that no Capsicum appears in any of the order?
We were advised that the Garlic Shagorana had Green Peppers. Marg was quick to point out that the Menu description did not mention Green Peppers for this Dish whilst it was specific for others. Could these be withheld? I then did well to ask about the Onions. These too would be in unwelcome Chunks. Start again.
Lamb Gujerati Bhoona – Rich flavour with fresh ginger, spring onions, fresh coriander and garlic, topped with homemade cottage cheese (paneer) – was my suggestion. I reminded Marg that we have had Paneer on Curry in Bradford, Omar’s. No Onion or Capsicum chunks here. Sorted.
At this point I wish to draw the Dear Readers’ attention to a very important issue – Chapattis. Too often in Aberdeen these are charged at ridiculous prices, at Light of Bengal, a Chapatti costs £1.10. Expensive compared to Bradford, but in Aberdoom, most amenable.
Afghani
A Chap in a Chef’s hat was charged with delivering the Curry. Placing the Afghani before me, he drew my attention to the Green Chillies, presumably to verify that these were permissible. Three, at least, whole Green Chillies were embedded in the Burgundy Masala. The periphery of the Curry had a Micro Salad. Served on a flat plate, the Afghani was presented in such a manner to convey that Rice was not appropriate for this Curry. The Paratha was set beside the Afghani, a sensible size, scored into quarters but not cut through, Layered and Flaky, this was the Perfect Paratha.
The Lamb Gujerati Bhoona and the Mixed Vegetable Rice had the luxury of a hot plate from which Marg could help herself. Covered in Paneer I was initially worried Marg may find this off-putting, not the case. Beneath the Cheese Topping lay Lamb in Minimal Masala and an acceptable quantity of Onion, this looked like a Bhuna should. Marg announced immediately – This is lovely, the meat is not the tenderest, but tasty. Hector was still taking photos, a struggle given that I was in my own light.
The – Double Strength Sauce – was a fair description. I was careful not to touch the Green Chillies until I had given the Masala a thorough appraisal. The Spice definitely had the – Wow, the Seasoning should have been more. Finely Chopped Onions permeated the Masala, Tomato Seeds were visible also. I doubt if this was therefore a Tomato-only based Masala, unless the Onions were simply added later. Afghani, this was far from – Namkeen. Marg took a Soupçon and announced she tasted Cinnamon, I did not, a more Global Flavour came my way.
Seven decent-sized pieces of Lamb were present. The Lamb was – Tikka Lamb, no warning written on the Menu. Checking the Online Menu, this information is not there either. Fortunately for Tikka Lamb in a Masala, this was still pretty good, Tender Lamb would have been closer to what I have come to recognise as Afghani Cuisine.
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I have seven pieces of Lamb – announced Marg. Hers was also Tikka Lamb, again no advice on the Menu. (If there was, neither of us saw this.) Marg commented favourably on the Minimal Masala, there was enough Moistness to keep her Happy; there was sufficient Dryness to keep a Hector Happy. Rice worked with this Dish: Chana (two types), Courgette, Peas, Green Beans, Potato, Cauliflower, Onion and Carrot were noted, quite an array.
We would probably order these Dishes again, but enquire about Tender Lamb.
There’s More
Marg fancied a Coffee (£2.75). She then asked for the Dessert Menu. Most of the Desserts were of the pre-packed variety. Three scoops of Ice Cream (£3.25), various, were ordered. Tonight we have a second photo of Marg, in her element. The Coffee was served with Cream much to Marg’s pleasure.
It looks as though we will not be waiting another decade to return to the Light of Bengal.
The Bill
£45.25. The base price for the Main Course was comparable to what one would pay for a Main, Accompaniment and a Soft Drink in Glasgow.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the chap who took the Cash. No more was said. No interest expressed by anyone. Humour The Hector, please.
Update 2024
Light of Bengal won – Best Asian Restaurant in Scotland.
I would challenge that it is the best Curry House in Aberdeen.