Hector left Saltaire first in order to meet up with Neil who had been delayed and rerouted in the aftermath of Storm Doris. Although Howard and Jonathan would catch up with us at the Record Cafe, nobody else was was up for Curry. Do they not eat?
Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) is a few minutes from North Parade which has seen new Bier Venues open in recent years. It is also a downhill walk back t’Travelodge, but with a Taxi Office next door, and sleep beckoning…
Sadaqat was behind the counter when I entered. Hands were shaken, then mysteriously the nephew of Mein Host was not seen for some time. This meant I had to deal with the Young Waiters, not the same sense of gravitas.
One Chap brought the usual Poppadoms, Dips and Salad. These were declined, I simply wanted to eat – Curry.
They’re complimentary – he assured me. I stuck to my guns and was amused that he had used the term – Complimentary.
Yes I was having Meat, it could only be Lamb, but time for something different. I decided upon Marg’s Favourite Bradford Curry – Lamb Chops Tikka Balti (£9.50). I specifically asked for no Green Peppers to appear, in my last two visits to Sheesh Mahal there have been traces.
Green Chillies are fine, no Green Peppers.
Hotter than Medium.
Chapattis were confirmed.
I sat and took in my surroundings. Still no Sadaqat, so no banter. Omar, Son of Taj, has not been seen for some time either. It felt strange sitting on my own and not chatting to the Staff. The Young Chaps do not know me. The place was quite busy for midnight. With hours of the shift to go, more people would arrive. Sheesh Mahal stays open – Late.
Lamb Chops Tikka Balti, the Cheat’s Curry because one has to accept that it isn’t. The Chops have to be cooked in the Tandoor, and meet the Masala just before serving. However, this is often how the Mainstream operate with their – Three Pot System.
The count of – four chops – was revised upwards to five, a Decent Portion, but not the – fifteen – once served to Hector at Glasgow’s Yadgar. The Chops were too Hot to touch, even with the almost transparent Chapattis. With the Heat and Spice to the fore, all was set. The Masala was wonderfully Rich with the Oil collecting as in any Karahi Dish. Tomato-rich with embedded Herbs, the anticipated Sharpness of flavour was not there. The Seasoning was down, proof that this is all.
For the second time today, I nearly did in all three Chapattis. Small and Thin, this was not a challenge.
My two Favourite Bradford Curry Houses visited on consecutive days, Great Curry, but Glasgow’s Yadgar, Ambala Deli Bar and Karahi Palace may well be serving even Better Curry. Yes, I wrote this.
The Bill
£9.50. It couldn’t be anything else.
The Aftermath
I wasn’t leaving without saying goodnight to Sadqat. Yes, he was subdued. The night shifts taking their toll? I first met him when he managed the day shift.
One no longer has to go upstairs to get a taxi, simply press the buzzer.