Having visited 7 Spices Balti (Mayfair Court, 120 Gibraltar St., Sheffield S3 8PP England) two days ago, there was a determination to try somewhere else, not to be. Shapla (26-28 Cumberland St, Sheffield S1 4PT England) was discovered by chance at Lunchtime, next door to Holt where I finally put Capsicum to rest. As one who eschews Capsicum in Curry, but enjoys it in all other forms of Cuisine, I ordered Pepper Soup. It was awful, surely the wrong Herbs had been used, the after-taste was doubly – Horrible – and lasted the remainder of the day, at times spoiling the Ale.
I shall never purchase Capsicum again, I’ve had enough, it’s needless.
I studied the menu at Shapla, nothing – out of the usual – here. Perhaps if I find the Restaurant open one Lunchtime…
Marg, Mags and Hector were left with Howard at the Kelham Island Tavern, only three for Curry-Heute. Gulshan (50 Wicker, Sheffield S3 8JB England) was phoned, no answer, two venues in Wicker gone in the space of a year. Back to 7 Spices Balti it would be, Howard was eventually persuaded to come for a – Starter.
At 22.30, the Restaurant was approaching – Full – yet there was still a lot of open space. The redesign might incorporate more tables. I will find out next time.
The Ladies accepted the offer of Poppadoms and Dips, Complimentary, as they should be. More were offered, but declined Howard chose his Starter – Mixed Kebab – (£5.95), if only I had the appetite to order this in addition to a Main Course.
Two nights ago, Mags departed from her norm. Mags was persuaded to ask for her Favourite this evening even though it is not on the Menu: Aloo Gosht (£8.50) it was. On Tuesday, I suggested – Lamb Spicy Dahl – (£8.75) to Clive, he went for a straightforward Dansak. After some curious form of – Subliminal Communication – Marg ended up choosing this. Chapattis (£1.00) would accompany these Dishes.
Massala Fish Handi (£8.50) had been considered by Hector previously, tonight it had to be. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) should be the perfect complement.
Bottles of Sparkling and Still Water completed the Order.
Mixed Kebab
Chicken Tikka, Chicken Chat, a Seekh Kebab and a Lamb Chop were set before Howard, a decent looking Portion. The Seekh Kebab was described as – Rather Spicy – the remainder disappeared without further comment. Howard departed as soon as he was finished.
Aloo Gosht
Mags gave the thumbs up as soon as she started her Aloo Gosht, she has had a few in her time, and knows Quality.
Really gingery – was her opening remark.
When Mags started to flag, a Soupçon came in Hector’s direction, the Lamb seemed to be on the – chewy – side. There was a hint of Achari, better more Flavour than none.
I ate all the tatties – said Mags as she finally gave up.
Lamb Spicy Dahl
As with the Dansak seen on Tuesday, this was suitably Dry and Thick.
Spicy, but lovely – Yum!
That was a good start.
Marg declared that she found the Lamb to be – Chewier – than would be served in Glasgow, Mags concurred.
I felt mine was a change – said Marg – I don’t often have Daal, when was the last time?
India, Dear!
I did not get to sample this being far too engrossed in the Wondrous Curry that sat before me. It’s a pity I sampled neither this or Tuesday’s Dansak, here they are side by side for visual comparison.
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Lamb Spicy Dahl Chicken Dansak
The Paratha was served in Quarters which always frustrates, why not serve them whole? It was – Hot – in fact everything was served – Hot – plates too. Despite being a bit Thicker than the norm, the Paratha was Perfectly – Layered and Flaky – this I would thoroughly enjoy, though Marg found it to be a bit – Doughy. As I ate my Curry there was a realisation that the bread was not cooling, how did they manage this?
Mein Host came over for the customary check. I had to ask how the Paratha stayed so hot. He assured me to was down to cooking it fresh then serving it immediately. Maybe so, I have eaten in many a Curry Cafe and seen my Paratha served as soon as it was ready, this was something else, remarkable.
Massala Fish Handi
What type of Fish? Masala Fish! It always is, one never knows wheat one is having, even when it is written in the Menu. Served as – Hot – as the Paratha, the – Big Fish Flavour – one hopes for was an instant hit on the palate. The Thick Masala was rich in Tomato and Herb, but not Methi. The Seasoning was spot on, the Kick was noticeable but not severe.
The Fish was skinless, which I prefer. The Portion was a combination of Large and Small pieces of Fish which were not flaking to a Pulp, a decent Portion. There was so much Flavour, I began to realise that this was amongst the Best Fish Karahi I have ever tasted.
Now imagine it with – Extra Methi. (I’m a Bad Man!)
The Bill
£46.20. £10.00 was for four 500ml Bottles of Water, Various. Ouch, or maybe not given some Extortionate Prices experienced in Greece over the last few weeks.
The Aftermath
Our departure was less celebrated than Tuesday, familiarity.
7 Spices Balti has impressed The Company over our series of visits, between us we have covered a fair part of the Menu. I look forward to our next visit here: new décor, a new menu?
