Towards the end of 2016, news reached Hector that Ambal’s Restaurant (4 Bridge St., Aberdeen, AB11 6JJ) had closed. This was a major disappointment, Ambal’s had been offering – Something Different – away from the Mainstream. The Waiters/Chef were always willing to accommodate personal tweaks as outlined in this Blog’s – Curry-Heute Campaign.
On 14th May, 2017, I received a text from Brother-in-law Graeme who had also been championing their Fayre since our first visit, to state that Ambal’s Restaurant had re-opened; as far as he could tell, with the same staff.
Arriving in Aberdeen this afternoon on – The Golden Coach – Marg collected me from as near the Bus Station as she could manage. There is nowhere to drop off / pick up allegedly, there’s a Money-making Opperchancity. I was informed that Claire, who had her first ever Curry at Assam’s (Glasgow) with us back in 2011, would be joining us at Ambal’s.
Marg and Hector arrived just after 19.30 having spent a few minutes negotiating a parking meter outside a former favourite – Jewel in the Crown – whose scaffolding has finally disappeared. In Aberdoom (sic), one pays until 20.00, our ticket would expire at 19.58. Risky.
Only two other Diners were present this Monday evening, we were shown to a table well away from them, the temptation to use us as window dressing eschewed. Ambal’s is not at street level which must make it difficult to attract passing trade. They do have a large poster advertising their opening hours, also one detailing a Lunchtime Buffet (£5.95) which is operated every day. Interesting.
As we took our seats I asked the Waiter what had happened.
Renovations and and a leaking roof – were mentioned.
Claire arrived moments after us, Menus were provided, Drinks sorted. Tap Water and a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.00). Marg and Hector have still not recovered from the – Jewel in the Crown– charging us £6.00, – or was it even more? – for Sparkling Water a decade ago.
Despite my abhorrence at paying for Poppadoms, the Ladies declared they would each order a – Papadum – (£0.90) and the Chutney Tray (£1.10). A Vegetable Pakora (£3.99) was also mooted. Hector was having no part of this, unless I have starved myself all day, Starters and Mains do not work.
Claire was avoiding – Curry – despite being in an Indian Restaurant. She found Chicken Tikka (£4.99) but I pointed out she was looking in the Starters section. There had to be a Main Course equivalent, the Starter would no doubt suffice otherwise.
Marg announced Rogan Josh (£9.50) early in the proceedings. In 2015, Lamb Rogan Josh at Ambal’s cost £11.95, I would have to get to the bottom of this. Marg and Claire would share a Coconut Rice (£4.50). Marg then went totally OTT and considered a Chapatti. Chapattis are not on the Bread List, Rotis are. Marg is not a fan of Rotis, they turn to Crisp too quickly. Hector is not a fan of Aberdeen Bread Prices, at Ambal’s one Roti costs £2.95, same as 2015!
Having photographed and read as much of the Menu as I could, I had spotted some of the Dishes which made Ambal’s Restaurant stand out from the rest. It looked as if they now had more – Standards. Bhuna Gosht (£9.95) is the Dish which impressed me from my first visit, a Seriously Dry Curry. Marg and Sandy both found it it to be – Too Dry – for their palates last visit. A Kerala Parata (£2.95) would accompany.
The Waiter was new to us, having checked the photo of the two Main Chaps from my first visit, I could see neither this evening. The Chicken Tikka as a Main Course was accepted. I asked for – Extra Methi – on the Bhuna Gosht as I have in the past. I had to let my feelings about the price of a Roti be known. The Waiter said he did not set the prices, nor was he familiar with – The Bradford Norm – of up to four inclusive Chapattis with every Main Course, or Rice, or Naan. Why does Bradford win – Curry Capital of the UK – every year? The pricing structure is pitched so that people go often.
Three Poppadoms were presented along with the Chutney Tray: Soupçons of Mango Chutney Sauce, Spiced Onion and a Mint Raita. I had noted £2.49 for Raita at the end of the Menu, some bizarre pricing this evening. I took about a fifth of a Poppadom just to sample the Chutney Sauce and Spiced Onions.
I had forgotten about the Vegetable Pakora. Three Large Balls, Bhaji-like. Marg realised the Ladies were faced with too much Food, one Pakora remained untouched. That which was eaten was thoroughly enjoyed. I had but a – Smidgen – well Seasoned and Spicy.
After a suitable gap, the Mains started to arrive. The Chicken Tikka as a Main Course would overwhelm Claire who counts every calorie. The presentation was – Wow! Claire enthused about the Quality of the Chicken and that the Spice Level was not too much for her. 
We were not expecting an accompanying Portion of Pilau Rice, a Karahi full of Masala would also arrive. Perhaps the Waiter should have mentioned this when he took the Order?
You’re The Blogger – said a new Chap who helped bring the array.
When you asked for Extra Methi on the Bhuna Gosht, I knew it was you.
I hadn’t recognised Mein Host. We would speak at length, later. Meanwhile Marg’s Lamb Rogan Josh did appear to be a more Modest Dish than served previously. The Coconut Rice was more than enough for two, then there was the – Roti. Had I ordered it, I would have sent it back and told them to keep it. £2.95 for this?
Chicken Tikka (Main Course)
The assembly of Meat was impressive, this was quite a pile. I know of an erstwhile – Curry Lover of the Year – and who allegedly does not order – Curry – who would appreciate this Quantity of reportedly Succulent Chicken. Some of the accompanying Pilau Rice was taken, the Coconut Rice was a major success, though only about a third was consumed between Marg and Claire. Served with Peas and Cashew Nuts, Claire remarked on the variety of Textures. For those with a sweet tooth, this sounds – The Business.
The Roti, Marg knew she had far too much. Two thirds remained at the end of the Meal. My displeasure was made known simply by taking another photo. £2.00 worth in Aberdeen, sod all anywhere else.
*
Lamb Rogan Josh
Indeed, a more Modest Portion compared to previous times. This Interpretation had neither the abundance of Tomatoes which was popular in the 1980s or the Creamy Texture which became the Norm thereafter. It had the appearance of a Worthy Curry. Topped with Sybees and Ginger Strips, the Puréed Masala looked most inviting. I could see no uninvited inclusions, nor large wedges of Onion. This Curry suited Marg well.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this – said Marg from the off. Really good Meat.
Bhuna Gosht (with Extra Methi)
What a Presentation! Maybe not the – work of art – shown above, however, as Dark, Thick Masalas go, this had me won. The half cooked Tomato Wedges made me wonder momentarily if this was the Rogan Josh. Marg was not having this!
From Seasoning comes the Melange of Flavours contained in – Curry. Chef was Brave, this was right at the top end of the scale, yet in no way Excessive. And so the Flavours emerged, first Clove then Anise. The Single Large Green Chilli was there, just in case the Spice Level needed a boost. The Spice Level was Moderate, once again, there had been no discussion about this at the time of ordering. There is no need for Curry to be – Super Spicy – there is a need for – Seasoning.
I counted the Meat, twice. We were in double figures, many pieces could have been halved. This was Quality Lamb, so Soft, far from Pulp, and well marinaded. Magnificent Flavours, Unique.
The Paratha was served – Quartered – so much for my new regime of demanding them – Whole. Next time. The Layering was there, the hoped for Flakiness was not. It was OK, far from being – The Best. Maybe Rice is the better option at Ambal’s for all Dishes?
The Ladies had been sated, Hector was still eating. This Bhuna Gosht was – Huge – served this way to all, I hope. I have sung the praises of this Curry before, it is worth coming to Ambal’s for this experience.
A Doggy Bag was arranged for Clair, Pakora, Chicken Tikka and Loadsa’ Rice.
Peppermint Tea
By now, Mein Host was part of the conversation. Peppermint Tea was made freshly for Marg and Claire, it was time to establish what had happened in the last year at Ambal’s Restaurant.
The Bill
£54.14. The Chicken Tikka (Main Course) was £12.95. Three Poppadoms were provided, we were charged for two. I might have eaten a whole one had I known. (emoji understood)
The Aftermath
Renovations had been mentioned already, I cannot say I have sufficient photographic coverage from previous visits to pinpoint any changes. However, by adding Ambal’s Restaurant most deservedly to my List of Recommended Curry Houses, the present décor is posted there for all to appreciate.
Mein Host admitted that the downturn of trade in Aberdeen had affected them hard. They had to accept that their Menu was a bit – Highbrow. They were not getting the required number of customers to be sustainable. The co-Host I met on my first visit now works at Shri Bheema’s (Belmont St.). Hector has championed their Bridge of Don premises in recent times.
Mein Host worked elsewhere out of necessity before he could get Ambal’s going once more. The Menu continues to feature their – Specials – but has more Mainstream Dishes with lower prices as I had already observed. There is a straightforward pricing system for these, Lamb at £9.50 being a bit dearer than the Chicken equivalent.
The Lunchtime Buffet is proving to be a great success. I wondered how they could maintain this. With Four Curry Dishes one cannot expect the Quality of a la carte, however, people are aware of the good value and that a Curry for Lunch is affordable on a regular basis. I described the Curry Cafes of Manchester’s Northern Quarter (e.g. Kabana) where – Rice and Three – has people queueing out the door. For a Fiver, one can secure a decent Portion of Rice topped with up to Three Different Curry Dishes. All are ready to be served, fast, efficient and popular. There is a Market for Curry at Lunchtime.
Claire suggested they tone down their Music at the entrance donwstairs. She complimented the level in the Restaurant, but said she found the blaring music there to be off-putting. Something to consider.
I was asked about my Bhuna Gosht. Mein Host admitted that he had read my Blog as soon as he heard Bhuna Gosht with Extra Methi being ordered and had made sure it was – fit for Hector. I forgave, almost, the one small piece of Red Capsicum that had been part of the Presentation. Hopefully I have convinced Mein Host that Bell Peppers have no part to play in Indian Cuisine. I asked for my compliments to the Chef to be passed on, instead he was presented and thanked in person.
There had to be a group photo, Mein Host recalled how last time he had to search for a tie. He went off to find one again, then we were ready for Paparazzo Marg to complete her task.
It may well be the end of the year before I have the Opperchancity of returning to Ambal’s Restaurant, I hope all continues to go well. They serve the Classic Dishes, their – Specials – truly are.