Lunch was required before catching the Gold Coach back to Glasgow. Once again Marg was catching up with some school chums leaving Hector to fend for himself. I decided to return to Rishi’s Indian Aroma (210 George St, Aberdeen, AB25 1HN), it has been a while, seven years. My first visit was in the very early days of Curry-Heute, I loved the food, but Lahore Karahi and Shri Bheema’s have been the foci of my attention in recent years.
Much has happened in the George St. area since my last visit to Rishi’s. El Andalus has gone. Aitken’s, the source of the finest Butteries, has gone. The grocer – Spice of Asia – is still going strong, and Rishi’s Indian Aroma now have branches in Glasgow, Dundee and Westhill (Aberdeenshire).
I entered Rishi’s Indian Aroma at 12.40. Mein Host was at the reception where Takeaways are processed, he waved me through to the Restaurant. A Waiter greeted me and showed me to a table, I was the first customer of the day. I told him it was seven years since I was last here, too long. 
The Lunchtime Menu and the Main Menu were placed on the table. I glanced at the Lunchtime Menu, various set meals, but no Fish. Hector was here for the Chettinadu Meen Kuzhambu (fish) (£9.99).
The Parathas at Rishi’s Indian Aroma are Spectacular, Soft, Flaky, Layered, but not Large. The Madras Parotta (2pcs) (£5.29) is a Thali. The Waiter suggested this would be too much and I should have two Parotta (£1.99). Four Quid for Bread, only in Aberdeen. A 330ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.89) completed the Order.
I kept the Menu, there was much to read. Someday I must try the true – Indian Dishes – but that would mean missing out on – Curry. Two Cauliflower Starters were described as – Dry. When I’m back up in Aberdeen at the end of the year, perhaps Marg and I will share a Cauliflower Starter?
A Hot Plate was brought to the table at 12.59, Mein Host brought the food. The Parathas were Sublime. One would not have been enough.
*
Chettinadu Meen Kuzhambu
The Chettinadu was Hot, the aroma was Powerful. Five Large pieces of Fish (Salmon?) sat in a Shorva-like Masala. This was Thicker than I recall on the first visit. From the first dip of the Paratha into the Masala the palate was overwhelmed. 
After my last two Curry Experiences, this is what was needed. The Spice was – Sharp – but not as OTT as on Visit #1. Green Chillies were cut lengthways, I decided not to have these. The Dry Red Chillies which give the Chettinadu the strong Smokey Flavour were picked out also. The Seasoning was spot on.
Everything OK, sir?
This is Wonderful!
The Fish on its own seemed incidental. It needed the Masala. I broke the Fish into Flakes. They wouldn’t serve it this way, in Bradford they do as championed by – The Kashmir Restaurant. The meal was truly Wonderful. In München at Indian Mango the Chettinad is served – Dry, with virtually no Masala. I considered how this version would be if eaten with a Vegetable Rice. The Rice would absorb the Masala, but it is the Masala that is so Powerful, and eating it with Bread highlights this. Decisions.
This South Indian Cuisine is markedly different from Hector’s usual Punjabi Fayre, a treat. This is the Joy of Curry.
The Bill
£15.86 £3.98 for Bread.
The Aftermath
I gave Mein Host the Calling Card and mentioned the seven year gap since my first visits.
Yes, he told me – referring to the Waiter.
It is rare that I hand over a Card to a venue I have previously visited, but there was no Calling Card in the early days of Curry-Heute.
