The second visit to Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre (122-126 Listerhills Road, Bradford, BD7 1JR) this year once again coincides with having a car in Bradford and being the day after a gig in Rotherham, this time Landmarq and The Room.
The official Sunday opening time is 12.15, Howard and Hector arrived independently at 12.10, the door was open, that was handy. In we went, I led the way up the steps past the water feature to the dining area.
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The Waiter brought the Menu, Hector was set on having the Large – Karahi Fish (£12.85). As was done in April, what I wouldn’t eat today would be driven back to Scotland. Howard was up for the Medium – Handi Gosht (£9.90). Why more Restaurants do not adopt this two tier system for portion sizes remains a mystery. It is simple to operate and perfect for sharing. Did Hector just write that?
In April I saw a chap ordering Lamb Chops, they looked terrific. I put it to Howard that despite being early in the day, we would share a Portion of Lamb Chops (5 pieces) (£4.50). This is excellent value for Lamb Chops.
Punjab Sweet House has not adopted Bradford’s – inclusive Chapattis/Naan/Rice. On asking for Chapattis, the Waiter informed us they would be Rotis. Rotis turn to crisp, no thanks. Two Parathas (£2.00) completed the Order. He brought two Dips and said nothing.
Lamb Chops
Five well-fired Chops, each was appreciably larger than the norm. I let Howard have the third, Hector is that sort of guy.
The reality, Noon is far to early for a Starter and a Main Course. The Chops defined – Succulent – finger lickin’ good. I could easily have eaten the five and foregone the Curry, but where would that leave the Curry Blog? The next four customers to arrive ordered Grill only. Tempting.
I went to wash the fingers and found no paper of any description. I told the Waiter who did not respond to this information quickly enough to accommodate Howard who also visited the Facilities. Eventually a single roll of toilet paper was taken, no towels. Come on.
The wait between courses was noticeable, better this than instant Curry.
Karahi Fish
Kashmir has set the Standard for Fish Karahi, Punjab Sweet House and Sultan have matched it. Here was a Mass of Flaked Fish in an Oily, Tomato-rich Masala. The Seasoning was apparent from the start, and so the full Flavours of the Fish and Masala were released. The Spice Level was more than adequate and that was before I encountered slices of Large Green Fresh Chillies.
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Paratha
All the boxes were ticked: Flaky, Layering, the Swirl. Parathas are only bettered by what I may now refer to as the – White Parathas – as recently enjoyed at Rishis’s Indian Aroma (Aberdeen) and the Banana Leaf (Glasgow). These Parathas were slightly Greasy, their only downside. Between us, we managed only one.
Handi Gosht
This was presented in a ceramic pot which was placed upon a stand. No candle was provided, so what was the point of the stand? The Waiter had hardly impressed, a ditherer.
I watched Howard decant the contents to his plate, whereas I would have eaten from the pot. The Portion was Huge, and this was Medium. The Meat was on-the-bone and easily into double figures. With Chillies and Coriander, impressive looking. The Masala was traditional, Oily and Blended.
It’s good but I need your professional opinion – said Howard.
He placed a single piece of Lamb on the edge of my metal plate. Oh, yes!
This Handi Gosht most certainly had the – Wow! – factor. The Meat was beautifully Tender, the Flavours were markedly different from what I was having, different altogether from anything I have ever experienced. Will Hector have to wait a year to come back for this Handi Gosht?
Howard had a few words:
The meal started off well and got better. Lamb Chops were the perfect starter to share, the Handi Gosht exhibited a different flavour from some of the recent Curry in the same town. Initially, the flavour came from the Masala, but the flavour of the Lamb developed during the meal. The portion size was excellent, seasoning spot on, and the spice level built towards the end. Also one of the best Parathas I’ve had.
This was Howard’s first visit to Punab Sweet House, I suspect he will be keen to return.
The Takeaway was sorted, it did take some time to pack.
The Bill
£31.25. We had a lot of food.
The Aftermath
I recognised one of the Chefs as we departed. Hector has not been here often enough to be known.
This was Visit #5, Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre now qualifies to be added to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.