Mr. Snax posted a photo of the Lamb Karahi at Rustom Restaurant (2 Grosvenor St, Edinburgh EH12 5EG) on a Social Medium on April 13, he confirmed it had – the taste. Today was Hector’s first opperchancity to get through to sample this. However, plans for lunch were thwarted. One kilo of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone at Rustom costs £24.95 which is favourable, about one Pound more than the Glasgow Curry Cafes. However, the half kilo costs £17.95 which is more than I was prepared to pay. Allowing for the advertised thirty minute wait, one would have to have a Starter, then the Sundries. £25.00 for lunch feels a bit extravagant, especially when dining alone. May I suggest The Lone Diner pays a visit to Desi Pakwan on Leith Walk where the half kilo is a more affordable £12.50. Hector has yet to review their Desi Lamb Karahi.
Rustom Restaurant, Haymarket, serving Lahori/Punjabi Fayre, Hector’s favourite by far. Even Neil was not aware of its existence when I met up with him at nearby Monty’s. John was one of four assembled at Monty’s this afternoon, he assumed I had already dined. When he heard the story it became a matter of – what time are we going?
We entered Rustom Restaurant at 18.30. It is directly across the street from Haymarket Station. Lazeez Tandoori may have to take a back seat for a while. As the photo shows, there were plenty of seats, by 19.00, Rustom Restaurant was full.
Starters were required. John chose Lahori Chicken Tikka (£5.50) whilst Hector decided the Lamb Chops (£6.50) had to be investigated. Three Chops were quoted as a Portion which is a bit miserable, Akbar’s (Glasgow) charge £4.50 for four. John is known for his ability to devour Chapattis. At £1.95 a Chapatti we had to question what would be served. The Waitress demonstrated the size, John went for a Garlic Nan (£3.95) instead. The Paratha Inspector decided he was on duty again, a Plain Paratha (£2.95) for Hector. John completed the Order with a glass of House Red Wine (£6.95), Hector abstained, Tap Water.
Poppadoms were offered, twice. We were not playing that game. If they wanted us to have Poppadoms they should have served them, Complimentary of course. A Waiter did come to the table with Poppadoms and Dips, I momentarily thought sense had prevailed, they were for the adjacent table which I felt was a bit close. We were squeezed in.
Lamb Chops
By any standard, the Chops were a bit Thin. Very well cooked with burnt extremities, this was the telltale sign of Quality. The wedge of Lemon was put to good use, the Garnish was mopped up with the Green Yoghurt. Hector loves his Lamb Chops, but four are so much better than three.
Lahori Chicken Tikka
Six pieces of Chicken were accompanied by the same Garnish as the Lamb Chops. John’s verdict:
Suitably spiced and seasoned. The accompanying sauce was very complementary.
Are you a tourist? – asked the Waitress. I explained the photographic ritual and gave her a Calling Card. This was Abhi who was displaying great humour whilst taking care of us.
Two Asian Ladies in the window corner beside us had ordered something – Sizzling. Hector’s ear was tuned in as it arrived, Tikka, Rice and surely some Sauce? A Raita arrived plus a wee pot of Masala. Is this where Hector is headed, something – beyond Curry? Aye right.
Later I would see an array of Starters. Lahori Masala Fish (£5.95) was served Dry, in Breadcrumbs, interesting. Seekh Kebab (£4.95) served as a pair, thankfully.
The half hour wait for the Karahi had been taken care of, I spotted it emerging from the kitchen, the camera was at the ready.
*
Lamb Karahi On The Bone
Gosh! Even before we started eating, I could tell this was going to be one of those very special moments. To think of the number of establishments who claim to serve – Karahi – and don’t. This was the real thing.
Topped with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander there was something else too. Something mysterious, it might have been Dry Methi, I simply couldn’t tell. Something Magical – is what was noted.
The Bread had to be dealt with first. Both thankfully were served – whole – it makes such a difference being able to tear off the first strip and dip it in the Masala. This was a proper Tandoori Naan. If I could get one with Chilli and Coriander I would be tempted. The Paratha was also good size as promised. This was of the Oatmeal variety, one has to go to Tanjore – South Indian Restaurant to find the – perfect Naan – noting Curry-Heute’s still limited coverage of Edinburgh Curry Houses. We were both happy with what we had ordered, time to dip.
Wow!, an instantaneous – Wow!, and thrice –Wow! Yes, this Lamb Karahi was that impressive.
Is it good? – asked Abhi – who was determined to get in on the act. She stirred the contents of the karahi, looking busy whilst she posed for the photo.
Seasoning is all, this Lamb Karahi had it. There is Minimal Masala, then there’s Minimal and Thick Masala. Pulped Meat was in there too, along with large Green Chillies. The Spice was such that nobody should order this then complain that it was – too Spicy. This Curry was not for the faint of heart. The Flavours just kept coming. John’s opening remark:
The flavour on that is second to none.
On taking my second helping I could not help notice that John’s pile of bones was bigger than mine. Was Hector not eating fast enough, or was the selection of Meat more discerning? The irony about ordering Lamb on-the-bone is that one gets less Meat, so finishing this was never going to be a problem. John did question why I had insisted on having the on-the-bone version. He has not yet dined at Yadgar (Glasgow) often enough to know the difference.
At the end, only a trace of Vegetable Oil was left on the base of the karahi.
Is this the best Curry you’ve ever had in Edinburgh? – I asked John, he concurred.
This Curry was simply Wonderful, the lips were tingling, the Spice was right up there, joyous Lamb, nearly all on-the-bone. Next time we need four people and we can order this and the boneless version, compare and contrast. There’s Namak Mandi (Namkeen) too!
Arguably the best Curry I have ever tasted. The lamb was super tender, and the spices were pitched perfect, and the service was spot on.
That was Magnificent! – I said to Abhi as she cleared the table – and when I say it was, truly it was.
The Bill
£49.50 Somehow paying £25.00 for dinner, including the tip, is acceptable.
The Aftermath
Abhi took me over to meet Yasi, Mein Host. I congratulated him on the Quality of the Fayre. I had to admit that this Quality of Curry in Edinburgh presents a challenge to Glasgow. He confirmed the Lahori/Punjabi origins of the cuisine at Rustom Restaurant which has only been opened since September 2018.
Photos were taken with Yasi, unfortunately the photo of Abhi and Hector was too blurred to post fully. Next time, there will most certainly be a next time.
Rustom Restaurant, Haymarket, please form an orderly queue.
