It was around 21.00 when the taxi from Bingley Brewery dropped us off outside the original Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW England), Omar was once again Mein Host. So what has he done to cousin Amar? Omar was attired less formally than yesterday at Halifax’s new Sheesh Mahal, still smart enough.
Poppadoms, Dips, and a Salad, were on the table seconds, after we had chosen our table in the surprisingly quiet restaurant. No fuss, these appetisers arrive, Complimentary – of course, what type of establishment would charge for such items? The consensus was to decline the Poppadoms, we would have enough fun with the Dips and the Salad. The – green stuff – aka – salad dressing – could well have been a wet version of the – Green Chilli Mix – I saw yesterday at Sheesh Mahal (Halifax).
The (relatively new) Menu was provided, first seen on my last visit here in November. As is my custom, the Menu was set aside. I described my – Ideal Curry – to Omar once again, it has been some time since he served me on these premises.
Lamb – on-the-one – Methi – Dry – No Capsicum!
The latter instruction was necessary, the – Dreaded Ballast – does sneak in otherwise at this restaurant.
Ricky’s request was simple:
Same, without bones.
It is understood that Bread accompanying a Main Course is inclusive. Paratha (£1.60) is now on the Menu, this took Ricky by surprise, still he ordered two Roti (£0.65). Here was another opperchancity to mention the scandalous price of Bread in Scottish Curry Houses.
If Ricky is so taken with Paratha, what was he doing ordering Roti? Hector’s theory: he knew I would have no interest in his Roti, which he could shift. He also knows I cannot eat a whole standard Paratha, some would come his way.
Prawns? – suggested Omar.
Go on then – replied The Rickmeister – we enjoyed them so much last night.
The Sheesh Mahal hospitality would continue for another day. It’s as if someone was giving them loads of publicity.
Jhinga-sha Tikka
This was a lot of King Prawns, I especially liked the look of the burnt bits. Sitting on a bed of Onions with a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander on top, this platter was most inviting.
The slightly crispy exterior gave way to Juicy Prawns, these were special. Omar acknowledged that these were different from those served yesterday. Once again I had to accept that Prawns are capable of absorbing Spice. My fourth Prawn-encounter in a month, there must be an international conspiracy. Please, no Prawn Curry for Hector.
The Breads
The Rotis were very light in colour and Puffy. These were not the normal Roti that one encounters, half Chapatti – half Roti. I doubt that these would have turned to crisp as is their norm. The Paratha was Perfect: Whole, Layered, Flaky and the photo shows the – Spiral in the centre. Buttery too, I would eat as much as I could handle, however, look whose hands stretched across the table.
*
Hector’s Bespoke Lamb Curry
This all about the creation of a Curry with the Richest, Minimal Masala and the correct balance of Herbs to complement the Spices. This Curry was more pale than the typical Methi Gosht; the Herbs were present, this was precisely as desired, not the feared plate of Herbs with Lamb thrown in. The distinctive – Bradford Curry Taste – was there. Well Seasoned – of course.
The Meat was a mixture of sizes, Bradford-small and larger cuts. Once again I had to admire the Chef who can get Lamb this Tender without it turning to pulp. A large Green Chilli and a Sucky Bone were the finishing touch. Bradford Curry – Mmmmm.
There wasn’t much activity across the table. Having overdosed on Paratha, Ricky quickly came to the conclusion that he was a spent force. The Man from Bradford surrendered. A Takeaway was organised.
Clarification & Further Confusion
I had to ask Omar about the – Big Pot – at their Halifax branch yesterday. He confirmed that all of the Lamb here was on-the-bone. So, is Curry served with Boneless Lamb cooked thus and the Bones removed? If so, then why is Lamb on-the-bone more expensive?
Tonight’s Curry was markedly different from the Lamb Karahi ordered yesterday in Halifax. Why? Did Omar say today’s was a Karahi and yesterday’s a Handi, or vice versa? I ordered Karahi both times, and Handi is only on the Menu in the Bradford – Sheesh Mahal. Was this another case of Hector not being given what he ordered?
Omar did confirm that in Bradford, Jalfrezi usually features – Egg. This clears up a conversation had earlier in the day. So why do Glasgow Curry Houses, or anywhere else for that matter, not have Egg?
The Bill
£19.35 This was rounded down. The 10% CAMRA discount?
Thank you once again, Omar. See you in October, somewhere.
*
The Aftermath
We were on the point of departure when a plate of Sweets arrived. Our taxi was due, so these were scoffed. Ricky suddenly had space for Sweets. The next few minutes were really weird. I had just got into the front of the taxi when one of the young waiters came to fetch me. Had I left something behind? The staff wanted their photo taken! Hector duly obliged.
