Arriving in Sheffield yesterday after the only Bradford Curry of this trip, Hector had to wait until today for another fix. This is the difference between being away with Marg and – The Company. We did check en route to Kelham Island that 7 Spices Balti (Mayfair Court, 120 Gibraltar St., Sheffield S3 8PP England) was open for business.
Arriving this evening at 19.00, around six well spaced tables were occupied. The staff were all wearing gloves, hand gel was everywhere. I did not recognise a soul. Brian, who has entertained us on previous visits, now feels like a figment of my imagination. It is eighteen months since my last visit to Sheffield, far too long. I once suggested to Lord Clive of Crawley, who is due to make another appearance in these pages soon, that he try the Lamb Spicy Daal Handi (£9.95), however Clive chose the lesser Chicken Dhansak instead. Tonight, Hector would try his own recommendation, a change from the usual Karahi Gosht. Marg chose what I had last time, Masala Fish Handi (£9.95) and also at a time before, when I found it to be truly excellent. The usual Chapatti (£1.25) would accompany. Note that the further one gets from Bradford, the higher the price of a Chapatti. The Paratha on the last visit ticked all of Hector’s boxes but is still not on the Menu. I had to convince the waiter that I really wanted a Plain Paratha and not the Aloo version (£3.30).
The 500ml bottles of Sparkling Water (£2.00) turned out not to be available. Marg had a glass of Mango Lassi (£2.50), I stuck to Tap Water.
We watched other diners being served, the ritual of the trolley maintains. One’s Order is wheeled out on oil burners, the waiter then stirs up the Curry so as it arrives looking as fresh as possible. This system also gives the temperature of the meal a boost which can be crucial if dining in large company. The wait for our Curry was not long.
The Bread was placed on the table first. The impact of the Paratha was ruined by being served in quarters. Thankfully it was still of the White Flour variety, layered and flaky. Perhaps slightly greasy, or shall we, the Paratha Chefs, accept – Buttery. Every morsel was eaten, helped by Marg who took no time in finishing what looked like a skimpy Chapatti. Marg assures me that her Chapatti, folded twice, was more satisfying than it appears here.
Lamb Spicy Daal Handi
Is this all I’m getting?
Spot the Meat. This may well be the smallest portion and the highest price paid for a Curry in the last week. I struggled to count the standard eight pieces of Meat. This Curry felt closer to Oliver Twist than Treasure Island. OK, there was the Daal too.
In its favour, this Curry was not simply Lamb chucked into a portion of Daal, there was a bit of Masala mixed through also. This greatly enhanced the Dish and made the experience that much more.
There indeed was a big Spice Hit, aided by the inclusion of slices of large Green Chillies. The Seasoning in the Curry was complemented by that of the Paratha which may well be the opposite of what I have described here previously. The split Lentils added their own distinctive Flavour, I soon realised just how much I was enjoying this meal. This Curry would simply not have worked with Rice, the Paratha was the ideal accompaniment. I would certainly have this again, and if Lord Clive ever returns to this venue, I shall insist.
Masala Fish Handi
This looked to be a more ample Dish, but still did not fill much of the karahi. Marg, however, was happy with the quantity of Fish present.
Does it taste – Fishy? – I had to ask.
No, not really – was the reply.
We have both enjoyed Fish Masala at different venues in recent days and know what is possible and therefore what to expect. How do you make a Fish Curry that does not taste – Fishy?
Regardless of this technicality, Marg was enjoying her Handi. She did unearth – two pieces of green, one a slice of large Chilli, the other Capsicum. Both were left, one to avoid the assault on her palate, and the other, well, we all know why.
Plenty Fish, with the sauce having a little kick, enjoyable. The Lassi was a lovely accompaniment.
The Bill
£27.65. The Plain Paratha was priced at £3.00. I spotted that the Masala Fish Handi was suddenly £10.95. The tip was reduced accordingly.
The Aftermath
Back out into the summer’s evening, just what does one do in Sheffield? Kelham Island again called.
QED
