Primarily, today was all about drinking ale in the refurbished Biergarten at Staggs (Musselburgh). With Marg offering to drive, the usual breakfast roll was eschewed in favour of something much more substantial.
Our last Edinburgh Curry was on March 1st, last year. Then, we were en route to see Pendragon, and we all know what happened when there was an attempt to include their gig in Lodz in the following weeks. Curry-Heute had to be a quicky, so where better than Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH)? I phoned last night to verify the noon opening time and that they were accepting sit-in customers. All was well.
Parking in the facility directly across the street, we arrived at Kebab Mahal at 11.50. The door shutter was partially down, Mein Host performed his daily ritual at the appointed time. I entered alone, Marg had popped next door for some essential shopping. I greeted Mein Host:
I have been looking forward to this.
He gestured to the tables which have only come back into use in the past few days. I chose the spot I have occupied on my previous two visits. Rather than go for one of the – Specialities – today I decided to keep it simple. Yesterday, I enjoyed my Aloo Gosht at Desi Dhaba Chaiwala (Glasgow), today for Hector – Lamb Madras (£7.85) with Mushroom Pilau (£2.95). I have also promised my readers that this week would not all be a Karahi Gosht feeding frenzy, that’s tomorrow. For Marg, her favourite Curry, once again – Keema Matar Curry (£7.55) with one Chapati (£1.10).
A young lady had walked in at my tail and had announced that she was here to collect a rather substantial pre-arranged order. She took a seat two tables away. The taking of our Order was delayed by another lengthy order being taken over the phone. I always wonder why phones have to be answered and customers who are present ignored, it happens everywhere. A chap entered and took the wall table between us, he was having a Karahi no messing.
Mein Host brought over plates, cutlery and napkins. He warned me that the plates were hot. On being told this, why does everyone touch the plates to find out? The next time I am warned at Kebab Mahal, I shall take it as read. The plates were – HOT!
Our food arrived timeously, we shouldn’t be too long after the 13.00 rendezvous at Staggs.
Lamb Madras
Here was a classic blended Masala, the basic Curry for which I was in the mood. The sprinkling of Coriander was decidedly modest, oh to be in Manchester and be able to help oneself to – foliage.
I decanted just over half of the Mushroom Rice, there was enough to share but Marg did not need Rice. Here was my Diversity, the – Interesting Vegetable – the avoidance of just Meat & Masala. Next time, I must enquire as to exactly what is in their Vegetable Pilau (£2.95). Today’s ample Rice portion did exactly what was required, and having soaked up some of the Masala, revealed a less – orange – hue to the Curry.
The Curry had a sufficient – kick – so as to take note. The Seasoning was a tad below the Hector idyll as has been the case on previous visits. The Flavours were oh so familiar, this was – Comfort Food – nothing outrageously wonderful or demanding, just an honest Desi Curry.
When I took the rest of the Rice and scraped the bowl, I realised that here I had an elegant sufficiency not the feeling of being left short as happened yesterday. Maybe it’s just as well that Hector does not have a place like Kebab Mahal at the end of the street, it would be too tempting to come here on a near daily basis and work ones way through the Menu.
The chap at the adjacent table had engaged us in conversation. Originally from Yorkshire, he mentioned Wakefield but has not been to Syhiba. A Calling Card was gifted. He knew the big named venues in Bradford, but not the preferred Curry Cafes. Evidently, he has being going to Rusholme, Manchester’s – Curry Mile – which he too has found is being transformed into a Kebab Kingdom. The Northern Quarter and Cheetham Hill await his pleasure. When he goes to Glasgow, his brother always takes him to Yadgar. Marg got in a reference to the Curry wonders which can be found in Athena, for those willing to step back a street from the main drag. We were talking – Curry! When he visits the Curry-Heute website there will be many recommended venues awaiting his custom.
Keema Matar Curry
The Peas and the Coriander Leaves stood out in this plate of Curried Mince. The Oil was separating and collecting on the edge of the plate. This appeared to be just the job. Unlike on Monday at Ambala, this time Marg cleared her plate with ease.
A good helping of Mince Lamb with Peas, Coriander with plenty flavour. A hot, fluffy Chapatti completed the meal. I was hungry.
As we scraped our plates clean, our fellow diner came out with the immortal line:
Mr. Khan likes empty plates.
As Mr. Khan, Mein Host, cleared the table I proffered:
It appears we both enjoyed our Curry.
The Bill
£19.45 No drinks today, no water offered. You’ll have had your…
The Aftermath
The lady was finally getting her large order which included Pizza and Curry. Having paid it was off to Musselburgh. It rarely rains in the east of Scotland compared to the west, and even less often in Musselburgh. It was chucking it down as we parked adjacent to Staggs.
Nigel had the – Usual Rubbish – on tap. Draught Cask ale, freshly poured, is why fifteen of sixteen of us were there. All but one sampled Hector’s Carrot Cake actually two, Nigel missed out.
Marg, I’ll take a shot at the blanket please.
Outdoors in Scotland in April, 8ºC, madness or desperation?
Kebab Mahal – 2021 Menu
