The late lunch at Karachi felt like a pre-theatre dinner. Knowing that Glasgow pubs, which reopen tomorrow after eight months, will have to close at 22.00, I was hoping that we could postpone Curry-Heute #2 to as late a time as possible. Clive wondered if we were not leaving it too late for Curry.
This is Bradford, they’re open all night, well almost.
Thanks to the Boar and Fable on North Parade, it was well after midnight when Clive and Hector walked around to Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW). Will Hector subsequently manage to visit three Bradford Curry Houses in one day? It has been done before.
As we entered at 01.00, a familiar face greeted us on entry, Omar! I hadn’t seen him since August 2019 when The Rickmeister and Hector were invited to indulge at the sister shop in Halifax, what a day. Ricky is currently elsewhere and so will not be appearing in this leg of the trek.
Plates with Salad, three huge Poppadoms and five Dips were brought to the table in the manner which Hector believes should be standard practice. No messing, just bring them.
Five Dips were deemed not to be enough, two more, and larger dishes too, were provided. Clive hogged the Lime Pickle. I eventually discovered why. What brand was this? Remarkable.
We hadn’t ordered anything yet, Omar came over to take charge. Both he and his cousin, Amar, have served Hector some worthy creations over the years that are not necessarily on the Menu. At Sheesh Mahal I prefer to order off Menu, Capsicum has a habit of appearing otherwise. Note, the – dreaded mush – has not been mentioned in Curry-Heute since Sheffield where it proved once again to be an issue.
I described my perfect Curry to Omar – on-the-bone – was also noted in particular. Chapattis would accompany. Clive’s turn. He too listed his parameters, it soon became apparent that they were both heading towards and then beyond the – Omar Kayahm (£11.50). 
This is a deluxe Keema Mutter Aloo, the kitchen sink was going in too. A Keema Naan (£2.90) would accompany, try keeping Clive away from his Keema Naan/Paratha.
We returned to the eating of our healthy Bits. The familiar sound of Meat and Onions on a sizzling platter came closer and closer. A little bonus, on the house. It looked wonderful, alas, this would be a gift horse whose mouth would be clearly examined…
Liver, Hector cannot abide Liver.
*
Liver Tikka
Strips of Capsicum aside, the presentation was all. As the contents of the platter were decanted it made me realise just what a mess our plates were with Salad, Dips and Poppadoms.
The Texture of the Liver was nothing like anything experienced previously, this I could eat. The stringiness had gone, chewing was even pleasant, all was well until the swallowing, the taste… aargh…horrible. Clive loved it and so the rest was piled onto his plate.
Omar wasn’t finished, another sizzling patter arrived, much better!
Lamb Chops
Three large Chops, only the edge of one was cremated as is the Hector preference. Hector the thoughtful, decided that since Clive had feasted on the Liver Tikka, only one of the three Lamb Chops was going his way.
The Chops may not have featured the sought after burnt extremities, however, they were properly cooked through. Smooth, tasty, joyous – was added to my notes.
Meanwhile Clive was quite simply gobsmacked. I did point out to him that as we had not actually eaten anything we had ordered, we could leave now without paying.
As if.
If food is put in front of you, it’s going to be eaten. Well, until you can’t. We both knew that when our Order arrived, we would struggle.
The basket of Chapattis and the Keema Naan would be sacrificed first, no need to fill up on Bread. I did note the quality of the Keema Naan, grains of Mince, not the pink, Donner-like substance which some venues present. This was a real Keema Naan.
*
*
*
Omar Kayahm
Chefs Special Balti – is where this creation finds itself on the Menu. Incidentally, prices have not risen here since 2020. Keema, Rice and Peas – may have been expected, Chickpeas on top were also visible.
The second photo shows the interior with greater clarity. The Capsicum garnish may well have been a wind up, fortunately, Clive does not share my abhorrence.
This is the best Curry ever – claimed Clive – but it’s not Curry, just spicy food.
I have praised many a Dry Keema, I have to ask: did this have any Masala? There was only the slightest hint of Oil collecting on the base of the karahi. This Curry was unique in style and content.
That was exceptional – concluded Clive – a perfect balance, no eyes watering, no nasties, just a blend of flavours.
Clive managed about half, the rest would go back to the Travelodge, today’s lunch. Look out for an update later. Was this meal in the small hours therefore breakfast by definition?
Omar’s Special 2021
Hector’s Perfect Curry: Dry, Thick Masala, Lamb on-the-bone, Methi and Medium with a Kick – has been described oft to Omar. And so here it was, topped with Ginger Strips and Coriander. The Meat was served in larger pieces than is the Bradford custom, spot the Sucky Bone!
The Chapattis were quickly abandoned, somehow I had to do this justice.
The Meat was – melt in the mouth – the Spice hit the back of the throat – cough. This Curry was gorgeous. With the level of Seasoning truly sussed, stunning.
The only negative has to be that being well stuffed, around half of this wonderful Curry had to be abandoned. Whilst one has to thank Omar for his generosity, it was to the detriment of why we were really here. Next time I shall have to rein him in. Next time could be tomorrow, or even later today. What time is it?
The Bill
£26.35 We had been charged for the – Pickle Tray – most unusual, but no way was this being challenged. The Keema Naan (£2.90) is outwith the inclusive Bread, and look at the feast.
The Aftermath
It was after 02.30, Omar arranged a taxi. There was time to discuss the events of the last year, Bradford-Kirklees has been hit hard. Friends and family have been lost, then there’s the customers who simply have never shown up again.