Having been denied my Fish Curry at lunchtime, Hector was on a mission. Fish Curry is not on the Menu at Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW), however, on Steve’s last visit here back in 2014, Sadaqat served Hector a superbly – Dry – Fish Methi. I was sure Omar, his nephew, could command something similar. One thing was certain, Hector would not be eating any more Lamb or Bread on this trip, two things were certain…
Steve and Hector entered Sheesh Mahal at 23.30, Omar walked in behind us, cue the Curry party. I pleaded with him not to shower us with extras as he had done two nights ago when neither Clive or I could finish our Mains. Steve was already wondering about what he had missed.
Salad, Poppadoms and seven Dips were brought to the table. I informed Omar that we had been charged for these two nights ago. He assured us that this would not happen tonight. I note that on our visit here back in 2014, the quality of the Lime Pickle was noted, as it was on Friday. I must ask what brand they use, this is something special.
The Fish Curry was possible, now for Steve. I suggested that Omar bring Steve what I had two nights previously but without the bones. Steve had to be trusting here. A Garlic Naan would accompany, Rice for Hector. Once again, the Menu was incidental, as was my request for – no extras.
The wonderful sound of food sizzling on a hot platter came into earshot. I told Omar that if I couldn’t finish my Curry I wouldn’t be paying for it. Look at this:
Masala Fish?
For once, I can identify the Fish – Cod! (Omar told me.)
Yadgar (Glasgow) have set the standard for Fish, either as Pakora or baked. Tonight’s Cod was spectacular: white, chunky, cooked through and then some, Spiced, Seasoned – this was almost beyond pleasure.
I have never heard so many – wows – from Steve, or anyone else for that matter. This could well be the finest piece of Fish I have ever eaten.
Steve: The Fish was perfectly cooked, spiced on the outside, beautiful. Any sauce added to it would ruin it.
Masala Fish is on the Menu at £6.00, I shall be hoping to share this on future visits.
Omar brought the Mains, his assistants the Rice and Bread. The lightly fired, puffy Naan was huge, the Rice huger, no way would these be finished.
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Fish Curry
Unlike the Fish Methi of 2014, there was a smothering of a light coloured Masala. This was the Dry Fish Curry that I imagine often and is rarely delivered. Topped with Coriander and Ginger Strips, there would be a Herb blast and a crunch too. Whole Green Chillies cooked in would add a mighty – kick.
The likelihood was that this was the same Cod but cut and flaked. Omar came over to check on my enjoyment, this is what I told him:
The Seasoning is beyond the norm, the Spice is – cough – fine, the Flavours come through powerfully. This is excellent.
There was just enough Masala to make the Rice viable, a Paratha would have been the better accompaniment. I suspect Omar realised this too, because moments later a Paratha was presented.
Again check the size, the Spirals, Flakiness, this was a superb example of the genre. I took a piece, the Butteriness came through, this was close to the elusive White Paratha. Steve took a piece of the Paratha, the Naan was abandoned.
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Omar’s Creation for Steve, in Boneless Lamb
An appropriate quantity of – foliage – covered the Meat and Minimal, almost virtual, Masala. This was a Bradford Curry.
Words cannot – began Steve – there are no words.
This makes a Blogger’s life difficult, fortunately, he found some more:
I think possibly, this is the best Curry I’ve ever had in my own life. Everything was there, tenderest meat, small cut, spice. I can’t finish (it), my only regret is having what came before.
Curry at Sheesh Mahal is this good.
The Bill
£19.40 I was interested to see that what we ate was put through as – Balti.
The Aftermath
It was good to end on such a high. Sheesh Mahal, Syhiba (Wakefield) and Lahore Tandoori Restaurant (Peterborough) have been the highlights of this trip.