The Rickmeister has had a bee in his bonnet regarding the possible relocation of Sultan Restaurant (219 Manningham Lane, Bradford, BD8 7HH England) to Frizinghall opposite the former – Turf – pub, of course we all know where that is. The premises are a former Italian Restaurant, The Man from Bradford was worried that Sultan may be going posh. Then there was the possibility that this was a new outfit altogether.
Arriving at Sultan this afternoon around 16.00 just before the heavens opened, all would be made clear, in time. The new address was given, premises some two kilometres north of their present location. But when will the move be? Still questions to be answered.
Ricky suggested that he and Dr. Stan have the Koftay (£8.00) if available, or Keema Karahi with Spinach (£7.00) otherwise. Marg was definitely having Keema Karahi (£7.00), her second Curry of this trip, two in three days, so far. For Hector on his fourth visit, it had to be a return to the impressive Handi Gosht (£8.50) enjoyed on Visit #1. Back in 2018, a taxi driver insisted I try Sultan, it was duly added to the extensive list of Bradford Curry Houses covered in Curry-Heute. There could have been more visits here, alas being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays has not helped.
Ricky talked Dr. Stan into sharing a Starter, Seekh Kebab (£2.00) would have been Hector’s guess, but no, Meat Samosa (£2.00). Chapattis for all, included in the price it’s a Bradford thing.
A young waiter came to take the Order, the availability of Koftay was confirmed, we had happy chaps. Medium-plus was requested for the male diners, medium for the lady. I was specifically addressed – on-the-bone? It had to be. Next it was Marg – Peas, Potato? Marg opted for – The Works.
A simple Salad was brought accompanied by a bottle of Raita which I was assured would be Spicy. A jug of tap-water was the provided liquid, no messing about here.
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The Samosas didn’t last long. Ricky led the way, insisting that once bitten into, Dr. Stan filled the void with the Raita. The Rickmeister always tells us his vision of the women of Bradford sitting in their houses making Samosas all day, the very ones appearing in the Curry Cafes and Restaurants across the city.
The Mains arrived, not the largest portions ever seen, and definitely on the small side compared to the mountains that Hector has been served at the Kabana(s) (Manchester) in the past two days. I counted the pile of Chapattis, eight, more than enough, though three each is still the norm at certain venues.
Handi Gosht
Here it was, the definitive Bradford Curry staring up at me. The rich brown, thick Masala had but mere traces of Oil. I didn’t count the Meat, even allowing for the bone content, this would more than suffice.
Being later in the day, the appetite was a willing partner, let the eating commence.
The Taste of Bradford, Herb-rich, Methi no doubt, Coriander Stems were visible as well as Leaves. This was glorious. The depth of Flavour was astonishing, an intensity not experienced in some time, magical moments. Medium plus? This Curry had a big kick, the Seasoning was exactly how a Hector seeks it in Curry.
The Meat was giving Flavour, something one cannot take for granted. It had the – right level – of chewiness. Sucky Bones too, the Flavours, oh how rich the Flavours, this Curry was stunningly sensational. I feel like another trip to Bradford has to happen soon, just to have this again. With Sarina’s Curry Kitchen (Queensbury) still only serving Takeaway presently, Sultan Restaurant is becoming the must visit Bradford venue.
For the record, I ate my full Chapatti quota.
Keema Karahi
Study the photo, observe how the Minimal Masala simply shrouds the Potato. Again, the Herb content was visible. The quantity also appeared to be an elegant sufficiency.
Marg gave her verdict:
A good mixture of Keema, Peas and Potato, gave the dish more body. The initial taste was hot and spicy, but my taste-buds soon became accustomed to the flavours. I enjoyed one and a half Chapattis, a very pleasant meal.
Koftay
… or Kofta Anda as this would be called in the Curry Cafes of Glasgow. Four Meatballs and two halves of hard-boiled Egg. One Egg is always… Steve ordered this very Curry back in June, but Seekh Kebab had been substituted for Meatballs.
The Masala was closer to Shorva than anything I have ever seen Ricky order, so like Hector, he too must have come to accept that this is how it has to be.
There was not a lot of conversation going on, and whilst I took the notes for my own wonder-Curry, there were appropriate noises opposite.
Kofta Anda is one of Hector’s favourite Desi Dishes, but given the limited number of visits to the Curry Capital, one cannot have everything. My next visit to Sultan will be for more Handi Gosht, maybe Koftay the day after.
Mein Host came to our table, here was the opperchancity to have our remaining questions answered. He promised the Curry will be just as good when they move to Frizinghall, and they are not turning posh. As to when, it’s all a matter of tradesmen turning up to finish that which needs to be done.
This could be The Last Time? At these premises probably. Frizinghall has its own train station, bring it on.
The Bill
£33.50 is what we thought. At the door was a sign advising that all Mains are an extra £1.00, and Starters 50p more. There was a whip round, Cash only. £38.00 in all.
The Aftermath
With Marg’s umbrella borrowed, The Rickmeister fetched his car to the door and saved at least three of us from a soaking. Hector and Marg are at Jury’s, for reasons unknown every Travelodge in the Leeds-Bradford area is quadruple the normal price this weekend.