Our – perfect day – had to conclude with a return to Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW). Omar said last night that he had planned – something different – for us to try. Once again, it was approaching midnight when we arrived at the top end of the town centre. There was no Omar, however, Taj, the not-so retired, was still there and he introduced us to the lady members of his family.
They were departing, why was Taj still here if he is doing – lunchtimes? One suspects he has missed the buzz.
Something Different
The first thing I did was to tell the waiter not to bring the vast array of Poppadoms and Dips we were treated to last night. In the end we did accept the Raita and a Sauce made from blended Green Peppers, the Recipe for which has been well known to Hector for decades and has been posted – here – since the dawn of Curry-Heute. These would be a suitable accompaniment for our Starter. Yes, Starter, singular. Having taken control of our own fate, it was decided to repeat the successful model of last night, one Starter, one Curry, to share. Sharing, again?
For a change, we studied the Menu. This was well thumbed, no price increases since 2018? Last night’s wonderful Hector-Omar creation featuring – Lamb on-the-bone – could well have been reproduced, however, one might get the theme by now, we were in the mood for – something different.
Lamb Chops (£5.50)! OK, nothing new there. Mutton Biryani (£8.45)? The last time Marg ordered a Biryani as a Main Course was in Tunis. That night, no accompanying Masala was presented, resulting in a less than satisfactory outcome. The Menu at Sheesh Mahal states that a – Curry Sauce – would be served.
I asked the waiter for Lamb Biryani without Peppers. Capsicum does keep on appearing at Sheesh Mahal, one has to be careful. I was offered Lamb on-the-bone. That was unexpected.
Lamb Chops
Five decent sized Lamb Chops sat on the sizzling platter. The Garnish was Raw Onion, Coriander and – Capsicum! I should declare an allergy, that might make kitchens take note. Marg helped herself to the two most cremated Chops leaving me with the lightly fired ones.
My Chops were decidedly juicy, with a good level of Spice. The extra Flavour achieved by near cremation was therefore missing. That so many Onions were raw was a distinct negative.
I enjoyed the burnt taste – said Marg, who had the better Chops – succulent meat although it had a wee kick. Not enough cooked onions.
Enjoyable therefore, but not up to The Downsman (Crawley) standards.
There was an appropriate interlude.
Lamb Biryani on-the-bone
This Rice Dish was definitely moist, for a moment we were left to wonder if the – Curry Sauce – had already been added. When a plate of orange Shorva was 
presented all was clear, or so I thought.
Daal? – I asked.
No, sauce!
That was me told.
A quick sample revealed that this was certainly not a Lentil Soup, it did have a modest kick.
We had a plate of already moist Rice to which we would add more liquid. I made a small puddle of Curry Sauce beside the Rice, I could mix this through as and and when. Being far from an expert on Biryani, I had to assume that this was the correct procedure. This was the antithesis of the usual Curry-Heute experience, something different.
Peas, Potato and Egg were mixed through the Rice. Egg, a much underused ingredient in a Curry, if indeed a Biryani comes under that label. I feel another Kofta Anda must be overdue.
The Sucky Bone had to be celebrated, as seen in the photo, there was no Bread to hold this evening. When I visit Sheerin Palace (Glasgow), a favourite source of Kofta Anda, a simple Chicken Biryani sometimes accompanies. Chicken Bones I have therefore become used to, to have Lamb on-the-bone was definitely a treat.
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Marg: – an interesting meal with rice, peas, potato and a boiled egg with chunks of lamb. I didn’t require the extra sauce as the dish was fairly moist. My last encounter had been a very dry dish.
The back of my throat was being attacked by Spice. I concluded that this had to be from the Biryani proper. Whilst there was Spice and Seasoning, the Flavours were markedly different from my usual Methi infused creations. A pleasant change, and something to consider again when a Curry overdose is imminent. This was my fourth visit to a Bradford Curry House in thirty two hours. Time to take a step back.
The Bill
£15.40 Bradford prices.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was still on the premises, his twelve hour plus shift, continuing. What I have learned over the past two nights, Taj likes to see photos of himself.
There is a plan to be back in Bradford in a month, else two.