Sultans Restaurant (204-206 Keighley Rd., Frizinghall, Bradford BD9 4JZ) have completed the move to a more pukka location. Diagonally opposite the Lister Park and adjacent to Bradford Grammar, they have retained their position on the main road north from Bradford city centre. Beware of the walk up the hill from Frizinghall train station, quite a climb.
With a bit of puffing and panting, Hector and Marg arrived at Sultans fifteen minutes before the 16.00 rendezvous with The Rickmeister. Mein Host, Habib, was there to greet, he remembered our faces. We were shown to the window booth table, a bit of a squeeze, in fact this proved to be too much of a squeeze when Ricky arrived. We took a table opposite.
The new Menu was on the table, prices remain competitive, and as is the Bradford way, three Chapattis, salad, and sauce are served with each Curry. QED.
Our Order was a case of deja vu, Ricky was having the Koftay (£10.00), if available. He has been disappointed on previous visits. Surely, with the new Menu, all Dishes should be available at all times? For Hector, a true Bradford Curry – Handi Gosht – (£10.00) served on-the-bone. Marg stuck to tradition – Keema Karahi – (£9.00). When Ricky declared a Starter – Sheek Kebab – (£3.00), Marg and I were set to share a Fish Pakora (£5.00).
The young waiter confirmed the availability of the Kofta, he also suggested that given we were due nine Chapattis, he bring six initially. Who could eat nine Chapattis? Marg ensured her Curry would not be – too Spicy. Ricky and Hector went for medium, plus.
We nibbled on the inclusive Salads whilst we waited. The bottle of Raita sauce, on every table, is available to buy as a Takeaway. As and when our fellow diners moved on, I took the opperchancity to take photos of the new premises. The décor is simple, and definitely an improvement on what was.
Sheek Kebab
Two Chicken Sheek, Seekh Kebabs, were presented halved and smothered in raw Onion Rings plus pieces of Tomato. With the bottle of Raita applied abundantly, these did not last long. Maybe next time I’ll try these.
Fish Pakora
The same Toppings obscured the pieces of Fish. Even whilst sharing, the portion felt sufficient. The long pieces of White Fish tasted fresh, the Batter was suitably Spiced, however, the Seasoning was way below what the Hector looks for. Fish without Seasoning, we’ve been here before, and too often. Enjoyable as this Pakora was, it could have been so much more.
On completion of the Starters, we were asked if we wanted our Mains right away. Ricky asked for two minutes. We probably secured a more decent five.
Only in Bradford does one see such a pile of Chapattis on the table. Should this not be universal? The Chapattis were of the classic variety: thin, wholemeal, and soft. These would never turn to crisp. The first five were consumed, when offered more Ricky suggested that two would suffice, the extra three came. In the end, two remained untouched. A waste? Remember, these cost Pennies to turn out, not Pounds. The Menu price for Chapattis here is 60p.
Handi Gosht
The Toppings were no more than sliced Green Chillies. By the appearance of the rings, these must have come from the huge, tubular Chillies, whose name I have yet to identify.
With the Meat on-the-bone well into double figures, what at first looked like quite a modest portion, was in fact both a sensible and satisfying quantity. Go large – for an extra £4.50) is available in some Mains, not the – Sultans Specials – though I’m sure one could negotiate. Check the Thick, and seriously Dry Masala, this is the standard which Bradford has set. Surely the Mainstream restaurants across the land should at least be able to offer one Curry from their vast menus in this style?
This Curry was a slow builder in terms of Spice and Flavour. This was down to the low level of Seasoning. This has not been an issue here in the past. Slowly, slowly, this Curry raised itself up the scale of pleasure. The Meat was suitably Tender, Sucky Bones added to the experience. Whilst the – wow – level was not attained, this was still a damn, fine Bradford Curry.
Keema Karahi
Habib had told us that today he had – freshly made Keema with Potatoes.
He says that every time – responded Ricky.
With the peripheral Oil collecting, the heart of this Keema Karahi looked suitably moist, not wet. Where was the Potato? Marg assured me they were there – small bits, tiny. This was different.
An excellent Keema – concluded Marg – with Potato rather than Peas. I feel as if I’ve had a real meal, and I nearly had two Chapattis.
Koftay
At first sight, there appeared to be more Kofta than I have ever seen for this Dish served in a restaurant. It was only on studying the photo closely that I spotted the boiled Egg. This was a Kofta Anda bearing no resemblance to that served to Steve last summer. This Curry had decidedly more Masala than the two above, interesting. On my next visit to Sultans, I’ll be having what The Rickmeister had today. His verdict:
No change, except the price. As good as normal.
The Bill
£40.00 Cash only, and a round figure, alas, rounded up.
The Aftermath
On leaving, I managed to secure the photo of the entrance room where Takeaways are processed. This substantial area provides plenty of space for meet and greet, and social distancing. I like the new premises, the noon opening maintains. There shall be more visits. In the meantime, this was my fifth visit, so there should be enough coverage of the Curry to create a – Sultans Restaurant – dedicated page, and of course add this establishment to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.