Having posted the review of my first visit to Mosque Kitchen (31-33 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX) I realised that I had not fully understood their menu. Manchester’s – Rice & Three – has not reached these parts – was therefore not the case. We’ll have Boris apologising for mistakes next.
It’s there, but just not written as such. Today I was here for the equivalent – Lamb Curry & 2 Veg Curries with Rice – (£9.50). Rice & Four – (£10.50) is also available, what a plate-load that would be.
Scotrail have put up their prices, today’s Super Off-Peak, still under £7.00, makes a trip through to Edinburgh seriously attractive. How do they get away with charging £27.60 otherwise? Anyway, taking advantage of the cheap middle of the day price, I arrived at Mosque Kitchen at 15.00 to find around half a dozen fellow diners, same as the last time.
The Lamb Curry had to be revisited, a true – Desi – delight. For the accompaniments, I studied the food pans, determined to avoid you know what. The Mixed Veg Curry was suitably complex, yes please. I hoped my favourite Veg Combo would be on offer today, it was. I asked for – Aloo Gobi – rather than the written – Potato and Cauliflower. The lady server did not bat an eyelid as she arranged a huge plateful of the Rice before spooning on the Lamb Curry. With the rest added, there was a veritable feast, great value.
The Bill
£9.50 Once again I bought no drink as there were no cups/glasses on display.
However, halfway through my meal, a chap did ask and was directed to the ice-cream counter where a different lady served him a glass of tap water. Now we know, but why not put up a sign? Why does the person serving at the food counter not suggest a drink, surely more profit? And here we reach my biggest, nay only complaint: there is no attempt at any real communication between staff and customers. A bit of banter would go a long way towards making a visit to Mosque Kitchen more memorable. Maybe they think the food speaks for itself?
Lamb Curry & 2 Veg Curries with Rice
Initially I thought I had lost out on the Meat front, but on reaching a count of eight good-sized pieces, all was well. The Lamb was Tender-Soft, beautiful. The Meat I classified as – giving – of Flavour. The Desi Masala complemented this, a truly wonderful Lamb Curry, Spice and Seasoning exactly as the Hector seeks.
However, Meat and Masala is not the not the Curry-Heute idyll, there should always be an – Interesting Vegetable.
Aloo Gobi
The Cauliflower was close to pulp, a sad feature of keeping this Vegetable warm all day. The Potato was fine, but the hoped for firmness in the Gobi was gone, a pity. Furthermore, the Spice gave some hope to rescuing one of my favourite Dishes, but that was it, there wasn’t much happening here in terms of Flavour.
Mix Vegetables
The classic Indian Mixed Veg were present: Peas, Green Beans, Sweetcorn and Carrots plus more Potato! Can there be too much Potato in a Curry?
The base of my plate developed a watery residue. The food pan (above) showed a Shorva-like liquid, this was it, and it was doing the meal no favours. The Seasoning was pronounced by its non-existence. There was nothing coming from this melange in terms of Spice or Flavour.
To be fair, Diversity of Texture is what I sought. The two Vegetable accompaniments achieved this, but little else, apart from their part in making this a massive meal.
As I cleared my plate, and every last grain of Rice was eaten, I wondered about those who come to Mosque Kitchen and only order the Veg Curry. What level of satisfaction could they possibly attain? The pleasure today was all from the excellent Lamb Curry, simples.
Rice & Three, The Aftermath
Posting some photos live, Rizwan from Kabana (Manchester) acknowledged my statement that – Manchester Curry Cafe, this is not. Mosque Kitchen have adopted the system, however, their execution needs more thought. Meanwhile, I have been told that The Village (Glasgow) is presently closed for some renovation work. Mr. Baig told me on my last visit that he was considering installing food pans for quick service. I have been in touch and await clarification.