I have passed Roti of Edinburgh (42 South Bridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LL) on each of my visits to the other other Curry Houses clustered around Nicolson Square, it has always been closed. When in Edinburgh, I tend to eat earlier, Roti’s 15.00 opening time is therefore cutting it fine. Still, this is the best time of day to eat Curry, according to Curry-Heute.
Having studied the online menu at Roti, I realised that I have been missing out on the potential to celebrate what appears to be another outlet for Punjabi Cuisine in the east of Scotland, there are not so many. I arrived before the 15.00 opening time as did three young members of staff. It was only when the elder staff member arrived with the keys a few minutes after 15.00, that we all entered.
I took a small table to the right, subsequent diners were of course given the window tables. One chap did ask if the food here was Halal, all was well.
The presence of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone at £26.95 for the kilo had already convinced me that there was serious Curry available. However, £18.95 for the half kilo is simply not on. Nor is £3.95 for the – Popadom Tray. If one scans down to the previous posts, one can see that in the recent trip to Portugal, complimentary Poppadoms and Dips are de rigueur. Why are people expected to pay this in the UK? The price of Soft Drinks also set alarms ringing, just how large is a glass of Mango Rubicon (£2.95) which, if it comes from a two litre bottle, is a total rip-off. Hector decided to splash out on a 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.50).
The menu description of the Dishes only mentioned – Peppers – sporadically, and certainly not in the Lamb section. I checked with the young waiter who would serve me – only the Jalfrezi. This put the mind at rest, no Ballast here. The majority of the Lamb Mains are £14.95, pricey, but this is the city of Edinburgh.
I decided that in order to cover more Dishes, I would do Tapas (£7.95). Now I’ll have to visit Mother India’s Cafe (Edinburgh) which is around the corner, to compare their Tapas prices (and portion size) with the Glasgow original and Roti. Mother India’s Cafe opens at noon.
There had to be Lamb Karahi, even though I would accept that from the outset it could not possibly be in the same league as the – on-the-bone – version, well one presumes thus. Additionally, the Desi Lamb Bhuna proved irresistible. To what extent it would come across as – Desi – would reveal much, also, how many a Soupy Bhuna has Hector been served over the years? To accompany, a Chilli Coriander Nan (£3.95) not on the menu per se. I believe that’s what I ordered, the Chilli Garlic Nan, I would normally avoid.
As I waited, I took in the flurry of snow. As forecast, it’s chilly in the east. There’s a downstairs seating area, adjacent to the kitchen, which I did not visit. The ground floor décor is modern, casual, spacious. When I bring Marg, I’ll secure a comment on the ambiance.
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Roti of Edinburgh – is apparently one of three restaurants owned by Mohammed Din. He began in Corstorphine, wherever that is. Note how many years it has taken Hector to explore the Nicolson Square area. Much of Edinburgh remains a mystery, however, I already have my favourites. If anyone can identify the others, that would be appreciated.
The food was assembled on the table. For the second time this week there was the feeling of not a lot of Curry for the Pound.
The Naan had heaps of Coriander leaves and stems, no sign of Chilli, and thankfully no Garlic. What did I order? More round than a teardrop, there was but a hint of burnt extremities. If there was a Tandoor, maybe it hadn’t had time to fully warm up? The Naan had not risen as much as I would have liked, so nothing like the light and fluffy Naans I have recently enjoyed. It did the job.
Maybe I should have had a Roti.
Desi Lamb Bhuna
The Thickness of the Masala impressed, the Meat count did not. Four, come on, you’re charging eight quid for this? At least I can report the pieces of Lamb were a decent size.
Syboes were mixed through the dark, rich Masala, which had the welcoming Oil collecting on the periphery of the stone pot. I didn’t decant to the plate, one Curry at at time.
The fear of disappointment lurks before every Curry, especially at a new venue. The first dip of Naan into the Masala had me won. The Richness, nay intensity, of Flavour hit hard, this was a wonderful Curry. The Big Spice hit, OK easily achieved, was complemented by the full on Flavours. Strangely, on taking the first piece of Meat, the strength of Flavour from here actually masked the Spice, most unusual.
I looked at the modest portion, should I have gone for – the full Bhuna? Sorry, that just slipped out. This Tapas portion was gone, seemingly in an instant. I definitely wanted more. In a Glasgow Curry Cafe, I would simply have asked for same again, not at these prices.
Lamb Karahi
No Syboes, and perhaps a slightly paler Masala, were the distinguishing features here. Well, it was served in a karahi. Again I counted to four, I so wished I had reached five. I was impressed by the quantity of Bread I had eaten, or does that say something about the quantity of Curry served? The liberal Coriander was falling off the Naan, this would add something extra to the Karahi.
Two slices of Bullet Chilli, plus Ginger Strips, were embedded in the Masala, along with slivers of Tomato skin.
The Masala had nothing like the – kick – of the Bhuna, however, the Bullet Chillies took it back up, also transforming the Flavour in the process. I had the Spice, but not the intensity of Flavour. Maybe the Seasoning was not what it might have been? To judge this Soupçon of Karahi Gosht after the wonderful Desi Bhuna may be unfair. Or does that simply tell us, it was nothing like as impressive?
The Desi Bhuna was the standout Curry, dare I say it had the – Wow!
The Bill
£23.35 Or twice what I paid last Saturday at Karahi Palace (Glasgow) for way more Curry.
The Aftermath
The staff were busying themselves, the entrance was vacuumed during my stay. I gave the Calling Card and introduced myself to the young chap who had served me.
Nice to meet you – was the reply.
I shall certainly return to Roti of Edinburgh, the kilo needs to be shared. Then comparisons with Rustom Restaurant shall be inevitable.
Menu extracts
