A train journey without wearing a mask, for Hector, today’s trip through from Glasgow was the first time in over two years there has been the choice. Today’s chosen venue for Curry was the tried, tested and always reliable Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH). In recent weeks I have visited other venues on/near Nicolson Square: Mosque Kitchen and Roti of Edinburgh. I shall most certainly return to the latter when I find a dining partner.
Arriving at 14.50, I was initially the only – sit in – customer, others would come. Meanwhile the Takeaway trade was thriving. I took my favourite seat from where I could survey all. It has been some time since I secured this spot, it’s nearly eight months since I was last here at all. Where does the time go?
Master Khan brought the latest edition of the menu, as expected, prices had gone up, and by more than the official rate of inflation. Those who calculate that are not visiting Curry Houses.
Kofta Curry (£8.50) is the one Dish I really should have had here by now. However, I asked the burning question:
Do you have Lamb on-the-bone today?
Yes we do.
Then, it’ll have to be Karahi Ghoust (£12.95) and a Naan.
The Naan was confirmed as – Tandori Nan (£2.35).
For those who keep tabs on these things, a Chapatti now costs £1.25. Still better than Aberdoom, which readers may have noticed has not appeared in these pages of late, but not in the spirit of Bradford.
There was no discussion about the Spice Level of my Karahi and no drink was offered. I noticed that subsequent arrivals simply went to the fridge and helped themselves. No glasses were then forthcoming. I shall return to – Spice Level – later.
I took in the scene, the briefly empty premises. Mein Host emerged from the kitchen:
How are you?
I later noted that all customers were greeted similarly. Maybe Hector is recognised here after seven visits?
It took fifteen minutes for my Order to be prepared, Hector was on schedule.
The Naan, served whole, was enormous. It had the correct pan-handle shape to have come from a Tandoor. Lightly fired around the edges, it had risen significantly in the main body of the Bread. Only a minimal spread of Butter had been scored across the middle, a bit more would have been welcomed. Thankfully, no Garlic had been added. This was one mighty Naan, excellent, and no way would I manage more than half.
Karahi Ghoust
The Meat was piled high in the karahi. Such was the volume, counting was unnecessary, if this wasn’t the half-kilo, it wasn’t far off. Given the restrictions of the karahi itself, the Masala was certainly the definition of Minimal. This is exactly how Hector seeks his Karahi. Pieces of Tomato pulp were mixed through the presumably Tomato-based Masala. From here was the core of the Flavour. The Masala on the Naan was truly delightful. Very little Oil was collecting on the base of the karahi, a few calories less.
The food was – hot. I have just about recovered from the lukewarm Curry served up in the recent Deutschland trip. The Spice Level slowly built, it was well pitched, despite the lack of consultation. The Flavours approached that of Glasgow’s Karahi Palace, but never reached the level of achieving the – wow. It was close, but the lack of Seasoning was once again an issue at Kebab Mahal. My Karahi Palace tweak of – a bit more Salt and Methi – would have had me in raptures. Regardless, this was damn good Curry.
The Tender Meat gave back the Spice, I took another photo at the halfway stage. Later with six decent sized pieces of Lamb still to go, I knew this would be a challenge. The Naan was abandoned, finish the Karahi.
Compared to what I paid, for admittedly two, – Tapas – portions recently at nearby Roti, this was a Meat Feast. Price increase? This may well still be the best value for money in the Capital. There was only one bone!
More Seasoning, Methi, I shall have to communicate better, but that works both ways. The records show that in August last year, I dared to ask Mr. Khan for extra Salt.
The Bill
£15.30 Who needs a drink anyway?
The Aftermath
A perfectly timed number two bus, from across the square, took me back towards Haymarket. The original route has been restored, Grassmarket, it has been a while. What’s that thing on the horizon?
