… and so a bus was taken from Corstorphine to the city centre. This was followed by the walk over the North Bridge where I gather the ongoing repairs are going to last another couple of years. I had time to study other Edinburgh Curry Houses open this lunchtime. Again, menus suggested snacks, no Curry. OK, the trend may be to call it – Street Food – however, in India – the street – is where this is prepared and consumed. Street Food is not served as – Tapas – in Pukkah establishments at rip-off prices.
It was minutes past noon when I entered Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH), the first customer of the day. More would join, an Aussie chap who will be performing at the forthcoming – Fringe – was here for a Takeaway Donner Kebap. A bit early, or was this the conclusion to his night out?
Mr. Khan, Mein Host, recognised me and gave his now customary greeting. Another chap was also serving, possibly the missing generation between Mr. Khan and his grandson who often serves.
I took a can of Mango Rubicon (£1.25) from the fridge and then sat at everyone’s preferred table. I have learned, if one doesn’t help oneself, drinks tend not to be forthcoming.
Lamb Bhuna (£9.65) had yet to be tried, Vegetable Pilau (£3.45) would accompany. I noted that the prices were the same as my last visit in April, and last year for that matter. On relaying the order I gave the usual caveat regarding which Vegetables would appear with the Rice.
Maybe some – was the reply.
Throw them in the bin – was the curt reply. After this number of visits to Kebab Mahal, it was time to test the limits of – the banter.
The wait was appropriate, a longer one would not have been amiss, this was early for Hector to have – The Full Bhuna.
By UK standards, this was a huge portion of Vegetable Rice, easily enough to share. I knew I was staring defeat in the face as I decanted a portion to my plate.
Sweetcorn, Carrots, Peas, Potato and maybe Aubergine were present, no Green Beans, and no Capsicum! This was a meal in its own right. Excellent Rice, offering a great Diversity of Flavours and Texture. There are few venues serving Vegetable Rice to match this.
Lamb Bhuna
The Masala was suitably – Thick, I will admit to having seen a drier Bhuna, but this has become a rarity. This was certainly not the Shorva-esque Masala which featured in Kebab Mahal’s – Rogan Josh. Whilst today’s Bhuna did not feature the abundance of Tomato in the aforementioned Rogan Josh, there was a definite presence. This wettish Bhuna was closer to Hector’s idea of what a Rogan Josh should be. For the record, for the best part of a decade, I used to eat nothing but Rogan Josh at the much missed Akash (Helensburgh).
The Lamb intrigued. I would find the entire spectrum of Textures from Soft, through Tender to Chewy. The joy of topping up – The Big Pot? The Meat was bursting with Spice, a definite – kick – here. The Masala was thick enough not to disappear into the Rice. The Rice therefore was the perfect accompaniment to this Curry. Did a bit of Paneer find its way into the Rice?
The Meat, the Tomato-rich Masala, the Rice, the Vegetables, each gave off their respective Flavours. This was one of those totally satisfying moments, comfort eating, quality Curry.
Mr. Khan came over to check on my progress, which given the time of day was slow:
Well, my friend, is it OK?
Wonderful!
Thank you.
In time, the Bhuna was, of course, finished. Some Rice had to be set aside, then there was the Rice which hadn’t even made it on to my plate.
On clearing the table, Mr. Kahn once again verified my enjoyment. I hate waste, but only a European could have managed all that Rice.
Was Hector the only person in the city of Edinburgh enjoying a Curry in this hour?
The Bill
£14.35 For how much longer?
The Aftermath
At the counter, I pointed to the menu and asked Mein Host:
Aren’t you putting up your prices?
This he acknowledged and referred to the price of Chicken. He was expecting a delivery later, with some trepidation. (Chicken, in a Curry?) I brought up Cooking Oil, Mr. Kahn quoted the same worrying price rise that Mr. Baig mentioned at The Village (Glasgow) last week.
Prices at Kebab Mahal are therefore due to rise, there’s no time like the present to enjoy their Curry.