Somehow, Hector has resisted coming this far north in 2022, until now, the ritual of Aberdoom at xmas maintains. For the first time ever, Hector and Marg actually had to pay for accommodation in this city. With the expansion of relatives’ families, there was no room at the inn. The Travelodge overlooking Union Street it is, a perfect spot from which to update Curry-Heute. The premises which were once Ambal’s remain empty across the street. Nazma Tandoori has gone, leaving Monsoona and Namaste Delhi the only Curry Houses on Bridge Street. Nurtaj Indian Restaurant is also no more.
Two new venues have appeared in Aberdeen. Travancore is due to be visited on Boxing Day, tonight, Marg and Hector investigated Rehmat’s Restaurant (249 George St., Aberdeen AB25 1ED Scotland). The menu posted online shows Punjabi Goshat (on the bone) (£8.95), how could Hector resist? Finally, Lahore Karahi have a rival in Aberdeen serving Punjabi Fayre.
Having phoned to confirm Rehmat’s was still open this close to the festive day, we arrived at 21.10. Oh good, a Curry Cafe – was my declaration as we entered. The lady out front asked if we were here for Ice Cream. This was Krepes ‘n’ Kones – Scotland’s Premium Dessert Cafe, Rehmat’s is through the back.
As we approached the rear of the premises, it was apparent that the place was relatively busy. A large family group with eight wandering weans, were in the main dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Having stood for a few minutes, we were granted a booth table near the entrance. Here we may have been far enough away from the unruly children, however, the adjacent corner booth was occupied by six teenagers who had ordered sugary drinks and hysteria. I hope we didn’t spoil their meal.
A young waitress brought the menu. We were here for the Curry, yet this was but a small section of the menu. Burgers and other kiddies’ delights were possibly more prominent, and explained the presence of the noisy teenagers.
Marg opted for Fish Karahi (£7.95) with her customary Roti (£0.95). For Hector, a Plain Nan (£2.50) would accompany the Punjabi Goshat. I doubt if there’s a Fish Karahi served at such an agreeable rate anywhere else in the UK outside of Bradford. The price of the Roti also impressed. Throughout the years of Curry-Heute, there has been a continuing rant about the inflated price of Bread in Aberdeen, this was honourable, realistic.
The waitress took the Order. Despite our choices being listed under – Desi Style – Hector was taking no chances.
Is there extra Desi Style? … as your mother would make it and your father eat it.
If this created an air of uncertainty, the request for a large bottle of Sparkling Water caused confusion. A jug of Tap Water was suggested as an alternative. Eventually, two 330ml bottles of Sparling Water (£2.45) were produced.
During our wait, Marg commented that if I had not been on a mission to establish the efficacy of the Fayre, I would never have stayed. I reminded her of the one and only visit to the ill fated Manzil, in this city, where we asked to move tables, such was the disturbance at a nearby table. Tonight, there was nowhere else to sit, or was there? Eating Curry in the Ice Cream parlour? .
Grin and bear it, t’is the Silly Season.
The Roti was served whole and was of the Wholemeal variety. It didn’t go crispy as it cooled though Marg did find it to be unnecessarily – dry. The Nan was served in quarters. With a Buttery sheen, it was way too thin, peely wally, and lacked genuine burnt blisters. I deduce this was a Naan from a Tawa, not a Tandoor. The Bread was comparatively poor, just as well normal Aberdoom prices were not being charged.
Fish Karahi
Topped with Fresh Coriander, the flaked Fish was shrouded in just enough Masala to stir up interest. Sliced Green Chillies had been cooked through. This was reminiscent of a Bradford Fish Karahi as served at The Kashmir Restaurant. The quantity impressed. As soon as Marg tore in she stopped and held a forkful of Fish Karahi across the table. Not wishing to contaminate the palate, I would have my Soupçon later. However, Marg insisted I try it right away. She was right to do so.
This was magnificent. The powerful Flavour of Fish was complemented by the Spicy Masala. Spice, Seasoning, Fishiness, and the ideal ratio of Fish to Masala. This could well have been the perfect Fish Karahi. And it was Marg who ordered it. If 17.00 was not the opening time, Hector would be back here on Boxing Day for lunch.
Marg’s verdict:
A rich helping of Fish and Herbs, full of flavour and an unexpectedly delightful meal.
It surprised me how tasty it was.
Punjabi Goshat
Again, the Coriander topping featured with more Masala visible. I chose to decant to the warm plate in order to fully appraise the Masala. The almost – greyness – a telltale sign of a Tomato-based Masala was evident, this oozed quality. As with the above, sliced Green Chillies had been cooked in. Having decanted, the Coriander was now mixed through the Masala. I counted the Meat, ten pieces, two of which were on-the-bone.
The Spice Level was well pitched, the Seasoning was below the Hector idyll. A distinctive Desi Flavour emanated from both Meat and Masala, a bit more Salt and Herbs then Hector could have been in raptures. This was most certainly not Mainstream Curry.
The Lamb varied from Tender to a bit chewy, nothing here to worry about. The Meat too was giving off the Flavour from the Masala, the quantity proved to be just the right amount. Less, and I might have left wanting, more and I could have struggled. As ever, I had to abandon the last quarter of the Bread to ensure I finished the Curry. This was pleasure, significantly different from anything ever experienced in Aberdeen.
Neither of the Breads had impressed, yet Rice would not be an appropriate accompaniment for either of these Dishes. The – Sides – was a list of mostly Western Fayre. Dal Tadka (£6.50) is a possibility, an Aloo Gobi would be a welcomed addition to the menu.
Although Lahore Karahi have impressed on occasion, if these Dishes can be replicated on every visit, then we have a winner. Lamb Chop Karahi (£9.50) also tempts. No doubt, one day, Marg will have Keema Peas (£7.95).
As we ate, so a mature chap who was clearly Mein Host had been patrolling both operations. In time he came over to ask the customary question. On praising the efficacy of the Fayre, he was keen to establish from where we came.
Mein Host was brought up in Glasgow’s West End and has been in Aberdeen for some twenty seven years. Fingers in a few pies – may describe the array of establishments he has been involved in during this period. Rehmat’s has been in operation for two years. How did I miss this last year?
Marg wasn’t finished, Ice Cream was called for. The Krepes ‘n’ Kones menu was brought from next door. Two scoops (£3.50) were ordered. Satisfaction was attained.
The Bill
£27.65 The printed Bill did not include the Ice Cream. The Roti had magically become a more expensive Garlic Naan (£2.75) and so I did not contradict the lesser charge for the Water.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was sat through in the front as we departed. Conversation continued, as did the opperchancity to secure photos of the Ice Cream parlour. He mentioned another Blogger whose name I could not make out. Mein Host recognised that Lahore Karahi and Rehmat’s are the only Aberdeen venues serving this style of Curry in the proper manner, or – the real stuff – as Hector shall describe to all who ask.
2022 Menu extracts
