In December, after the first visit to Rehmat’s Restaurant (249 George St., Aberdeen AB25 1ED Scotland), I promised Graeme that I would be back in Aberdoom before the end of April for another Curry at this impressive venue. Marg and Hector met Graeme outside Rehmat’s at the arranged 18.30 in the gloom of twilight. The clocks go forward this weekend, why? It’s already getting brighter in the evenings. Do we need the sun to set even later? Leave our clocks alone!
Graeme has only ever had a Takeaway from Rehmat’s and had never been – through the back – where the Curry House lies. The Ice-Cream Shop at the front is appropriately – garish – and, in effect, obscures the presence of the Indian Restaurant. For those who have never been to Rehmat’s, the back room definitely lacks ambience compared to the more pukka Aberdeen establishments. Spartan – may well be an apposite description. However, Curry-Heute is all about the Fayre, and that the Hector was back in Aberdoom primarily to visit Rehmat’s should tell all.
Two chaps were sat, separately, waiting for Takeaway? The staff were conspicuous by their absence. We stood and waited to be sat. We waited, and waited some more. After what was an age, a young waitress showed us to the same table we had occupied in December. Tonight, no noisy teenagers, no large party at the far end of the room. In time, Mein Host chatted to one of the two chaps, a Burger had been ordered. The other departed, that was it until a group of lads arrived, for – Curry. There was a feeling of isolation throughout our visit.
Hector was here for the Fish Karahi (£7.95) which Marg enjoyed in December. Then Hector had but a Soupçon, the attraction on Visit #1 being the worthy Punjabi Goshat (£8.95) served – on-the-bone. There was no surprise this evening when Marg chose Keema Peas (£7.95) with a Chapatti (£0.95). A Chapatti for under £1.00 in Aberdoom, take note! For Graeme, Bhindi Ghost (£9.50), as expensive as Curry gets at Rehmat’s.
I advised Graeme that the Naan (£2.50) had not impressed last time, Rice could be the better option. So that he could taste his Curry without distraction, Graeme chose Plain Rice (£2.50). The alternative was Spicy pulao (£2.95), my choice. Ideally, a Vegetable Rice would have been chosen, however, the list of Accompaniments is limited.
Despite the Fish Karahi being in the – Desi – section of the menu, I asked for – Extra Desi – which the waitress translated as – Spicy.
A large bottle of Sparkling Water was not available. Tap Water was offered, accepted. Last time we secured 330ml bottles of Sparkling Water (£2.45), why these were not forthcoming this evening shall never be known.
Marg squeezed in a glass of Mango Lassi (£2.30).
Hector’s most frequented venues tend not have waiting staff. When venues employ youngsters, one wishes the management would make them au fait with what is on offer and the tweaks that may be asked for. This was a recurring issue in early visits to the nearby Lahore Karahi, the only other source of authentic Punjabi Cuisine in Aberdeen.
We waited over thirty minutes, in the eerily quiet premises, until hot plates were provided. Mein Host, who had engaged us at length last time, was never seen again. A pity, he may well have appreciated Review #1.
The Chapatti was served whole, made from Wholemeal Flour and did the job. The Rice portions were substantial, Graeme would manage most and chose to use his dinner plate. Hector looked at the Spicy Rice, let’s add the Curry on top.
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Fish Karahi
I knew what to expect and was not disappointed. Nowhere else in Scotland, i.e. reviewed in Curry-Heute, is serving Fish Karahi of this quality and at this price. Bradford prices!
I counted seven spoons piled high with Fish and Masala as I decanted the contents of the pot. This was twice the volume of the Fish Curry served at Travancore and at half the price.
Who needs ambience?
The Fish was flaked, some pieces were still quite large. A Dry Fish Curry, why is this so difficult to source? There was enough Masala, just enough to consider this to be a Curry, however, it was Karahi, a different species and this was as fine an example as one can find. The Spice Level was not OTT, sliced Green Chillies had been stirred in. The Seasoning was noted as – fine – but after Saturday’s experience at Shahi Mahal (Glasgow), only a Buttery was going to taste – Salty. If there was a scale of – Fishiness – then this Karahi would score highly.
The expansive Rice proved to be a decent accompaniment. The Spice was subtle, and provided an extra source of Flavour. Vegetables would have added a further dimension, Vegetable Biryani is not the menu. I had to employ a strategy to ensure that I would always have Fish and Rice. The overall quantity, decidedly satisfying, every grain of Rice was consumed. I will admit that the imagination kicked in, the addition of Dried Smoked Red Chillies, or Smoked Paprika, and this Fish Karahi could have matched the ultimate Chettinad at – Indian Mango (München).
A Fish Karahi that tastes of Fish, suitably Spiced and Seasoned. How many miles has the Hector travelled to find this over the years? Here it is, in Aberdeen.
Keema Peas
Again, a Dry Curry, Keema does not need but a sense of Masala. There was a threat of Coriander, and no trace of peripheral Oil. No Soupçon for Hector whose palate had been taken in a different direction, however this appeared to be an excellent Keema. Marg:
A good helping of Keema. Fresh Peas, not soggy, and a reasonable kick to complete the dish.
Bhindi Ghost
If further proof that Rehmat’s serve authentic, and not – Soupy Curry – was required, then surely this photo says it all. The minimal Masala again appeared to be Tomato-based, suitably Thick, a joy to behold. The large pieces of Lamb protruding proved to be ample. I was keen to establish if the Okra was rubbery, get it wrong and this otherwise Interesting Vegetable can be destroyed. Graeme reported all was well – This is very good – was an early comment, then finally:
The Curry was excellent, the lamb was very well cooked, as was the okra.
With four different choices reviewed over two visits, it is fair to conclude that Hector’s instincts proved to be correct. This could well be the best place for Curry in Aberdeen. Next time Karahi Lamb (£8.95) will have to be tested, can the – wealth of ingredients – exclude the dreaded Capsicum?
Next time? It could be a while, for Hector the avoidance of – babies – is paramount, and the next generation of the family are intent on reproduction.
No dogs, no sprogs.
In the meantime, I suggest the locals enjoy Rehmat’s Curry at these very competitive prices. I doubt they are sustainable at a time when food inflation, by empirical observation, is running close to 20%.
We’re not finished, Marg ordered Ice-Cream. Ice-Cream and Mango Lassi? Did Marg think we were at an Ice-Cream Parlour?
The Bill
£34.10 The Ice-Cream was charged, hence paid separately, in the front room.
The Aftermath
Lots of smiles from the front room staff as we departed, a pity we never had the opperchancity to talk to Mein Host once again.
