Carlisle, where else would one go for a city break? A trip without Greco-Roman ruins is hardly worthwhile, a phrase that the Hector may adopt with increasing regularity in the future.
Monday night choices are restricted for Curry in Carlisle. The majority of venues that popped up in searches are actually Takeaway only.
Shaha Tandoori (89 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1RS England) an Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant, is not what the Hector usually seeks. If such Mainstream venues are not tried, once in a while, then the positives extolled re – Hector’s Recommended Venues – lose their efficacy.
Somehow we walked past Shaha Tandoori. Roadworks and the Polish Deli across the street meant our eyes were elsewhere. It was 17.45 when we climbed the stairs to the restaurant, a young couple were the only other diners. Having finished their meal, they departed with an additional £38.00 Takeaway, respect. This proves that some hold the fayre at Shaha Tandoori in high regard.
Two mature chaps were on duty, one taking Orders, the other serving the food. We took our time studying the menu.
It was Marg who first spotted Shatkhora Lamb (£12.70). The Hector, however, would claim this Curry. With Methi and the promise of Lemon, powerful Flavours were hoped for.
Marg settled for Hyderabadi Lamb (£12.70), nothing offensive was listed in the description, though Onions were mentioned twice. Marg has a knack of overdosing on Onion.
At £1.80 for a single Chapatti, really, a Plain Naan (£3.00) had to be the better option. A Vegetable Pilau (£3.90) also to share, should be enough food. I verified that Capsicum would not be included in any part of our Order. Two 330ml bottles of Sparkling water (£1.90) and we were set.
The Shatkhora had a single Chilli rating. I asked for Spicy. Madras – was agreed. I am always amused when one Spice scale is translated to the other.
Poppadoms (£1.00) were suggested by our waiter, I’d advise first time readers, Hector does not play this game.
We settled down for the wait. With many booths, there’s lots of private seating areas. The four diners were of course sat at window tables overlooking the main street. With tablecloths aplenty, Shaha Tandoori was markedly different from Hector’s preferred Desi Curry Cafes.
The other chap brought our food at 18.04. Perhaps I should contact Guinness and suggest this as a world record? One assumes Chef had but stirred – The Big Pot.
The Naan was served in four pieces, each glistening with butter, hopefully not – Garlic. Two quarters each, such was the overall size, we would have no problem in finishing this Naan. With risen blisters, light and fluffy, definitely moreish.
The Vegetable Pilau was also on the small side, enough to share, just. With Peas, Carrots, Onions, Sweetcorn, Potato and Cauliflower, this was as hoped, a mini Biryani.
Shatkhora Lamb
Big slices of Onion plus pieces of Lemon Rind stood out in the pureed Masala. I counted ten small pieces of Meat as I arranged my Curry over the Rice. Was the Lemon Rind an edible part of the Dish?
An – OK kick – was noted, along with a markedly low level of Seasoning. As a direct consequence, the hoped for intensity of Flavour was not forthcoming. The Lamb had nothing to offer other than its own meatiness. Unlike yesterday’s authentic Aloo Gosht at Darbar Grill (Glasgow), it’s hard to believe the Meat and Masala were anything but strangers.
Unlike the pickled Lime one encounters in an Achari, the Lemon Rind did not feel as if eating it would do me any favours. Instead of Bones, a small pile of discarded Rind accumulated on the edge of the plate.
The Lemon Flavour, where was it? There was no Citrus blast. The Methi? No flecks of Herb were visible in the Masala, perhaps yellow Fenugreek Seeds had been employed?
Without the Diversity created by the accompaniments, this would have been a particularly dull Curry. At the start, the mind was considering a midnight Kebap. At the conclusion, the appetite had been sated, of course we had finished the Naan which in itself is a rarity.
Hyderabadi Lamb
A Tarka topped the same pureed Masala as above. Chef must be proud of his Big Pot. The extra fried Onions and the missing Lemon Rind appeared to be the major difference between the two Dishes. There was no need for the Hector to have his customary Soupçon. Marg’s verdict:
A smooth and thin sauce with cooked onions and fried onions on top. The meat was bland, but I enjoyed the fluffy, Naan and Vegetable Rice.
Marg and her unintended, but regular choosing of Onion-laden Curry. And she used the – bland – word, ooh err.
Everything, bar the Lemon Rind was eaten, clean plates. It was Curry, classic Mainstream Curry, still better than the ubiquitous burgers and pizza available everywhere else.
The Bill
£36.10 Pricey given the volume of food presented.
The Aftermath
I saw you take lots of photos – remarked the chap who had taken our Order.
The Calling Card was presented, I had to explain it was more than a social medium:
I have a website.
And so they do, but not a lot is given away. I don’t know if any of the named persons served us today. I went on to locate the review of the last Curry had in Carlisle, back in 2015. On reading this again, the consistency is remarkable. Much of what was written about Masala Bazaar is applicable for today’s Curry experience.
The Menu
