It’s not unusual for Hector to have Curry twice in one day whilst in Bradford, it is what The Locals eat. After a pleasant evening at the Bradford Beer Festival in Saltaire, Craig and Yvonne declared their intention to join Hector at the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Road, BD1 2RW, Bradford). Howard and Mags would probably have joined me regardless.
Sadaqat, still looking as Sleek as ever, greeted us on entry, no sign this evening of Taj, Mein Host, or his son Omar. Sadaqat assured me that Omar is recovering well after his Incident.
Two sets of Dips were brought with a Pile of Poppadoms, all Complimentary, as they should be everywhere.
When Omar is on duty I never have to order, he knows.
What are you having? – Howard asked The Hector. Lamb Massala on-the-bone (£8.50) with Extra Methi please, Chapattis. Howard followed, he likes Hector Curry. For a change, Mags ordered Aloo Gosht on-the-bone, that’s her Favourite Curry and her Standard for Comparisons.
Craig decided that a Starter was required, and Rice. The Starter would be Seekh Kebab, the Main a Kabuli Balti (£8.95). This Balti interpretation would feature Chicken and Chickpeas. Yvonne went for a Prawn Curry – Jhig-a-shah (£10.50). Chapattis for Four and the Single Rice were included in the quoted price, The Traditional Bradford Way.
There was a large table of Chaps seated towards the window, Sadaqat dealt with them leaving a new Young Waiter to deal with us. As they left, so Sadaqat set up another large setting on the opposite side of the room, a large family was expected. The Sheesh Mahal does well, one thing The Company and The Man from Bradford agree upon, – this is the Finest Bradford Curry House.
Communal Seekh Kebab
Whether or not it was Craig’s intention to share his Seekh Kebab at the outset remains unknown. There was a Gasp when he took his first cut, Spicy! I took a morsel, it was. And so the Pair of Kebabs were shared around the table, a suitable Soupcon.
That’s fabulous – was Craig’s verdict. Is Mr. Vindaloo back with us?
Bones
The Lamb Massala and the Aloo Gosht came in plates. This is quite a novelty given the usual Karahi or other Metal Pots one encounters. There was no need to decant to a dining plate. One could study the Dishes and count the Bones, there were a lot. Still, there was more than enough eating to be done here.
The Lamb Massala had more Oil and more Masala than is served in a Karahi. Not as Dry therefore as some Bradford Curry Dishes, but still far removed from the Dreaded Soup. The Bradford Taste was present though was not as intense as it can be. The Palate had already experienced this today at MyLahore, complacency?
Mags and Howard were thoroughly enjoying their respective Dishes. Howard was first to say – Sucky Bones -, Mags piled her Debris on the spare plate, good idea. The Kick hit the back of the throat. Some of the Lamb was less chewy some more, this was a lot of eating.
That was good, very – remarked Mags.
The Chapattis
A Pile of Twelve Chapattis had been placed in the middle of the table. Hector could not stop himself doing a quick sum. In Aberdeen this could cost £35.40, not that we would have ordered Twelve. As ever, I managed One and a Half. They’re only flour and water – Yvonne reminded us.
The Karahi
Yvonne’s Jhig-a-shah was Dry, Craig’s Kabuli Balti was Seriously Dry.
Rice was not really appropriate for either Dish, but they like their Rice. Delicious, loads of Methi, you can see it – insisted Craig who was tucking in with his knife and fork. Yvonne said that she wished she had more Sauce, yet at the end had left some some Masala.
I ate all my Prawns, with my fork, as Yvonne does. Lady Maggie, take note.
Hector is not a big fan of Chana (Chickpeas) and Chicken Curry is not where I choose to go. However, the Kabuli Balti looked Excellent. We need more Afghan Restaurants serving this style of Cuisine.
The Bill
£48.15. Five Diners, sated. We could have asked for a 10% CAMRA Discount, but would that be fair? I know a Man who does.
The Aftermath
I had advised Craig and Yvonne that the taxi office was next door. They took their leave, but Yvonne could be seen through the window with a puzzled demeanor.
Next door – I said. Look – a door!
Yvonne pressed the call button and a Chap stuck his head out of the window on the floor above. Taxi?
And so they sped, off into the night, towards another Travelodge. Howard, Mags and Hector rolled down the hill to Foster Square. Good night.