As I was leaving Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH) two weeks ago, Mein Host showed me the – Specialities – section on their Menu. Karahi Ghoust (£10.95) available on-the-bone was enough to have Hector scuttling back.
Arriving at Nicolson Square at 11.50 it was straight in to Kebab Mahal which officially opens at Noon. By 11.59 there were six of us sitting in and people kept coming. Kebab Mahal, in situ for some thirty years, is a very popular venue.
Mein Host escorted me to – your usual seat. You are here to try something different – he recalled.
From my seat I relayed my Order to another chap behind the counter. A Paratha (£2.25) was added to the Karahi Ghoust. When he brought a plate to the table a Sparkling Water (£1.15) was added.
Mein Host was back behind the counter:
I hope you don’t mind waiting, not everyone is here yet.
No problem, I’m early – I replied.
He brought a Raita and Chilli Sauce to my table and then to each in turn. There was a sense of well being, Mein Host looks after his customers.
The assembled company sat and waited for the respective orders to be prepared. I heard Lamb Bhuna (£7.65) and Biryani being requested, meanwhile the Takeaway trade was in full swing. People do buy Donner Kebap for lunch.
At 12.20 the Karahi Ghoust and Paratha arrived. I was already impressed. The Paratha was the real deal: Large, Layered, Flaky, Soft and served – Whole. I would manage about two thirds of this Paratha which is Hector’s standard.
*
Karahi Ghoust
A mass of Meat sat in the karahi with a covering of Desi Masala Mash. The Topping was Minimal, just a few Coriander Leaves. The Lamb was a mix of cuts, Sucky Bones full of bone marrow were present which add so much more flavour to any Curry. I assumed Lamb Chops were included but as I made progress this proved not to be the case. There was a huge amount of Meat, well into double figures, some Boneless pieces too. Tender to Chewy, there was a lot of eating here.
The Masala appeared to be Tomato-based, Onion Seeds were visible too. There was sufficient Masala, no need for excess. As ever, the Oil collected on the periphery of the karahi, probably less Oil than at my favourite Glasgow venues which serve this Fayre. The Seasoning was a tad below perfection, the Spice grew with each additional mouthful. In terms of Flavour, there was no dominance of any individual Spice. The Flavour was Dry, Earthy, and absolutely no Sweetness. Quality simply oozed from this Karahi Ghoust, one wonders how Mainstream Restaurants get away with what they serve. This was Desi Cuisine at its finest.
The serving chap came over to check on my progress. All was indeed well. They know that Karahi Gosht is the Ultimate Curry. Now imagine it with some Methi stirred in.
The Bill
£14.25 This was truly a Big Lunch.
The Aftermath
Mein Host took the cash, shook my hand, and asked if I had written some words. I showed him the review from two weeks ago, he was happy to see this.
Thank you very much, my friend – were his parting words.
Kebab Mahal, long may it flourish.
And so, in the reverse of the norm, Hector headed off to the Staggs, Musselburgh for the monthly visit and Ale after Curry.