Towards the end of 2016, news reached Hector that Ambal’s Restaurant (4 Bridge St., Aberdeen, AB11 6JJ) had closed. This was a major disappointment, Ambal’s had been offering – Something Different – away from the Mainstream. The Waiters/Chef were always willing to accommodate personal tweaks as outlined in this Blog’s – Curry-Heute Campaign.
On 14th May, 2017, I received a text from Brother-in-law Graeme who had also been championing their Fayre since our first visit, to state that Ambal’s Restaurant had re-opened; as far as he could tell, with the same staff.
Arriving in Aberdeen this afternoon on – The Golden Coach – Marg collected me from as near the Bus Station as she could manage. There is nowhere to drop off / pick up allegedly, there’s a Money-making Opperchancity. I was informed that Claire, who had her first ever Curry at Assam’s (Glasgow) with us back in 2011, would be joining us at Ambal’s.
Marg and Hector arrived just after 19.30 having spent a few minutes negotiating a parking meter outside a former favourite – Jewel in the Crown – whose scaffolding has finally disappeared. In Aberdoom (sic), one pays until 20.00, our ticket would expire at 19.58. Risky.
Only two other Diners were present this Monday evening, we were shown to a table well away from them, the temptation to use us as window dressing eschewed. Ambal’s is not at street level which must make it difficult to attract passing trade. They do have a large poster advertising their opening hours, also one detailing a Lunchtime Buffet (£5.95) which is operated every day. Interesting.
As we took our seats I asked the Waiter what had happened.
Renovations and and a leaking roof – were mentioned.
Claire arrived moments after us, Menus were provided, Drinks sorted. Tap Water and a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.00). Marg and Hector have still not recovered from the – Jewel in the Crown– charging us £6.00, – or was it even more? – for Sparkling Water a decade ago.
Despite my abhorrence at paying for Poppadoms, the Ladies declared they would each order a – Papadum – (£0.90) and the Chutney Tray (£1.10). A Vegetable Pakora (£3.99) was also mooted. Hector was having no part of this, unless I have starved myself all day, Starters and Mains do not work.
Claire was avoiding – Curry – despite being in an Indian Restaurant. She found Chicken Tikka (£4.99) but I pointed out she was looking in the Starters section. There had to be a Main Course equivalent, the Starter would no doubt suffice otherwise.
Marg announced Rogan Josh (£9.50) early in the proceedings. In 2015, Lamb Rogan Josh at Ambal’s cost £11.95, I would have to get to the bottom of this. Marg and Claire would share a Coconut Rice (£4.50). Marg then went totally OTT and considered a Chapatti. Chapattis are not on the Bread List, Rotis are. Marg is not a fan of Rotis, they turn to Crisp too quickly. Hector is not a fan of Aberdeen Bread Prices, at Ambal’s one Roti costs £2.95, same as 2015!
Having photographed and read as much of the Menu as I could, I had spotted some of the Dishes which made Ambal’s Restaurant stand out from the rest. It looked as if they now had more – Standards. Bhuna Gosht (£9.95) is the Dish which impressed me from my first visit, a Seriously Dry Curry. Marg and Sandy both found it it to be – Too Dry – for their palates last visit. A Kerala Parata (£2.95) would accompany.
The Waiter was new to us, having checked the photo of the two Main Chaps from my first visit, I could see neither this evening. The Chicken Tikka as a Main Course was accepted. I asked for – Extra Methi – on the Bhuna Gosht as I have in the past. I had to let my feelings about the price of a Roti be known. The Waiter said he did not set the prices, nor was he familiar with – The Bradford Norm – of up to four inclusive Chapattis with every Main Course, or Rice, or Naan. Why does Bradford win – Curry Capital of the UK – every year? The pricing structure is pitched so that people go often.
Three Poppadoms were presented along with the Chutney Tray: Soupçons of Mango Chutney Sauce, Spiced Onion and a Mint Raita. I had noted £2.49 for Raita at the end of the Menu, some bizarre pricing this evening. I took about a fifth of a Poppadom just to sample the Chutney Sauce and Spiced Onions.
I had forgotten about the Vegetable Pakora. Three Large Balls, Bhaji-like. Marg realised the Ladies were faced with too much Food, one Pakora remained untouched. That which was eaten was thoroughly enjoyed. I had but a – Smidgen – well Seasoned and Spicy.
After a suitable gap, the Mains started to arrive. The Chicken Tikka as a Main Course would overwhelm Claire who counts every calorie. The presentation was – Wow! Claire enthused about the Quality of the Chicken and that the Spice Level was not too much for her. 
We were not expecting an accompanying Portion of Pilau Rice, a Karahi full of Masala would also arrive. Perhaps the Waiter should have mentioned this when he took the Order?
You’re The Blogger – said a new Chap who helped bring the array.
When you asked for Extra Methi on the Bhuna Gosht, I knew it was you.
I hadn’t recognised Mein Host. We would speak at length, later. Meanwhile Marg’s Lamb Rogan Josh did appear to be a more Modest Dish than served previously. The Coconut Rice was more than enough for two, then there was the – Roti. Had I ordered it, I would have sent it back and told them to keep it. £2.95 for this?
Chicken Tikka (Main Course)
The assembly of Meat was impressive, this was quite a pile. I know of an erstwhile – Curry Lover of the Year – and who allegedly does not order – Curry – who would appreciate this Quantity of reportedly Succulent Chicken. Some of the accompanying Pilau Rice was taken, the Coconut Rice was a major success, though only about a third was consumed between Marg and Claire. Served with Peas and Cashew Nuts, Claire remarked on the variety of Textures. For those with a sweet tooth, this sounds – The Business.
The Roti, Marg knew she had far too much. Two thirds remained at the end of the Meal. My displeasure was made known simply by taking another photo. £2.00 worth in Aberdeen, sod all anywhere else.
*
Lamb Rogan Josh
Indeed, a more Modest Portion compared to previous times. This Interpretation had neither the abundance of Tomatoes which was popular in the 1980s or the Creamy Texture which became the Norm thereafter. It had the appearance of a Worthy Curry. Topped with Sybees and Ginger Strips, the Puréed Masala looked most inviting. I could see no uninvited inclusions, nor large wedges of Onion. This Curry suited Marg well.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this – said Marg from the off. Really good Meat.
Bhuna Gosht (with Extra Methi)
What a Presentation! Maybe not the – work of art – shown above, however, as Dark, Thick Masalas go, this had me won. The half cooked Tomato Wedges made me wonder momentarily if this was the Rogan Josh. Marg was not having this!
From Seasoning comes the Melange of Flavours contained in – Curry. Chef was Brave, this was right at the top end of the scale, yet in no way Excessive. And so the Flavours emerged, first Clove then Anise. The Single Large Green Chilli was there, just in case the Spice Level needed a boost. The Spice Level was Moderate, once again, there had been no discussion about this at the time of ordering. There is no need for Curry to be – Super Spicy – there is a need for – Seasoning.
I counted the Meat, twice. We were in double figures, many pieces could have been halved. This was Quality Lamb, so Soft, far from Pulp, and well marinaded. Magnificent Flavours, Unique.
The Paratha was served – Quartered – so much for my new regime of demanding them – Whole. Next time. The Layering was there, the hoped for Flakiness was not. It was OK, far from being – The Best. Maybe Rice is the better option at Ambal’s for all Dishes?
The Ladies had been sated, Hector was still eating. This Bhuna Gosht was – Huge – served this way to all, I hope. I have sung the praises of this Curry before, it is worth coming to Ambal’s for this experience.
A Doggy Bag was arranged for Clair, Pakora, Chicken Tikka and Loadsa’ Rice.
Peppermint Tea
By now, Mein Host was part of the conversation. Peppermint Tea was made freshly for Marg and Claire, it was time to establish what had happened in the last year at Ambal’s Restaurant.
The Bill
£54.14. The Chicken Tikka (Main Course) was £12.95. Three Poppadoms were provided, we were charged for two. I might have eaten a whole one had I known. (emoji understood)
The Aftermath
Renovations had been mentioned already, I cannot say I have sufficient photographic coverage from previous visits to pinpoint any changes. However, by adding Ambal’s Restaurant most deservedly to my List of Recommended Curry Houses, the present décor is posted there for all to appreciate.
Mein Host admitted that the downturn of trade in Aberdeen had affected them hard. They had to accept that their Menu was a bit – Highbrow. They were not getting the required number of customers to be sustainable. The co-Host I met on my first visit now works at Shri Bheema’s (Belmont St.). Hector has championed their Bridge of Don premises in recent times.
Mein Host worked elsewhere out of necessity before he could get Ambal’s going once more. The Menu continues to feature their – Specials – but has more Mainstream Dishes with lower prices as I had already observed. There is a straightforward pricing system for these, Lamb at £9.50 being a bit dearer than the Chicken equivalent.
The Lunchtime Buffet is proving to be a great success. I wondered how they could maintain this. With Four Curry Dishes one cannot expect the Quality of a la carte, however, people are aware of the good value and that a Curry for Lunch is affordable on a regular basis. I described the Curry Cafes of Manchester’s Northern Quarter (e.g. Kabana) where – Rice and Three – has people queueing out the door. For a Fiver, one can secure a decent Portion of Rice topped with up to Three Different Curry Dishes. All are ready to be served, fast, efficient and popular. There is a Market for Curry at Lunchtime.
Claire suggested they tone down their Music at the entrance donwstairs. She complimented the level in the Restaurant, but said she found the blaring music there to be off-putting. Something to consider.
I was asked about my Bhuna Gosht. Mein Host admitted that he had read my Blog as soon as he heard Bhuna Gosht with Extra Methi being ordered and had made sure it was – fit for Hector. I forgave, almost, the one small piece of Red Capsicum that had been part of the Presentation. Hopefully I have convinced Mein Host that Bell Peppers have no part to play in Indian Cuisine. I asked for my compliments to the Chef to be passed on, instead he was presented and thanked in person.
There had to be a group photo, Mein Host recalled how last time he had to search for a tie. He went off to find one again, then we were ready for Paparazzo Marg to complete her task.
It may well be the end of the year before I have the Opperchancity of returning to Ambal’s Restaurant, I hope all continues to go well. They serve the Classic Dishes, their – Specials – truly are.
It has been a while since Hector and Dr. Stan conducted our Saturday Curry Ritual, in Glasgow. Only two Glasgow Curry Posts in July, my 
Dodging the near continuous showers on this archetypal Scottish Saturday afternoon, Hector entered the Little Curry House at 14.50, ten minutes ahead of our agreed rendezvous. The Waiter hollerred up to the balcony and established there was a table for two available. All street level tables were unoccupied. I was led upstairs and was sat at the smallest of tables right beside a couple of Ladies. All the smaller tables were soon occupied leaving two tables seating four and six respectively. In theory, twenty two could be accommodated up here. Why the squeeze? Little Curry House, the clue is in the name, ideal for enjoying Decent Curry perhaps, not a place – To Dine.
Various Menus were set before me, Drinks, Dessert, the Two Course Lunch (£5.95) available 12.00 until 16.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, plus the Main Menu. The price of Soft Drinks looked a bit steep, I was thinking of asking for Tap Water when I spotted the Sparkling Water at a more reasonable £1.95. My eyes were nipping slightly, the Mezzanine/Balcony is directly above the kitchen, some Spices were airborne.
Dr. Stan ordered Orange and Lemonade (£2.65), a hefty price for a Glass of Soft Drink. In time he announced his choice of Curry: Methi Gosht (£9.50) with two Chapattis (£1.25) to accompany. The share of a Pakora was agreed, and the Order given. I asked for my Paratha to be served – whole. Why has it taken me so long to think of this ploy? It’s all part of the Glasgow Psyche, who serves a Roll in two halves? A Roll halved, unthinkable. A Roll, yes please.
The Green Herb Vegetable Pakora arrived with two side plates in recognition of the fact it was – to share. Six Pieces. Six Pieces of Vegetable Pakora for £5.50. They’re having a laugh, especially given Four Pieces as part of the Two Course Lunch.
The Menu stated that the Fish would be Haddock, and be served with a – touch of fenugreek. I had considered asking for – more Methi – but how do I judge what they serve if I have forced Chef to serve something else?
A most welcome Thick Masala Mash enveloped the Fish. The Fish would flake easily with the fork, this appeared to be – The Business. Hang on…. Sod it, small pieces of the dreaded – 
This was a Dark, Herb-rich Mass, the flash reveals otherwise. One always hopes for Masala with Herbs, not a Saag/Palak which is basically Mustard Leaves, Methi, Spinach et al in a Spicy Mash. I asked the Good Doctor.
Masala with Herb – he assured me. Quite a delicate flavour – he added. No need for this level of verbosity, Dr. Stan.
Within an hour of arriving in Whitby, Hector found himself inside Passage to India (30-31 Windsor Terrace, Whitby YO21 1ET England). That was two days ago, I established that the Restaurant was open all afternoon and not just evenings as Sources suggest. I also took time to study the Menu and found two Dishes that could be worthy of further investigation:
Last night Marg and Hector dined across the bay at 
After a very swift half at the Station Inn we were back. Same story. 
Given how busy the Restaurant was, we decided to share a Starter, it could be a long wait until our Order for Mains bubbled up. A Mixed Kebab (£4.25) should suffice.
The Drinks Order was given, two Small Bottles of Sparkling Water (£1.80). The Waiter asked if we wished Poppadoms.
The service impressed immediately. The Plate of Mixed Kebab was accompanied by a second plate with some Salad, a good touch. Marg divvied up The Bits: Chicken Tikka, Onion Bhajee and Seekh Kebab. Marg liked the Crispiness of the Onion in the Bhaji. The Seekh Kebab was decidedly Small and was served too Dry. The Chicken Tikka was Succulent.
The Special Fried Rice, which had Egg and Peas, was enough to share – just. The Paratha looked inviting, Layered and Flaky, exactly how it should be. The Paratha glistened, a Butter Coating.
Served on a bed of Lettuce, the Lamb Kam had the hoped for Thick and Minimal Masala. Whole Green Chillies were mixed through. I had to decant and so used the Paratha to mop up the remaining Masala stuck to the Lettuce. The Buttery Paratha gave off huge amounts of Flavour, quite a new Taste Experience. Marg found the Paratha to be too Oily for her liking. I would reach another conclusion.
The Lamb looked Dark, shrouded with the Onion-rich Masala, I considered the possibility that this was Lamb Tikka but could see no holes, Grilled? The Lamb Portion was – Huge – well into Double figures, a lot of Meat here. Tender to Chewy was recorded. The Spice Level was very much at the top end of the scale, this Curry had a Kick. There was no need to eat the Green Chillies, the Masala was powerful enough. 
Marg was finished long before me, as I ate on, the Level of Spice on the palate kept building. I can cope with this, however, I knew that this Dish only really had – Heat – the dominant Flavour was from the Buttery Paratha, the Curry itself was giving off very little. Spice at the expense of Flavour, this is not how Curry is meant to be. Still, Tikka Lamb was foremost in my mind, or had the Meat been well and truly marinaded? 
What looked very much like Dopiaza was served on a Fish-shaped plate. The long strands of Onion and occasional pieces of the 
Definitely got a kick, for me – was her opening remark.
There are two Indian Restaurants in Whitby. Over Breakfast at our B&B this morning, a fellow resident mentioned he had visited 
Rajastani Gosht (£14.95) – A fairly hot stew dish prepared with shanks of grilled lamb, gently simmered in yoghurt and tamarind sauce. A superb lamb dish with plenty of strong flavours. 
The Masala redefined – Dry – and Thick. This, as promised, was far from Nihari. The Keema Rice was more than I would eat which meant that Marg was able to supplement her snack. The Spice Level impressed, there was a Sweetness which surprised, I usually add Tamarind to provide a – Tangy Flavour, this was decidedly different. Sweet – can be off-putting, this combination of Spices worked very well indeed. 
The Keema Rice actually complemented the Thick Masala, I should order this more often. There was absolutely no Oil residue from the Masala, this was shaping up to becoming a Memorable Curry. 
Mein Host approached to ask the customary question. 
Mein Host told me that he worked in 
Having visited 
The Ladies accepted the offer of Poppadoms and Dips, Complimentary, as they should be. More were offered, but declined Howard chose his Starter – Mixed Kebab – (£5.95), if only I had the appetite to order this in addition to a Main Course.
Massala Fish Handi (£8.50) had been considered by Hector previously, tonight it had to be. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) should be the perfect complement.
Mags gave the thumbs up as soon as she started her Aloo Gosht, she has had a few in her time, and knows Quality.
Really gingery – was her opening remark.
As with the 
I did not get to sample this being far too engrossed in the Wondrous Curry that sat before me. It’s a pity I sampled neither this or 
What type of Fish? Masala Fish! It always is, one never knows wheat one is having, even when it is written in the Menu. Served as – Hot – as the Paratha, the – Big Fish Flavour – one hopes for was an instant hit on the palate. The Thick Masala was rich in Tomato and Herb, but not Methi. The Seasoning was spot on, the Kick was noticeable but not severe.
Now imagine it with – Extra Methi. (I’m a Bad Man!)
£46.20. £10.00 was for four 500ml Bottles of Water, Various. Ouch, or maybe not given some Extortionate Prices experienced in 
Long story short, Hector made a rendezvous with Marg at Lancaster Station, we then followed Google’s optimum route to Queensbury, never again. Today’s eventual destination was Huddersfield, the locus of Howard’s Birthday Bash #2. From the outset, today’s plan would include another Curry in Huddersfield. 
In the tradition of German dining, the Snacks arrived first and so Marg started eating. The Salt Fish Fritters resembled Shami Kebabs, I was keen to try them. Sarina popped her head out from the kitchen to mention that the concept is part Caribbean. Jamaica meets India. Very tasty, Marg was quick as ever to comment on the Spice Level. Still, she finds all such related food to be – Spicy.
In my texted order, I had requested a Large Portion, no point driving this far for Tapas. This Sarina had confirmed. What could be better then Sarina’s Mutton Handi? Twice as much! Today is the day – Curry-Heute! The Rice Portion arrived in the same size of bowl, a sensible quantity. Work that one out.
The Seasoning was absolutely Perfect, this takes great judgement and awareness of how to bring out the other Flavours. Methi was there, Magnificent. With a Sufficiency of Chopped Green Chillies, the Spice Level was as asked for, no need to go mad and ruin the Curry. How does one cook Mutton to this – Level of Tenderness – and maintain the integrity, too easy to let it go to pulp. I believe the secret is down to the fact that this was prepared yesterday, a Bespoke Curry, not simply an extract from the everyday mass produced – Curry Pot – which prevails across the Land.
I had two challenges, eat every morsel, do not dribble Masala on my t shirt. Tick both boxes. Well worth the detour. Detour? The rest of the week is the detour.
Huddersfield is an easy drive from Queensbury. How many Curry Houses did we pass? Too many, the knowledge that I shall probably never visit them frustrates, I could spend a week down here just to eat Curry.
Marg and Hector set foot in Kabana (43 Trinity St, Huddersfield HD1 4DN England) late on 
The Eastern European Waitress took the Order, and assured us that Karahi could be served on the Tawa, a bit of a contradiction here for any purist. Spice Level and the offer of on-the-bone or Boneless were never discussed. Three Thin Chapattis (£0.50) and two cans of Mango Rubicon completed the Order.
The Chapattis were halved and surrounded the Dome. These proved to be Traditional, well made Chapattis. One and a half is my limit, why can I never buy half a Chapatti? With Marg restored and rituals completed, it was time to appreciate the Lamb Karahi.
It was fun to have two discrete portions on one eating receptacle, this was Zusammen Essen. The Meat was cut – Bradford-small – and was shrouded in a Minimal and Thick Masala. The Seasoning was well below what I had enjoyed earlier at 
The Chapattis worked well with this Dish, the Lamb was Suitably Tender, there was a lot of it. Marg was still alternating between Curry and Salad and was even ahead of me in the Chapatti halves. Marg was hungry, she had not eaten a Large Portion of Curry already.
I was amused, then worried again today for my t-shirt. The more I ate, the further the Curry was from my mouth. I could hardly pull it closer, if I was finding this, how was Marg coping?
It’s Good without being Wonderful – was my statement to Marg.
The more we ate, the more the size of the Portions became apparent. We had a – Plateau – to get through. Mountain – cannot be appropriate today given the relief of the Tawa. We both knew when we were defeated.
I hope I have the Cashier’s and Chef’s better profiles.
Lord Clive of 
Lahori Dhera
We walked back from Wicker to Gibraltar Street, from whence we had come, and down the few steps into 7 Spices Balti. Dr. Stan, Mags, Howard and Tracey were on the verge of receiving their Mains. Mein Host recognised me instantly, hands were shaken. I am Hector.
Lemon Cashew Rice, Chilli Naan (£3.00) and Paratha were also on the table as Hector ran around recording the moment. Dr. Stan subsequently admitted that Curry does not taste – Proper – if Hector has not photographed it! Aye right.
Howard announced that he was thoroughly enjoying his Lamb Chops Karahi, but with only four Chops I found this off-putting, I hatched a plan. Persuade Clive to have the same, and order three portions. Clive wanted to return to his fallback – Dansak. 
Being of assistance, I found – Lamb Spicy Daal – (
At the adjacent table, Mags declared:
Mein Host was happy to chat in the interlude. He told us part of his life story, and how he came to work in this trade. We were informed that the premises are about to undergo a radical redesign next month. We timed our visit well. I had to ask about the 
The Chicken Dansak was a Dry-Thick Mass. If I had ordered this Dish, I would have been very pleased to receive this, as far from – Soup – as I have ever seen this Curry. I am left to wonder how different the Lamb Spicy Daal would have been.
Clive made short work of his Dansak, a Chicken Curry.
Without the Capsicum Ballast, Chef has resorted to overloading with Large Onion Slices. I did not order Dopiaza. The Portion was not huge, I would have preferred to pay a couple of Quid more and been given more. Here lies the dilemma of keeping prices down, and giving a Portion that should be manageable if one has had a Starter. Ignoring these aberrations, the appearance was otherwise pleasing, a Minimal Masala, again suitably Thick.
The Spice Level was Significant but well short of Ridiculous. The Flavour was – Son of Bradford – my first full on taste of Methi in nearly a month. The Meat varied from Tender to Chewy and felt part of the Dish, not a late minute add-on.
Until next time.
The travels in July continue. Hector is en route to Sheffield, by taking an early morning train to Manchester, there was enough time to stop off for Lunch at 
The Masala quickly soaked into the Rice leaving a decent level of moistness on top and within. There was so much Meat, easily in double figures, many pieces having to be halved. The Lamb was amazingly tasty having had time in the Masala to absorb the Spices. The Curry at 
Jonathan had been given a bowl of Keema Potatoes, there was no point decanting. The Chapattis were Large, Substantial, in fact Rotis. Jonathan made short work of his meal. As ever I asked for a quote:
Observing that I was still eating and Jonathan was finished, Rizwan brought over a Soupçon of Chicken Spinach for Jonathan to sample. This also helped take care of his remaining Bread. Jonathan remarked about eating Chicken Curry in my presence. I reminded him that he used to order – 
As I waited, I watched the passers by in various states of preparedness for the downpour occurring outside. Some were brave, or simply stupid.
The Paratha was Layered and Flaky as I like, perhaps a bit too Greasy on this occasion. Served quartered, a strip was torn off for the first dip into the Copious Masala. The Citrus Blast was instantaneous, yet this was not – Achari. The Spice Level lived up to the billing, Chef was taking no prisoners here. The Seasoning felt fine at the start, but faded slightly. The Karahi was too hot to touch, the contents retained the Heat, Masala first, avoid the Meat for a few moments.
The Lamb was Boneless, plentiful and so Tender. The Synergy of Meat and Masala was evident, the Overall Flavour was so familiar. This was most certainly up to the standards set by
I had eaten about three quarters of the Paratha when I realised I was hitting my wall. I had to concentrate on finishing the Lamb, still a mass of Masala sat before me. This Dish may have better suited Rice after all.