Mumbles is a western suburb of Swansea where Marg has played International Hockey, The Company were here for Bier and Curry. Having said farewell to Rod who is giving up the running of the Mumbles Ale House, it was time for Curry-Heute. This is Mark and Karen’s backyard so we had to trust their judgement when they informed us that Mumtaz (478 Mumbles Rd., Swansea, SA3 4BX, Wales) is the best of the three Curry Houses in Mumbles. Mark made it clear that Mumtaz is at best, Mainstream.
The Company of Eight were asked to wait a moment whilst a table was created. We were shown through to the rear, the place was by no means full, but did fill up as the evening progressed.
A Young Waiter approached to take any Drinks Order and offered us Poppadoms.
Are you giving or selling?
As they were not Complimentary none were ordered, how to avoid an extra £20.00 on The Bill before we’ve even started. Starters were mentioned, dismissed, suddenly we were having Starters – Couples would share.
Howard and Mags would share Lamb Chops (£4.50) Dr. Stan and I were intent on sharing a Seekh Kebab (£3.30) as were Craig and Yvonne. Mark was having Chicken Chat (£3.85) to himself.
Being at a hitherto unvisited venue, The Hector had to perform his duties. A more Mature Waiter was now dealing with us. How many Chops in a Portion, also in the Seekh Kebabs?
Two Chops felt a bit Skimpy at £4.50, however, Hector was changing his mind, let Dr. Stan enjoy the promised pair of Seekh Kebabs, – I’ll have Lamb Chops too. It has been a while.
There was greater harmony when it came to ordering The Mains. After last night’s Stunning – Kesuri Lamb – at Anarkali, Mark, Howard and Hector were having Lamb Methi (£7.95). Keema Rice (£2.95) was Howard’s chosen accompaniment, Mark decided to forego Rice or Bread and ordered Aloo Gobi (£2.95) as a Side. The Menu said – Mushroom Rice with mushrooms. I had to have this, if only for the pleasure in asking. Recording everyone’s choices was keeping me busy, The Waiter realised I would not be interrupted, in fact I ordered last.
Craig had to find something he thought should be served – Mild. Lahore Special Balti (9.50) which would feature Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka and Prawns, plus a Tandoori Roti (£1.40) should be safe enough.
Dr, Stan, who is typically happy to share a Kilo of anything, was let loose. Lamb Handi (£7.25) with a Stuffed Paratha (£2.50) was his selection.
Now for – The Ladies
Yvonne asked for King Prawn Balti (£12.00) with a Naan (£1.95).
Karen saw Saag Aloo as a Side (3.85) but asked for it to be served as a Main. Special Fried Rice (£2.80) to company.
Handi Silsilay (7.95) was distinguished by having Mushrooms. This and a Paratha for Mags completed the Order.
Who would be a Waiter? It’s exhausting keeping tabs and hope I have matched up the correct photos to the correct Dishes, not absolutely certain I did so yesterday.
The Kebabs and Chicken Chat were presented without comment. The Lamb Chops were wheeled in on a trolley, they were Sizzling on a Hot Metal Platter, we were asked if we wished the Onions. Oh yes.
The Portion was in fact three Chops which was even better for Hector but gave Howard and Mags a problem. The Chops were Spicy and well-cooked, but why add the Red Food Dye? Perhaps it was in the Tandoori Paste they could have used?
It was OK – said Dr. Stan when asked about his Pair of Seekh Kebabs. Remarkably good – was Craig’s verdict.
The Chicken Chat made me take notice as soon as it arrived. Normally this is simply Tandoori Chicken on-the-bone. Tonight I saw an interpretation I have only seen at the Akash, Helensburgh (Scotland). This was Boneless Chicken with Pickle too.
Very tasty – said Mark, I bet it was.
Impressive Starters, we all know what that means…
With three Lamb Methi there was less of a photographic intrusion, still the Sides and Accompaniment had to be recorded. Where was the Aloo Gobi?
Saag Aloo
Karen’s Vegetable Delights, Saag Aloo and Special Fried Rice may encourage me to recapture the love of Vegetables which lasted for a few weeks after The India Trip. There was no worry about Excessive Masala here. Peas and Egg are what made the Rice – Special. Karen enjoyed the eating as much as I enjoyed the Visual Splendour.
Handi Silislay
The Handi Silislay meant more Lamb Chops for Mags. The Waiter could have advised on this. A better masala, but sweet – was Mags’ comparison to her Balti Speciality last night at Anarkali.
Lahore Special Balti
The Lahore Special Balti suited Craig, he only tends to have problems when something Ferocious is served to him, then he eats on, regardless.
Distinctly average, it did the job and filled a gap.
King Prawn Balti
Yvonne was far from impressed with her King Prawn Balti.
The prawns are a bit chewy.
(The Masala…) A bit gloopy.
It tastes like a chain, McDonalds.
McDonald’s don’t serve King Prawn Balti (yet) but if they did…
Lamb Handi
I was worried for Dr. Stan when I saw his Lamb Handi. Shorva, not Masala-proper.
A bit Watery, Stan?
Yeah.
And Red.
Dr. Stan may be a man of few words and would never complain, but what this had to do with Handi puzzles The Hector. This was far removed from any Traditional Cuisine. that The Hector has encountered on his extensive travels. It’s Tikka Lamb – Dr. Stan declared. Having studied their Menu again, there was nothing to suggest this. We do not expect Tikka in a Curry, and certainly not in a Handi, unless clearly stated.
At least his Paratha was well-fired and looked to be just the job.
Where was the Aloo Gobi?
Lamb Methi
When the three Lamb Methi Dishes were brought I asked which was the Spicy one. They were all the same. The Delivery Waiter offered to take one away and sort it. I was not having my Curry taken away from me.
Perhaps I should have, there was very little Spice in this Lamb Methi, the Seasoning Level was well below expected standard also. The Tender Lamb was Plentiful, I stopped counting at Fifteen, a Large Portion. The Masala was on the Thin end of the spectrum. The Infusion of Methi was not there. To me this defined Mainstream, there was nothing wrong with the Curry per se, it just did not perform.
The Mushroom Rice, however, was Excellent, Fresh Mushrooms, well cooked, the Saviour.
Howard inevitably had to compare today with yesterday. The Lamb Methi served at Anarkali was one of the Best, Ever. Today’s simply could not compete.
Enjoyable, but not yesterday’s Curry – said Howard.
Mark, an IT Expert, asked how I would make reference on Curry-Heute to Yesterday.
Don’t you know how html works? – I got away with it.
Mark’s Aloo Gobi finally arrived, this provided him with Hot, Fresh Food. It was a pity he had to eat his Lamb Methi without an Accompaniment. I must comment favourably on how hot the plates were for The Mains, always appreciated.
A Mainstream Curry – Mark knows the terminology used on Curry-Heute. He did say – Very good – when The Waiter cleared the table. Hector had other thoughts.
The above photos show that four out of the five discrete choices were served with Shorva, this is regarded as Poor by this Commentator. Yvonne’s reference to – McDonalds – felt a bit harsh at the the time, however, when one has had the time to review all that was served, then the shortcomings have become more apparent. Venues which serve – Soupy Sauce – as Standard are not the places which The Hector would ever recommend, or choose to return to.
The Bill
£113.25. Who didn’t have a Starter? Who shared one? Who had a Starter and a Side?
The reality is, we had all eaten well for a modest sum.
The Aftermath
Guessing that Our Waiter had seen enough of me, I took the Calling Card up to the counter. Mein Host was present but insisted I take a photo of the Chap behind the counter:
He does all the work.
Curry at a Beer Festival? Surely not. At this year’s Great British Beer Festival – GBBF – Hector was well impressed by the 
If The Hector finds a choice between three Dishes on a Standard Menu then the hopes are raised. Five Dishes could have been the Hector Curry this evening, I called them out as I found them.
This is stunning – he remarked as soon as he dipped his Naan. A piece of Meat was placed on the plate beside my Karahi. This is stunning – he said as he plopped the Meat. Another Piece of Meat (apologies Mr. Rarebell) was given to Mark – This is stunning! – said Howard.
Pretty damn good – said Mags of her Anarkali Balti Speciality, though she did spot that the Prawns were so small they were Shrimps, for those who classify Seafood in this manner. One may also conclude that it was the presence of Seafood which raised the price for this Dish.
I studied Mark’s Lamb Karahi with interest. The dreaded Large Chunks of Capsicum were not present, though there were Large Pieces of Onion. The final preparation may well have involved a Stir Fry judging by the appearance of the Masala. The Masala was Thick and Minimal, still, I was glad I had not ordered this. I have seen a lot worse, I have had a lot worse, but this was far removed from the Karahi as served in Glasgow where we are well spoiled.
The Root Ginger hit Hector’s Palate from the start of the Adraki. These are Ginger Strips.
The Masala was suitably Thick with Onions to the fore. The expected Kick was not there, this was not – Spicier than Madras. After the initial Ginger Blast the Dish became a bit nondescript, maybe this was partly down to sampling Howard’s Stunning Kesuri.
Having checked into the Travelodge bang on Noon, the search began soon after for Lunch. Orissia, directly across from the Travelodge was closed, still, the plan was to walk as far as Brangwyn Hall, to assess the distance on the ground, and take in as many Curry Houses en route, before deciding where to have Lunch. Simples. Not.
The prices here are rock Bottom, there was clearly activity inside. Methi Lamb (£6.00) was beguiling. 
The – Naashta – Pakistan Breakfast – was available in various Deals. The Waitress suggested their most popular, however I heard Halwa, – Halwa Puri. If this is anything like the Halva served in the Middle East then it is not for Hector, far too Sweet. Potatoes and Chickpeas was the next suggestion. Chana may not be my favourite Interesting Vegetable, at least I would be avoiding – Daal.
To accompany, a Bread was required. Paratha was on offer in many guises. Gobi Paratha would be a first. This was not available.
Suddenly Chickpeas became my Favourite Vegetable, for the moment. Served in a Spicy, Well-Seasoned Shorva, the Chana vastly outnumbered the Aloo. A Slice of Onion offered yet another Texture.
The Second Portion of Aloo Chana arrived, well-timed too. Hector rarely finishes a whole Paratha, today would not be an exception. I now had enough to consider a Meal. The anticipated second blast of Achari never came, my only disappointment, other than the Full Menu not being avaialable.
Spice Quarter (8B, Brewery Quarter, Cardiff CF10 1FG, Wales) is one floor up in another post industrial conversion. Why is Glasgow’s Riverside so Spartan? Spice Quarter is quite a labyrinth inside, screens dividing what would have been a huge bare room otherwise, Sound Decor. A Young Waiter was at the serving area, he took me back to a window table. A family of four, two weans, were the only other customers at 17.15.
Rogan Gosht, not Josh, Lamb understood. Ten pieces of Tender Lamb were buried in a fortunately not too Excessive Masala. The Masala was 
Very Good, thank you.
The Bill
Let’s not overlook that the 
The Motivation
A Chap had just finished his meal, that was it, a quiet night at the 
The Meat was a mixture of Lamb Chops, Ribs and Suckey Bones/Leg. The Flavour from the Masala Mash was once again right up there, a perfect Blend of Herbs and Spices. Having impressed myself at least with Hector’s 
That was the easiest Kilo I have ever shared – was my remark to Stewart as the remnants of my Chapatti were used to scrape the side of the Large Karahi. I was hungry.
Curryspondent Archie reminded me as soon as I had my 
It was approaching 12.30 as I entered 
Karahi – Methi – Keema – Kofta – all the options one would expect to find in a good Glasgow/Bradford Curry Cafe. As Lamb Bhuna was my 
Providing the Sparkling Water (£2.95) caused some difficulty. A passing Chap advised The Waiter serving me that there was none. He went to check, a Warm Bottle arrived, I asked for Ice. A Chilled Bottle replaced it, a Litre too, success.
This looked the proverbial Bee’s Knees. The large Karahi had a huge portion of Meat in a Masala Thick with Methi. One tends to know that when it looks this good it is usually wonderful, usually. I felt as if I had been given an extraordinary long time to marvel at what lay before me, no Bread. Eventually my very Light, in fact, peely wally Naan was ready, I would have given it longer. Light, edible, yes, but could have been better.
The Masala was very well Seasoned, the Spice level was not remarkable, I could have asked for – Spicy, it wasn’t offered either. Although – Familiar Tasting – the impact of this Methi Gosht – was not the same as at 
The first half of – the eating – was Satisfying, then I realised that the enjoyment level was diminishing. One expects the excess Oil to collect at the base of the karahi as source of sumptuous Flavour, instead I had a watery residue. The metal karahi had also cooled quite dramatically, the last quarter was decidedly – cold. Here lies the irony, if I had been given less I would have been finished by this point. The Naan, which had been too hot to touch initially, was also past its best. The pleasure coefficient was in free-fall. A disappointing end after a magnificent beginning.
It is a pity the Calling Card did not achieve the intended objective, I was hoping to ask about the Specials, which I spotted well after I had ordered. Dry Lamb sounds right up my street. Lamb Chop Curry – both of these still £7.75. On the bone – please – always when available.
On entering I was impressed to see a few tables and chairs, so not just a Takeaway establishment. A choice of Two Meats were on their respective Rotisseries, one obviously – The Donner, the other? I enquired and this is what impressed: a slice of Both was cut freshly and Hector was given samples for comparison. Choice #2 was Chicken, I had to. Hector ordered Chicken, it tasted way better than the standard Donner. With – Everything on – the Chicken Donner was triple wrapped at my insistence.
Ten minutes later all was revealed, a Kebap worthy of a Hector. What would Will think?
From the moment the Menu was opened we knew we were on to a winner. The magic words – Punjabi – Karahi – Methi – all under the heading – Lamb. Each item was also numbered, so the order was:
49 Karahi Methi Gosht (£10.50) twice, 51 Karahi Methi Keema Mutter Aloo (£9.50) and three Naan (£1.40). It was good to see the Minced Lamb spelled out with the Peas and Potatoes. Hector has not seen Methi so prominent on a Menu for some time. Rather than take any chances, I asked the waiter to ensure that no 
A Lunchtime Buffet (£8.95) was on offer, temporarily as the notice outside advised. I watched a Chap get his money’s worth. A Big Portion was spooned on top of his Rice, then more, and more. I congratulate him for presenting with such an appetite this early in the day. For Jonathan and Hector, this was Breakfast.
The efficacy of the Karahi Methi Gosht was confirmed by the Aroma. The first Dip of the Light and Fluffy Naan into the Masala was a joyous moment. Hector has not tasted such an intense dose of Methi in some time. This Curry is exactly what The Hector required. The Spice and Seasoning were commendable, but the Methi hit, oh yes.
The Lamb is lovely – was Jim’s almost immediate reaction.
Across the table, Jonathan had made great progress through his Karahi Keema Mutter Aloo. We discussed the absence an of Oil residue collecting at the base of his karahi, there was no needless Masala either. Again, this was as authentic as this Dish can be served. When asked for an immortal quote, my Learned Friend replied –
Karl’s Karahi Lamb Tikka Masala arrived as we were finishing our Curry, almost instantly there was an – Mmm. Another Dr. Stan impersonation this weekend. This Dish appeared to be more Red than it need be, surely no additives? The 
Karl was ready with his comment –
