The Nu Delhi Lounge (25 Bruce St, Belfast, BT2 7JD) was not the First Choice Belfast Curry Venue. However with Serendipity once more in vogue, it turned out to be perfect for our purposes. This weekend, Marg and Hector find ourselves in charge of Eleven Young Ladies on a Hockey Trip to Ireland, what could possibly go wrong?
We checked the Venue out last night and made the booking for Thirteen at 20.15. I was keen to ensure that there would be no surprises as happened on the equivalent night last year when an Aberdeen Curry House hit us with a Group Surcharge. The Chap we spoke to last night, Robbie, assured us that although there is a 10% Service Charge, this is Discretionary. The On-line Menu states this at the foot.
We planned to Tip at that rate anyway. Hands were shaken, all was well.
The Giant’s Causeway has to be mentioned, Hector’s First Venture this far North. Vodafone became the enemy by telling me I was abroad and charging me thus.
I am still in the United Kingdom.
Sadly, there is still too much evidence of the other on-goings…
We climbed the stairs at the appointed time and were shown to a table which was remote from the remainder of the room. As my eyes became accustomed to the semi-darkness, I could see a large Bar in the distance and the source of the Live Music, a Doris, in the distance still. These premises are indeed large. As the Nu Delhi calls itself a Lounge as well as a Restaurant, I was left to speculate how many folk would come here to Drink and Relax rather than Dine. We were here To Dine.
Taking our seats and passing round the Menus, a Chap emerged from the Kitchen, his Ear wired up to who knows where. He, The Kitchen Manager would turn out to be the most memorable part of the evening.
Are these all Yours?
Yes, I was very busy One Night!
Warning!
The Menu stated clearly that Poppadoms were 90p each and the Chutney Tray was £2.50. Knowing our Young Charges were on a Budget I wished to ensure that there was no Poppadom Orgy which piled £30.00 on to the Bill. The advice was taken.
The Curry Order
I was asked by One of the Young Ladies what made a Bad Curry. Anything with Chicken – was my immediate reply, knowing full well that unless we had Vegetarians on board, nobody would be ordering anything else. The exceptions of course would Marg and Hector – Lamb required.
I had to take advice from the Young Waitress, Three Dishes were possibilities. The Desi Karahi Lamb, Lamb Punjabi Masala were the more likely, with Lamb Achari as fall-back. In search of the Hector Ideal, the Waitress assured me that the Desi Karahi would be closest to my Desire – Cooked in onion, pepper in garam masala, garlic and coriander. It was agreed the Capsicum would not appear, though she did not take my Alternative Vegetable request seriously.
With the Tandoori Roti at £2.30, the Coriander Naan at £2.70 had to be the better deal. Surely?
Marg, on Hector’s Right, turned the clock back on the very weekend when they go forward – Lamb Rogan Josh. Jeera Rice, 75p more than Plain for sprinkling in some Cumin Seeds, would be her Accompaniment, though she was already discussing how much of the Hector Naan may come her way.
Kim on Hector’s left, and a Veteran of these Trips chose Chicken Patia with a Plain Naan. Beyond this life was becoming complicated. Sharing a Curry? Lucy1, sitting diagonally opposite Kim would be sharing her Meal. Rebecca and Kirsty, Two more Veterans, were to share a Butter Chicken and Peshwari Naan.
The Two Fionas would also share a Butter Chicken and Peshwari Naan but with the addition of a Pilau Rice. Now it is complicated. Hannah chose Butter Chicken, I think Marg had an input here, and would share a Jeera Rice and Peshwari Naan with Lucy2 who went for Chicken Tikka Madras. Madras, eh? Fun to be had here.
Laura was another Chicken Patia, this time with Peshwari Naan, and there had to be One…
Hannah and Robyn brought up the rear with the inevitable Chicken Korma to share, accompanied by Boiled Rice and Pilau Rice respectively. Thirteen Diners and only Nine Portions of Curry. I had thought about adding an Jeera Aloo as a Side, but after a Hearty Lunch, decided against this, to my sorrow.
The In-between Bit
This Mass of Curry and Accompaniments should not just magically appear, and so we settled down to the acceptable wait. Live Music in a UK Curry house was somewhat novel. The Music was never intrusive despite our proximity to the corner speakers. The Soft Drinks arrived, The same Bottle of Sparkling Water (750ml) was a good bit cheaper here than at lunchtime. Most had Tap Water. Lucy2 likes a Slice of Lemon in her Tap Water.
Mein Host, The Kitchen Manager, brought out the majority of the Curry Dishes. He complained that in the light, or lack of it, all the Dishes looked the same. Mine was last, the Far End was served First. I should have ordered the Jeera Aloo Side.
With the abundance of Spring and Chicken, the weight of this review will be distorted by those who find possibly even Korma to be Spicy. Hannah and Robyn did find their Korma (share) to be Mild and so enjoyed it. The Butter Chicken must have had a Kick. Kirsty coped whilst Rebecca found it to be too Spicy. One Fiona admitted to not normally eating Curry but described her Butter Chicken (share) as – Really Good.
Moving up to the Chicken Patia, Robyn – Extremely enjoyed it, Laura found it to be – Superb!, whilst Kim appreciated the – Mixture of Spice and Creaminess, a Balance.
There is an Excellent Chicken Patia Recipe on the this Well-known and Reliable Curry website, and it does not contain Cream. Cooking this was probably the last time I cooked Chicken Curry for myself.
Lucy2’s Chicken Tikka Madras was sampled by a Few at the far end of the table. One could hear the Gasps of Despair. The Butter Chicken Mob were not ready for this. Lucy2 enjoyed her Meal and did find it Spicy. She has had Curry before, one can tell.
One thing should already be apparent to The Curryspondents, Hector would never have ordered any of the above and avoids Plates of Soup as if they were The Plague. However, one hopes in time the Young Ladies will leave the Beginner’s Curry behind them.
Marg remarked on the Creaminess of her Rogan Josh. When this Dish was first encountered back in the 1980s it was always Tomato-rich. Now many Recipes include Cream as standard. This is not the Curry which was Hector’s Staple Diet at The Akash.
The Naans
There was a consensus that the Breads provided were Small compared to Glasgow. Average – was about the best comment, I didn’t record anyone enthuse about their Naan. Nor would Hector.
Ahmed, my Islamabad Curryspondent, was quick to nominate the Nu Delhi as the most likely Venue to find Decent Curry in Belfast. There are no known Curry Cafés in Belfast, One has to accept that The Mainstream prevails. The above Curry Comments are at least favourable. The Ladies mostly received what they expected.
The Lamb Desi Karahi
The Lamb Desi Karahi was topped with Two Slices of Red Capsicum. I suspect this was to identify it. The Onion content was such that the Lamb was masked. The Curry was at least far removed from the Soup served to everyone else. Initially I thought the Portion Size to be ridiculously Small, but in the end – Modest – feels fair. There was not a lot of Meat in this Curry for the price charged. What Lamb there was gave pleasure, more when a couple of pieces were located at the base of the Dish. Flavours were at a premium. This was not a Complicated Curry, there was a source of the Kick. Initially I suspected Black Pepper, but then I deduced something Redder.
The Very Thin Naan did little to add to the Overall Experience. I was soon on the Final Quarter and had to eke it out to finish the Onions.
This was Curry, it was far from Outstanding.
We were here To Dine
Normally The Bill appears at this location, however, the Night was still young. Our Friendly Manager returned to chat up the Ladies. A Magic Trick was conducted featuring the assistance of Hector and Marg. It was evident that we were under no pressure to leave despite occupying significant space.
Cocktails?
Realising that The Ladies were eligible as Diners, a few Cocktails and even Mocktails were ordered. Some to share. How embarrassing. Somewhere in the clearing up the final drips of my Sparkling Water were swept away. Hector the Martyr.
The concept of Nu Delhi as a Lounge now prevailed. One could now see people coming here for an evening of relatively peaceful relaxation compared to the Pubs in this part of town.
The Bill
£167.35. Crazy. The pile of Cash featured Three different Scottish Bank Notes, Two Irish and the ubiquitous English.
The Aftermath
There was the realisation that Everyone had a pleasant evening. The Staff certainly went out of their way to make it so.
Archana (53 Dublin Rd, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7HE, United Kingdom) ranks highly in many other Curry Information Sources. Their own website states that Archana was voted Best in Belfast 2013. By whom? Who wins Awards? I went in last night to try and book a Table for Thirteen for this evening, no chance. The Premises only sat about Twenty Plus, but I did not know then that there’s an upstairs seating the same again.
Our Table for Two was allocated mid-room. Mein Host brought the Menu and took the order for the Large Bottle of Sparkling Water. Marg spotted Latte on the Menu but was informed this was not possible, a broken machine. Hot Milk on the side with a standard Coffee was available.
The Paratha was Thin, so Thin I wondered as to the extent of the Potato Filling. This, if any, was Minimal. I was on my Final Quarter when I realised I still had substantial Curry to eat, so the Portion Size was indeed Decent. The Paratha disappointed. The Karahi was Fine.
Dessert
The Calling Card was offered and the Website explained. Mein Host was clearly interested in where we had come from, my motivation for all he had witnessed. A very pleasant chat then followed. As The Readers know, Hector enjoys talking – Curry. The Regional Styles were discussed. Mein Host even mentioned the varying Salt Content of Curry by Geography.
Last month Ashgar, Mein Host at 
Cobra felt fitting this evening. Given that we were on a promised £15.00 per head flat rate for the food (as is available a la carte every Wednesday and Thursday) at least there would be a profit on the Bier. For a brief moment Alan convinced me he had sampled Cobra, then it was normality resumed, Cider at $??.?? per pint.
A plate piled high with Poppadoms was brought along with the Dips – Spiced Onion, Lime Pickle and Mango Chutney Sauce. No sooner had these arrived when Dr Stan appeared at the top of the stairs.
As much as Alan would enjoy what followed, he later remarked that this was the Stand-out part of the Fayre for him. I don’t even like Raita. The Cucumber puts him off, yet the combination of Shami Kebab and Raita worked. Alan will be imbibing in Hop and Yeast laden Drinks one day soon…
The Mince Rice was the first Platter to arrive. A Mountain of Rice which was laden with Keema and Flavoured with Various Spices and Cloves much to the fore. This would have satisfied some, but the Real Business was imminent.
Ashgar had mentioned Kofta when the evening was conceived. Kofta Karahi was next out. The Lamb Mince Balls were perfect, the Masala a bit on the Thin and Oily side for me. This was definitely well received overall, and all the Koftas vanished. Dr. Stan on my left, had found that his slightly peripheral seat now had its advantages, everything stopped at him.
Steve spotted that this too was on-the-bone. The Masala was similar to the Chicken Karahi, as One would expect, but now We had Lamb! There was no way the contents of this Bowl would survive very long. This was as Flavoursome a Curry as One would hope to be served anywhere.
The Verdict
y in the Mix. Although not a fan of Chicken Curry, the Chicken Karahi was Excellent. Combined with a Superb Starter and the Wonderfully Attentive Service, it was a Wonderful Curry Experience.
I asked Ashgar if he knew that the Teak and Ash, a derelict Helensburgh Pub, has just been granted Planning Permission, well the Applicants have, to be converted to Helensburgh’s #4 Indian Restaurant. Does this town possess the Threshold Population to support another Curry Outlet? The expansion at Faslane may well make this viable. Or perhaps not.
If I don’t have a 
Poppadoms, Spiced Onions and Dips were brought along with Four Cans of Rubicon Mango. Not a word had been said, this is the Customary Level of Service at Yadgar. These Spiced Onions are Woe… Eye Watering – said Tracey. A Salad had appeared, the Munching continued. Again with no Ceremony, a Plate of Fish Pakora was laid before us. Jonathan remarked that the Distinctive Yadgar Fish Starter Taste was evident here. We were in danger of being stuffed before The Main Event.
The Main Karahi went around the Table once more, and still there was plenty. I tried to order a second Stomach, but apparently they needed more notice to comply with this request.
The past eight days have been frustrating. Off work, at work then off again, a situation it has taken Thirty Three Years to finally consider; a record gone.
I took my Usual Spot having liberated a Can of Orange Lucozade from the Fridge. I’m definitely milking this. A Glass was provided and The Modest Salad. Without the Raita I tend to ignore it.
There must be a reason. Today Hector was under the knife at the Western Infirmary. I managed to be discharged before dinner was served. I have plans for this evening – I told the Nurse. Lunch was Microfish and Chips. Not a Hector portion. Some of the afternoon was spent sussing out the view from a different Room 23. The plan was a Takeaway from the Asian Tandoori (3A Duntreath Ave. Glasgow, G13 4JG) , a Takeaway which appeared last year.
Marg had her Pakora Fresh, mine had a 2.5 minute Microwave Blast some three hours later, not ideal. However, this is about all Pakora can take. Stodgy – was our common comment for both the Fresh and reheated. Too much Gram Flour, not enough Vegetables. You cannot beat the 
Not the largest of Venues, we took a table on the raised Dias to the rear, but only after Marg had attempted to access this via the passage to the Rest-rooms. Two other Couples would join us at adjacent tables, away from a possible Draught at the opening door? Well, it’s still winter. The Waitress brought The Menus.
Karelan – Beef curried with a dark roasted spice mixture, coconut milk, shredded ginger and fresh coriander. Well that was the Listed Ingredients, no mention of the Bitter Vegetable. Time to take advice.
Time to Dip the Garlic Naan. Marg had already noted her level of disappointment – Too Doughy. I had to agree. There was a consensus that the Naan were reheated, and possibly not even uncooked on arrival at Malabar.
The Aloo Masala was actually Very Good. A Thick Masala which suggested an Oil-Onion Base. There was a Cumin Blast, from somewhere, – Flavour at last. This became the Focus.
John posted a Photo of Lamb Karahi – Hector-style – during the week as served at 
The First Dip raised a Hector Gasp. Mags assumed I had burned my mouth. The Curry was that Hot. Indeed, how does One put Food into One’s Mouth which cannot actually be touched with Fingers?
Ayaz brought the Second Chapatti, great to see it arrive Fresh and Piping Hot. I glanced over at Rashid and gave the thumbs up.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Curry, and would have done so even more if it had been Cooler.
has time to cook these days.
The norm is for Hector to cook Curry in the style to which he wishes to become accustomed. Occasionally One has to cater for One’s Audience. The 
