A train journey without wearing a mask, for Hector, today’s trip through from Glasgow was the first time in over two years there has been the choice. Today’s chosen venue for Curry was the tried, tested and always reliable Kebab Mahal (7 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BH). In recent weeks I have visited other venues on/near Nicolson Square: Mosque Kitchen and Roti of Edinburgh. I shall most certainly return to the latter when I find a dining partner.
Arriving at 14.50, I was initially the only – sit in – customer, others would come. Meanwhile the Takeaway trade was thriving. I took my favourite seat from where I could survey all. It has been some time since I secured this spot, it’s nearly eight months since I was last here at all. Where does the time go?
Master Khan brought the latest edition of the menu, as expected, prices had gone up, and by more than the official rate of inflation. Those who calculate that are not visiting Curry Houses.
Kofta Curry (£8.50) is the one Dish I really should have had here by now. However, I asked the burning question:
Do you have Lamb on-the-bone today?
Yes we do.
Then, it’ll have to be Karahi Ghoust (£12.95) and a Naan.
The Naan was confirmed as – Tandori Nan (£2.35).
For those who keep tabs on these things, a Chapatti now costs £1.25. Still better than Aberdoom, which readers may have noticed has not appeared in these pages of late, but not in the spirit of Bradford.
There was no discussion about the Spice Level of my Karahi and no drink was offered. I noticed that subsequent arrivals simply went to the fridge and helped themselves. No glasses were then forthcoming. I shall return to – Spice Level – later.
I took in the scene, the briefly empty premises. Mein Host emerged from the kitchen:
How are you?
I later noted that all customers were greeted similarly. Maybe Hector is recognised here after seven visits?
It took fifteen minutes for my Order to be prepared, Hector was on schedule.
The Naan, served whole, was enormous. It had the correct pan-handle shape to have come from a Tandoor. Lightly fired around the edges, it had risen significantly in the main body of the Bread. Only a minimal spread of Butter had been scored across the middle, a bit more would have been welcomed. Thankfully, no Garlic had been added. This was one mighty Naan, excellent, and no way would I manage more than half.
Karahi Ghoust
The Meat was piled high in the karahi. Such was the volume, counting was unnecessary, if this wasn’t the half-kilo, it wasn’t far off. Given the restrictions of the karahi itself, the Masala was certainly the definition of Minimal. This is exactly how Hector seeks his Karahi. Pieces of Tomato pulp were mixed through the presumably Tomato-based Masala. From here was the core of the Flavour. The Masala on the Naan was truly delightful. Very little Oil was collecting on the base of the karahi, a few calories less.
The food was – hot. I have just about recovered from the lukewarm Curry served up in the recent Deutschland trip. The Spice Level slowly built, it was well pitched, despite the lack of consultation. The Flavours approached that of Glasgow’s Karahi Palace, but never reached the level of achieving the – wow. It was close, but the lack of Seasoning was once again an issue at Kebab Mahal. My Karahi Palace tweak of – a bit more Salt and Methi – would have had me in raptures. Regardless, this was damn good Curry.
The Tender Meat gave back the Spice, I took another photo at the halfway stage. Later with six decent sized pieces of Lamb still to go, I knew this would be a challenge. The Naan was abandoned, finish the Karahi.
Compared to what I paid, for admittedly two, – Tapas – portions recently at nearby Roti, this was a Meat Feast. Price increase? This may well still be the best value for money in the Capital. There was only one bone!
More Seasoning, Methi, I shall have to communicate better, but that works both ways. The records show that in August last year, I dared to ask Mr. Khan for extra Salt.
The Bill
£15.30 Who needs a drink anyway?
The Aftermath
A perfectly timed number two bus, from across the square, took me back towards Haymarket. The original route has been restored, Grassmarket, it has been a while. What’s that thing on the horizon?
If hot food is what one is after, then one Glasgow Curry House guarantees it: 
When the food arrived, the Naan looked strange. Cut into five pieces, at least the pan-handle remained intact. With only the edges risen, this looked a fairly peely-wally Naan. There was a buttery sheen, not Garlic, and the Coriander topping was minimal. However, the Herb had been rolled inside. There was plenty of Coriander, and somehow, I would eat every piece of this Naan. 
Not burning the roof of one’s mouth was objective #1. One has to let the sizzling Oil calm down before the first, all important dip of the Bread. 
Ayaz observed my progress, Shery enquired if I needed anything more. What more could I require? The perfect Karahi Gosht in one of 
Manchester is lit in blue. And by 22.30 last night, the Glasgow team in blue reached the semi finals of the Europa League. Hector will not be in 
Al-Faisal
This was not the Salad Marg had in mind. Even for £1 she expected more than Lettuce, a few strips of Onion, and a covering of Raita and Tamarind. This was decidedly – modest. When the next customers ordered Salad and received a separate plate, Marg was not amused. The Samosa was better received:
How I have been looking forward to a Manchester Desi-Karahi, it has been two months. We could have flown home directly to Scotland, however, the flight price to Manchester was such that the extra night’s accommodation and train fare still made it the attractive option. Even on the holiday weekend. 
I had but a few pieces of Lamb left with some Masala flavoured Rice, it wasn’t too late. Sorted. The Coriander and Chillies added that extra boost, all was well. As I finished the last grain of Rice, for a moment I actually considered ordering the same again. Marg expects our traditional return from a trip – Spag Bol – tonight, better not.
I passed what appears to be a new outlet for Curry in the Northern Quarter – Cafe & Grill Istanbul – on Oldham Street. In the daytime they are hardly going to compete with the established venues, however, we’ll see how late they stay open. 
Before matters Curry, I’ll sneak in a mini music post. This afternoon at Alexanderplatz, the sounds of an amazing – groove – wafted through the air. A three piece called Dr. Phil Harmonic, guitar, bass, drums. I should have bought their CD, next time. 
This evening Marg and Hector dined at 
were advised that the menu could be accessed using the QR code at the table. Ten minutes later we had not managed this, the signal both indoors and out was not for letting us download the pdf file. Why did we have to download it anyway, annoying junk. I attracted the attention of the front of house lady who suggested I try the Wi-Fi. This required a password. No sign of any password, why not have it on the back of the QR code? After a Thali had been taken outside, she came over and entered the password on both of our phones. Success was immediate. 
One Curry was very much of 
Sea Bass, Coconut Milk, Mustard and Ginger – the menu tells us. It didn’t say it was Fish in a creamy Tomato Soup. Creamy Curry in 
There was plenty of Fish, but without a Vegetable no Diversity. The Thali option therefore has its advantages. I took a Soupçon of the Shorva, definitely worth the – two Chillies. Having come to terms with the Tomato Soup, I was puzzled by the tanginess. However, I was far too busy to dwell on this. 
The long, floating – dark, red Chilli, looked menacing. Again Shorva, but no nasty colouring to worry about here. This looked like echtes Indian Curry, and I do deliberately differentiate between this and my usual intake of Desi-Punjabi fayre. Slow-cooked Lamb – was mentioned in the description, I was surprised to find wedges of Potato in there too. Meat and Vegetables, yay! And the Potato hopefully had not just been introduced to the blended Masala. 
Five large pieces of Meat were decanted, one was huge, the equivalent of three in other servings. Plenty of Meat. 
We arrived at Tasty India just after the noon opening. On entering, it became immediately apparent that there was next to no space to dine inside. I pointed to the solitary table near the doorway, they would bring it outside. So, Tasty India is primarily a Takeaway, with a green carpet under the canopy outside, for those who wish to brave the elements. There is no toilet available for customers. It was 9ºC as we took our seats, coats were staying on. 
Menus were provided, the usual Deutsche-Indian fayre. Then I spotted Fish Vindalu (€10.90) with inclusive Rice. Not often one sees this, it had to be. Marg was having Mix Pakora (Veg) (€7.90) along with Jogi Tea (€1.50). I asked for a litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.90), which would surely be the cheapest served in 
The drinks arrived, Marg’s Tea was suitably hot and milky, yeuch. I was given a glass of Sparkling Water, so none for Marg. The Pakora and two Dips arrived moments before the Curry.
I counted about fifteen pieces of Pakora, so the price feels justified. Unlike proper Vegetable Pakora where finely chopped Vegetables are mixed together, this was simply slices of Vegetable in batter. Aubergine, Paneer, Cauliflower and Potato were present, around three or four pieces of each. 
Tasty India is my fifteenth 
I decanted eight good sized pieces of Fish and three large Potato Wedges, plenty of solids. The quantity certainly matched the price, good value. The Masala had a decent level of viscosity, this was far from being Shorva. 
Vindaloo in 
Do you want more Rice? – asked Mein Host when he came out to check on our progress. How much Rice can Europeans eat? 
The Bill
€22.80 (£19.05) Mein Host confirmed that the Sparkling Water was listed as – Naan – (€2.50). 
Marg wanted to visit the Oberbaumbrücke, Hector – The Wall Museum – and so Curry across the River Spree felt logical. Sadhu Pakistani Restaurant (Falckensteinstraße 41, 10997 Berlin, Deutschland) has been visited twice previously. Sadhu, the namesake of 
Arriving at 13.45, I was surprised at how empty the place was, a handful of diners only. Previously, this venue was bustling, perhaps because it was Saturday? I attempted to consult a well known and reliable 
Throughout Lockdown, Marg’s Salads became legendary on a certain social medium. Today, here was a Bunte Salat fit for a Marg. The Chicken Tikka was covered by a mass of Lettuce, Rocket, Tomato and Green Peppers. Slices of Carrot and Cucumber formed the peripheral guard. Slices of Orange added another dimension. The swirl of Chilli Sauce and Yoghurt was a work of art. 
Last time this was 
I didn’t count the Meat as I decanted, it was easily into double figures. The Lamb proved to be so Tender-soft, minimal chewing was required. As ever, the Lamb was such that one concludes it had only recently met the Masala. 
My meal had cooled substantially, yet note the initial vapour rising. The temperature of the Rice was cooling the Curry. Eventually I had to record that this Curry needed more Spice and more Heat. 
We walked back across the Spree to The Wall Museum. How we could do with a Gorbachev today.
At the risk of repeating myself, as if : Curry in 
The 
Having arrived some ten minutes early, I told the waiter we would be two or three. This seemed to cause him a problem. Was it two, or three? He showed us to a small table in the area which connects the front of this spacious restaurant to the rear. Moments later he offered us a second, slightly larger table. Better. Time to study the menu, ah drinks first, he insisted. 
Ein Sprudel bitte.
Applying the same logic that led me to the 
Marg chose Mango Chicken (€5.90) from the Mittagsmenü. This would come with Rice, Salad and Dessert. Note: changes are not possible!
Drinks first for Steve, a 0.4l glass of Cola (€3.30) was ordered. I was intrigued by the cost of both the Sparkling Water and the Cola, the latter was certainly more than we have been paying for Bier in 
The Naan were served – halved. Thin, but with a degree of puffiness, not bad at all. The shape was consistent with having been cooked in a Tandoor. The Buttery sheen was not Garlic, another positive, for me at least. 
The steel – Thali -platter always reminds me of modern day school dinners, or even prison movies. There was more Rice than anything else. The Curry occupied the top right and middle slots, at Ganesha, they like their creamy swirl. Four pieces of Chicken in one, two in the other. Six pieces of Meat in a lunchtime menu, impressive. Ground Cashew Nuts had been sprinkled on top of the two Curry portions. The Salad appeared to be no more than Lettuce, not that I was paying much attention there. The top left slot contained the Dessert – Mango Lassi. I wonder how many people have mixed this in with the Rice? 
Marg cleared the lot, the manifestation of enjoyment:
I like the decorative Toppings: Coriander, Onion and another swirl of Cream. I counted at least eight pieces of Meat before I realised the rest of the solids were Button Mushrooms. The not excessive, blended Masala looked interesting. With the Coriander mixed through, this had the appearance of being a competent, Mainstream Curry. 
The Spice immediately impressed, two chilli rated, indeed. A Curry this Spicy in 
I knew what was coming, I’ve tried this often enough in Europe. The Bitter Mash that accompanies a Palak Gosht in the UK has not reached Europe. Here, Spinach means a Creamy Curry. Had Steve studied a well known and reliable Curry Blog, he would have been aware of what to expect. 
Having got over the Creaminess, Steve’s next remark was about the temperature of his meal: needs heating up. One wonders about the efficacy of the tea-light candles. 
A day in 
There was a point last night when I considered ordering both the Lamm Chettinad (€15.00) and the Fisch Chettinad (€13.00). Later in the day, I probably would have, I’ve done it before. This early, it had to be a one Curry model. Fish it would be, Marg was on board too, no messing about with snacks. Marg appreciates the wonder of the Curry served at 
The familiar pungent aromas spread from the open kitchen, the Fish and the Chettinad Spices. Scraping noises were aplenty, the Chettinad as served at 
Expectations are always high. This Fish Curry is the yardstick against which all others are measured. 
A Big Spice and Smoky Blast hit the palate. There is nothing like it served anywhere else that I have encountered in my extensive travels. Marg’s first comment related to the – smokiness. This was a classic South Indian Curry, taken to the extreme. 
The end game shows the Chettinad mixed through the Rice. It looks seriously – Dry, it works. Is this the ultimate Fish Kedgeree? 
With less Coriander on top, one can see the Meat protruding from what definitely looks more like a Masala. Maybe this Chettinad is closer to Curry? The Richness of the Masala was clear to see. 
It’s just as well Steve did not have the Fish. I was last finished by quite a bit. The Mango, in effect more Lassi, was duly served. Refreshing as this was, I was glad later when the Salty/Savoury sensation returned to my lips. 
The Aftermath
Having become aware of the opening of 
I arrived at 
A Glass of Tap Water was provided, no Sparkling Water was available. Mein Host then offered Coffee whilst I waited, gracefully declined. 
The counter, which took up much of the basement premises in the time of 
A substantial bowl of Raita was provided, in the end I did not need to touch it. Had I ordered from other parts of the menu, this would have been a useful accompaniment. Hector was here for Curry, not Street Food. 
Topped with Fried Onions, Tarka, I additionally found Aubergine, Green Beans, Cauliflower and a Green Cardamom. It may have taken a couple of weeks since I had my heart set on this at 
The portion was substantial, that I have just written these four words, reflects the level of satisfaction. I decanted as much Rice as I knew I could manage, sadly there would be waste. 
Topped with Ginger Strips and some Coriander, the Curry featured a mass of blended, Soupy Masala. This was very much expected, and distant from my usual Karahi Gosht. Today, I knew I was having – Curry – and so had chosen to wear my – Curry hat. 
Mein Host was still at the table when I announced:
With an audience of one, Hector was in his element. I asked if Mein Host had been to 
With the Meat taken care of, I returned to the remaining Masala, this was when the Vegetable components of the Biryani came into their own. Meat and Masala, not so exciting, Masala with an array of Vegetables, always a treat. It became a matter of eating until I decided to call it a day. Hector had been fed, and some. 
Chef had been made aware that a food critic was present. He emerged from the kitchen beaming, possibly having heard the positive words describing his creations. 
I have passed Roti of Edinburgh (42 South Bridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LL) on each of my visits to the other other Curry Houses clustered around Nicolson Square, it has always been closed. When in Edinburgh, I tend to eat earlier, Roti’s 15.00 opening time is therefore cutting it fine. Still, this is the best time of day to eat Curry, according to Curry-Heute. 
The presence of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone at £26.95 for the kilo had already convinced me that there was serious Curry available. However, £18.95 for the half kilo is simply not on. Nor is £3.95 for the – Popadom Tray. If one scans down to the previous posts, one can see that in the recent trip to 
As I waited, I took in the flurry of snow. As forecast, it’s chilly in the east. There’s a downstairs seating area, adjacent to the kitchen, which I did not visit. The ground floor décor is modern, casual, spacious. When I bring Marg, I’ll secure a comment on the ambiance. 
Roti of Edinburgh – is apparently one of three restaurants owned by Mohammed Din. He began in Corstorphine, wherever that is. Note how many years it has taken Hector to explore the Nicolson Square area. Much of Edinburgh remains a mystery, however, I already have my favourites. If anyone can identify the others, that would be appreciated.
The Naan had heaps of Coriander leaves and stems, no sign of Chilli, and thankfully no Garlic. What did I order? More round than a teardrop, there was but a hint of burnt extremities. If there was a Tandoor, maybe it hadn’t had time to fully warm up? The Naan had not risen as much as I would have liked, so nothing like the light and fluffy Naans I have recently enjoyed. It did the job. 
The Thickness of the Masala impressed, the Meat count did not. Four, come on, you’re charging eight quid for this? At least I can report the pieces of Lamb were a decent size. 
No Syboes, and perhaps a slightly paler Masala, were the distinguishing features here. Well, it was served in a karahi. Again I counted to four, I so wished I had reached five. I was impressed by the quantity of Bread I had eaten, or does that say something about the quantity of Curry served? The liberal Coriander was falling off the Naan, this would add something extra to the Karahi. 
The Masala had nothing like the – kick – of the Bhuna, however, the Bullet Chillies took it back up, also transforming the Flavour in the process. I had the Spice, but not the intensity of Flavour. Maybe the Seasoning was not what it might have been? To judge this Soupçon of Karahi Gosht after the wonderful Desi Bhuna may be unfair. Or does that simply tell us, it was nothing like as impressive? 
