A – 21.30 Curry – in Bradford? On returning from the outing to Halifax, some wanted to go straight for Curry. Hector would have been happier to join Howard and Neil who would meet up with Jim and Alan, then go for a late night Bradford indulgence. However, Hector was persuaded otherwise. Craig and Yvonne are convinced they get a better Bradford Curry when I am present, that should not be the case. More of a fuss, well of course! Hector cannot be here all the time, so visits are always special.
Young chaps were front of house, there was no sign of Omar or Amar as five of us entered Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW). Somehow we found ourselves being directed to the left of the entrance, adjacent to a family group with weans out well beyond their bedtime. I spotted the table where Taj sat for years, surveying all. I pointed, tables were joined, sorted. I was surprised to find Craig and Yvonne out this late.
I asked after Omar and Amar. Omar was working in the kitchen this evening. He would make an appearance shortly. Salads, Dips and plates of Poppadoms were brought without fuss or question. Water was spilled across the table without apology, at least the boys mopped it up quickly.
Omar came to greet us.
New Menu – I said to him.
You said that last time – he reminded me. Probably, the 2018 Menu has been posted on Curry-Heute for many months.
Somebody mooted Starters. OK, at midnight insanity, maybe it was bearable. For Hector that could only mean Lamb Chops (£5.40), Mags was up for this too. Also from the Flame Grill section of the Menu, John chose Liver Tikka (£4.50), whilst Craig chose his customary Seekh Kebab (3.20). Yvonne passed.
For many years I have proudly celebrated Sheesh Mahal as Bradford’s #1 Curry House. I have no favourite Curry here as over the years Omar, Amar and Sadaqat have served me their own creations. Consulting the Menu therefore has been quite arbitrary. Methi – is understood, so should be the withholding of the – Dreaded Green Mush. Too often it has sneaked in. Lamb on-the-bone is always preferred. Mutton Methi (£8.45) was Hector’s choice from the Menu, I asked the young waiter to note – no Capsicum – and that Omar should cook it. This would be a first.
John followed my lead but took the – boneless – option. More Meat, as if that would be required. Mags’ preferred Aloo Gosht is not on the Menu. I suggested she ask for it, no problem. Mags asked for – on-the-bone. Craig always tells us he likes a Balti, well as long as the Spice Level approaches zero. Sheesh Mahal Balti (£11.50) – Mild – was his choice. Jhingha-a-shak (£11.50) for Yvonne, completed the Order. All that was required now was to confirm inclusive Chapattis. Four of five chose Chapattis, Craig took the Rice option.
We had plenty of Salad, Dips and Poppadoms, also John, to amuse us whilst we waited. More were offered, complimentary as is the Bradford way, what sort of place charges for these?
*
Chops
Five Lamb Chops sat sizzling on Onions, these were appreciably larger than those served at other venues visited recently, and were clearly great value. There was a hint of cremation, suitable burnt extremities. On biting in, they were less cooked than I would have preferred. Had they been – pink – they would have gone back. Juicy Chops, perhaps I could warm to this? Mags is clearly from another camp:
Marinade was brilliant, cooked perfectly they were.
Liver Tikka
Again the metal platter was covered in an ample number of pieces of Liver on Onions. Hector actually had Liver&Lamb Karahi here once, never again. Hector does not do Liver, those who like Liver do, John is that person:
Superbly flavoursome, really moist and tender … my now favourite Starter.
Seekh Kebab
Two rather naked Seekh Kebabs sat on the plate. Well there was an abundance of Salad on the table. The Kebabs looked to be well fired, all should have been well. However, Craig had been presented with Meat, Spicier than he can tolerate, yet he always fights on:
It’s delicious, but it’s ….. Hot!
Pieces of Kebab were passed around the table, just what Hector did not need. Indeed, Spicy, Tasty. Yvonne helped him out.
Rather than have Yvonne potentially sit there and watch the rest of us gorge, the waiter brought another platter with a generous portion of sizzling King Prawns. Omar did this when The Rickmeister and Hector were invited to visit the new Sheesh Mahal premises in Halifax back in August. If this is going to be a regular feature of dining at Sheesh Mahal, bring it on!
Excellent, stunning! – was noted as Yvonne expressed her pleasure.
There was still plenty of nibbles to amuse those who required them whilst we waited for the Mains. In fact, more were declined. I would of course be noting, with interest, those who would finish what followed.
Mutton Methie (Boneless)
Topped with Coriander Leaves and a mean looking large Green Chilli, this did look particularly inviting. The peripheral Oil was only beginning to collect at the edge of the plate. John tore in with Chapattis to both his right and left to choose from, there were at least a dozen.
Stunning flavour and stunning generosity – said John, referring to the sheer quantity of food that had been brought to the table – fabulous service, definitely be back, ticked all my boxes.
John could not finish his Curry. Curry for breakfast would be his solution.
*
Aloo Gosht
Here was a typically Dry Bradford Curry, the reason why we were here. The Aloo Gosht was – boneless – and therefore not as asked for. The Potatoes protruded through the Thickest of Masala, a potential delight.
I agree with what John said – was Mags’ contribution – all of the above.
Unsurprisingly, Mags could not finish her Curry, cue another doggy-bag.
Jhinga-a-shak
There is absolutely no need need to serve a Curry with a big Oil slick already formed on top, especially when more tends to accumulate. Yvonne is always quick to comment on the photos of Curry I post with any sign of Oil, This Prawn Curry was exactly what Yvonne does not like, yet she does like her Curry to be more moist than those above.
When a Soupçon was decanted to her plate, it showed that with care, the full extent of the oiliness could have been avoided. Perhaps it was too late for Yvonne. She ate some, however, Craig would be seeking help with his Curry, Yvonne would offer assistance there.
Far too much oil for me, or anyone else – was Yvonne’s remark. Had she not ordered the Prawn Curry, then she would probably not have been given her impressive Prawn Starter.
Sheesh Mahal Balti
Served in a karahi, as was the Prawn Curry, is this how the Sheesh Mahal justify the difference in price between these and the plated Curry? Appearance wise, this was comparable to the Mutton Methie and the Aloo Gosht. I had no samples of my fellow diner’s Mains, and so cannot comment on any difference in Flavour. It became apparent quickly that Craig was struggling with the Spice Level in this – Mild Balti. Sitting two to my left, I did not get to witness his pain. Yvonne probably ate more of the Curry than Craig.
Too hot for Craig – declared Yvonne.
Whatever happened to Mr.Vindaloo?
My Curry was last to arrive by quite a bit. Eventually it was presented, accompanied by a declaration:
An extra large Curry for Mr. Hector!
Mutton Methie (on-the-bone)
Served in a karahi, the Curry was sizzling as it was placed on the table, yet there was very little Oil. This was decidedly a more magnificent presentation than the – boneless – version. Ginger Strips accompanied Coriander in the garnish. All this Lamb, and after five Lamb Chops, I was now glad we were eating earlier than the Bradford norm.
The small cut Meat was Tender, the base of the karahi would reveal Meat Pulp. As Sadaqat has served so often, they like to give Hector some of the scrapings off the bottom of the pot, here should lie even more Flavour. Alas, not tonight.
The Seasoning was way below that which releases what I have come to recognise as – The Bradford Curry Taste. Whilst the Herb content was visible, the Methi Blast was not happening. The Spice Level was fine, there were no added Chillies, so what was the situation? Excessive Spice can kill the overall Flavour, that was not the case. It is possible that Hector’s taste-buds were in shock after the indulgences of the past few days. Else, Seasoning is all. Whatever, despite receiving Omar’s delightful effort, this Curry did very little for me. I finished all but a scraping of the Masala.
The Bill
£67.75 Remarkable, five diners with Starters, Mains, and all that came.
The Aftermath
Punajbi Sweets were presented. How much more could the staff do?
There was still time for a final pint on North Parade, Howard had the ales waiting. Yay!
October 31, 2019, note the date that Hector returned to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), the first visit here since the start of August. October 31, 2019, not-Brexit Day, once again. Soon we shall get to vote with the likelihood of achieving sod all. So it goes. 
Zafer’s Lamb Karahi arrived – wait until you see mine – was my reaction. I have friends and acquaintances who go to Karahi Palace and ask for this dish to be served – Hector style. Fortunately, my Lamb Karahi was not too far behind.
The Oil and Masala sizzled as Ayaz placed it on the table. The Ginger Strips and Coriander Leaves sat atop the Lamb on-the-bone. Hector was back in the land of – Big Meat. Ribs were the dominant bone in this pile of Lamb. Can I describe the Meat as – grey? As is the Karahi Palace norm, there was just enough Masala-mash, not an excess. Having written that, I have seen others order Curry here which I would describe as – Soup, their choice. 
Did you like the food? – asked Ayaz. 
