Sheesh Mahal – Bradford – England

Sheesh Mahal – 6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW

There is a menu at Sheesh Mahal, in many a visit, I have rarely been expected to read it – My Dish – is not there. Whatever one desires – ask! This is how I came to experience one of the truly great Curry dishes ever served. Omar once listened to my description of the Perfect Hector Curry – Dry, Thick Masala, Lamb on-the-bone, Methi and Medium with a Kick. This was presented – The Omar Special.

After the opening of Sheesh Mahal, Halifax, Omar left to be manager there. The Halifax branch closed in 2023. The Dewsbury branch, never visited, didn’t last long.

Cousin Amar (right) took over in Bradford.

Given that I cannot be in Bradford as often as I might wish, the welcome from Omar and Taj over the years was always a warm one – Mr Hector – to give me the recognised moniker. At the end of 2017, Taj retired, nephew Amar had taken over the running of Sheesh Mahal. The final visits of 2021 found both Taj and Omar in situ. Taj had come out of retirement to do the lunchtime shift.

Lunchtime opening is no more. Current hours are 17.00 until 01.45.

It is fitting that I should post the first draft of the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) dedicated page on Curry-Heute in September 2012, exactly one year since one of the greatest disappointments in my life. Having managed three visits in the first half of 2011, I had promised Marg a Curry Extravaganza, instead we found a shell of a building. The Opening Soon sign had me worried given how long it has taken The Village (Glasgow) to open their – new-build – two and a half years and counting…

At the start of 2012 the first visit was made to the new premises, what an improvement! Taj had come a long way since opening this venue as The Metro back in 1979.

Sheesh Mahal is all about the quality of the food. The décor in the original building left a lot to be desired. What we now have is a classic contemporary Curry Café that Taj was certainly proud of. Keeping their Chefs and maintaining the outstanding quality of Curry was achieved. The staff resplendent in their own uniforms give the air of a venue where one might expect to pay perhaps three times as much as one pays at Sheesh Mahal. The quality of the food is outstanding, the prices remain competitive – these are Bradford prices.

Traditionally was a late night eating venue, Sheesh Mahal opened daily at noon. Sadaqat took on the challenge of running Sheesh Mahal in the daytime. He became famous for his Challenges – Complimentary Dishes out of the ordinary, brought to the table to taste. The halcyon days.