Now That's How to order a Curry

That's one way to order a curry...Credit: LoudKidz
Posted by The LAD Bible on Saturday, 11 April 2015

Bundobust

A rare night out for me and the Mrs - to see bands just like the olden days - and we needed a bit of something to eat prior to vino frenzy, so Bundobust street fodder was just the ticket.

The excitement - well my excitement - around Bundobust has been rumbling on now for some 18 months or so, and from nothing more than rumours on the internet, and humble beginnings as 'pop up' purveyors (all here), Bundobust is now established as one of the coolest and trendiest bars/eateries in Leeds.

And cool and trendy it is indeed. Indian influenced wiring dangles exposed light bulbs from the ceilings, and ramshackle wall furniture made from old doors, are, I guess supposed to be reminiscent of some Mumbai slum or other. Bundobust is positioned in the bottom(ish) part of town, near the train station which, perhaps, is not historically one of the most salubrious areas of town, but is now much improved, and close to the new Trinity Centre, and also the likes of Laynes Espresso and Friends of Ham.  It's a part of town much improved recently and on the up and up.

Born from a collaboration of the Sparrow Bier Cafe and Prashad, both Bradford institutions, Bundobust was set to be a winner.  I'd say it's more bar than restaurant, but they have stuck to their guns and deliver Indian inspired street food. All presented in little paper bowls.

The menu is a fairly stripped down affair, of about twelve street food dishes, ranging in price from £2.50, for spicy nuts, all the way up to £6/pot for the likes of Dosa (stuffed pancakes) and Idli Sambhar (rice dumplings).  Then there is a rather healthy craft beer, wine and cocktails menu also. Indeed, far more extensive than the food menu.

International

For my first Bradford Curry Blog post, post festive period, I wanted somewhere familiar and comforting, and not too demanding.  The International ticked the boxes this time, as is one of my favourite Bradford Curry eating establishments.

I think pound for pound International might - and I stress might - be my favourite all rounder, as it's consistently good across the whole menu (the bits I've tried at least)

So here we are.  Sat down in the corner.  Our Thomas strapped in his seat, and popadoms and pickle tray arrive swiftly with the menu.  It really is excellent service...  and soon the waiter arrives.  

Lamb Methi for me, with garlic nann (plain naan/chapatis/rotis are included in the price of a main course).  Lamb Methi isn't on the menu as such - a chicken version is - but I often order it and the waiters never seem phased by a request beyond the listed fare.  To be honest, seen as how a Chicken Methi is listed, I can't imaging it beyond the wit of man to rattle a Lamb Methi up but, yet again, another tick for International.

Taste of Paradise - Milton Keynes

I recently visited Milton Keynes...  A 'new town'...  So somewhere a bit different!  I've never been to a new town before, or anywhere quite like it really - lots of concrete!  

So no Bradford Curry, boo, but if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, I can assure you, all is not lost!  Milton Keynes does do curry, did provide a great weekend away, and everybody was lovely.

Cafe De Akbar

Is Akbar's the finest Bradford Curry eating experience in Bradford?  The eternal question has just reared its head yet again, following a fantastic trip to the new (new to me but has now been open a while to be fair) Cafe de Akbar.

Maureen's Caribbean Takeaway

And so it's back to the Caribbean... Well, when I say 'Caribbean' I really mean Leeds!   Well, to be fair, a very rainy autumnal lunch time in Leeds... It simply screams the Caribbean doesn't it?  OK - I am being a bit sarcastic - but if a rainy and cold Leeds doesn't feel like the Caribbean Maureen's Caribbean Takeaway, on Roundhay Road, will certainly make you feel half way there!

Amaan's Grill House

Wow wow wow!!  Now that was a curry.  Top draw!  Amaan's Grill House, on Legrams Lane, have just served up a stonker.

Bradford - Curry Capital 2014

Well we've done it again - the mighty Bradford and Bradford Curry has retained the title of Curry Capital of Britain for the forth year on the bounce - very impressive.  The results:

1 - Bradford
2 - Brighton
3 - Birmingham

Aakash, Kiplings, Shimla Spice and Zaara's all represented Bradford, and brought the prize home. Well done all.

Spicy Corner, Forster Square

Spicy Corner sells spicy fodder and is on a corner... so does exactly what it says on the tin really!

Spicy Corner is located to the northeast of the city centre, and is away from the Bradford Curry hotspots of the Uni or Leeds Road say, and is somewhat off the beaten track.  A bit of a funny area of town really.  Having said that it is just across the road from the Forster Square shopping estate, so benefits from substantial footfall I would have thought.  The only eating alternative in the vicinity is a Maccy D's on the estate itself. 

Spicy Corner - the front elevation

Curry Flavoured Mule Bars!!!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but when not eating curry and/or drinking beer, I quite like to go for a ride on my push bike...  So what is any self respecting Bradford Curry eating cyclist to do when out on the road?  Samosa's??  Maybe... and it has been considered!  Well, the answer may be here with the new Eastern Express Energy Bar from Mule.

Spicy Flavours Permeate Everything These Days

Dhesi Grill

Cool Dhesi Dhesi Grill Tuk Tuk

Dhesi Grill is a really great cafe bar up Lilycroft Road, just above Lister's Mill there - ya' know... the massive chimney dominating the Bradford skyline.  Worth a gander in itself Lister's Mill if not seen before.

Anyway, Dhesi Grill represent the 'new breed' cafe bar and specialises in grills mainly, but with curries too. There are also a whole host of steaks, burgers, wraps, and stir fries even. Beverages include teas, coffees, lassi, shakes... no beer, and there are also deserts and cakes! Basically, anything anyone could ever desire, there is probably a option to cater.

Sheesh Mahal Quickie

Much has been written regarding the quality of the Sheesh Mahal dining experience, so I shan't go into too much detail again here.  But... essentially..., our early lunch time visit was greeted by an initially empty restaurant, which soon began to fill as peoples bellies began to rumble.  The usual quick and friendly service was in evidence, as was the complimentary popadons and pickle to nibble on whilst deciding.  So what to have?  The Methie is one of my Bradford Curry highlights, but to day felt like a Pathia day...

Pathia - A hot and sour dish cooked using fresh chilli, lemon juice (sic).  Well, it was indeed just that - I went for the mutton variety. The Pathia was super dry in the Sheesh Mahal, and Bradford, way, and deconstructed in appearance, with the major elements visible.  It was a substantially hearty portion, dense with meat -  cut small - with barely any evidence of sauce at all!  The saucy aspect was so minimal that even browned markings on the meat from the fast and hot cooking process were noticeable.  The meat on this occasion was perhaps a little tough but packed, infused even, with the sour lemon juicy zingy hit.  It packed a punch too, with plenty of heat, but not uncomfortably so.  The dish was perfectly seasoned and had added vibrancy from fresh coriander.  It was a great dish.

All new Mughals - Breakfast a Study #6

After a rather lengthy refurbishment, Mughals is now back open and fully operational.  On entering, it is clear a total overhaul has been undertaken.  The main counter has been moved and is now perpendicular to the entrance, off to the left, but the main semi open kitchen and general shape of the room have remained essentially the same.  The extra room provided with the sweet counter re-positioning, is now filled with extra tables and chairs.  The decore is all modern cream floor tiles, dark wood and cream leatherette seats.  Nice.

An early visit for me for my first visit since the refurb, so channa puri breakfast was ordered.  I fancied a pink tea but... no pink tea!  I was told it was being made and was 4hrs away! I said it's ok I'll wait, but I think my joke was lost on the waiter!

Akmal's Tandoori Bisto, Leeds

The old toilet block never looked so good

Location

Akmal's Tandoori Bisto,
235 Woodhouse Lane,

Leeds LS2 3AP,
United Kingdom.

0113 242 4600

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Akmals-Bistro/756508261039569

Time

25th July 2014 - Evening.

Amaans Grill & Takeaway, Bowling

Amaans Grill & Takeaway has got the be the (newly discovered to me) cheapest - well what I mean is best value for money - joint in Bradford?

Medium Meat Masala

Got to be... just look at the prices... Medium curries (curries come in medium and large portions) from £3.50, Naan Kebabs from £2, Naan 50p, 4No, Rotis £1!!!!  Unbelievable!  And you know what?  It was alright - well good even. I went for Medium Meat Masala and Naan Bread - £4.50.  Let me give a little more detail:

To be fair, Amaans is more a take-away, rather than sit down curry cafe or restaurant, but there were four or five tables inside - enough seating for a few small parties of diners - and the place was presentable.  A counter and open kitchen is to the back of the shop - à la a take-away.  On ordering, the encouraging sounds of banging and clattering started in earnest.

The decent portion of curry - remember this is the medium sized option - arrived on a metal plate with a small pile of lettuce on the site, and a plastic spoon.  The naan was presented to the side on a little plastic basket, lined with the opened up wrapping from a Walkers Crisps Multi Pack! Beef I think?  Well it was brown at least!  Novel, but no reason to turn a nose - just re-cycling.

All was good - the curry was fresh and tasty with good quality melt in the mouth meat.  And was consistent with what I considered earlier to be the sounds of a freshly prepped dish. Not oily at all and, when compared to the Big Dogs in town, stood up well to comparison.  Naan was good too.

So no complaints.  In fact nothing but praise really.  Fair do's, not the kind of place for a first date perhaps, but what can you say... Amaans seems to be knocking out pretty decent quality curries at a totally VFM price point.  I only popped in for a quick dinner and was dealt with efficiently and friendlily.  Further investigation will be undertaken.