Pakeezah Supermarket and Café

Samosa Chaat in the fore ground

A pending trip north to Glasgow, to visit Bradford Curry loving family, offered the perfect opportunity to revisit the recently discovered Pakeezah Supermarket and Cafe, not only to pick some Food2Go, but also have a spot of dinner.

Our usual early eating time normally results in us being the first dinners in whatever establishment we are visiting on that day.  Today was no different, and we had the pick of the booths.  However, it didn’t take long for the other booths to fill – one with about eight people crammed in – and other tables were filling too.  Café Pakeezah is, rightly so, very popular.

Izzy enjoying her Chicken Pakora

The friendly and enthusiastic waiter did a few chips for Izzy – although not on the menu I don’t think (??) – and paired them with chicken pakora, and Heinz red sauce!  She loved it - much to my snobby displeasure.  She should be taking after her Dad and eating curry?  Surely by 2yrs, a Vindaloo and a family garlic naan should be on her menu?  But one happy toddler equals one happy Dad, so hats off to Pakeezah for understanding her needs and taking pity on her.   I have been feeling a little sorry for her over recent weeks to be honest - and wondering about my own Fathering techniques when purposely ignoring “Izzy no like curry” whimpering’s from the back seat, as we race into Bradford!  She’ll learn… She has to!

I chose the simply wonderful Samosa Chaat again – I couldn’t resist - and it was just as good as the other week.  It has warm and cold elements, and also the quite spicy temperament, which is partially cooled by the yoghurt, but then finished with the sour tamarind.  It leaves no taste bud unturned.  Excellent.

We also tried the Lamb Seek, which were ace too.  The two meaty kebabs were formed with more coarsely ground onions and had plenty of texture.  They were flavorsome too, and fresh.  The onion bhaji were also good but, for my tastes, were a little off the pace compared to my favored bhaji haunts.  Grampa' loved them though.

Prepped for the trip north

Following our successful café trip, we visited the Food2Go counter to collect the weekends curry.  It's difficult to shop once tummies are full, but I managed… Somehow… I don’t know how… but I did… It was hard.  Four mains:  Potato and Spinach, Lamb and Spinach, Chicken Balti and Chicken Tikka Garlic, along with some chapatis, and some kheer (rice pudding), and a very generous freebie of Vermicelli Pudding (official name unknown?).  The curries travelled well to Glasgow, and were consumed at various times over the weekend, and were very good.  They were perhaps a little oily in places, and there was a little bit of a burnt garlic taste from the Chicken Tikka Garlic dish, but otherwise all were brill.  They had proper Bradford taste, which was very welcoming after ~4hrs of driving and were devoured with much endeavour.  The rice and Vermicelli puddings were excellent too.  Not too sweet, and subtly spiced with cardamom.

Regular readers will know I love Glasgow curry, and curries where ever I go, but I consider Bradford to be the best, and the option to easily take some with me – where ever I go – is quite appealing.

The 3 Singhs

The Gold at the end of the Rainbow

Location

The 3 Singhs Restaurant

254 Sticker Lane,

Bradford,

BD4 8RN

Tel: 01274 68 8799

http://www.3singhs.com/

Time

30th June 2012 @ ~20:00

Attendees

Deep, Kam, Rob, Gill, Jenny, Pete, Francois, Jaz, Lynda and John (me)

Flat bottomed Kwak glass

Pre Curry Watering Holes

A flying trip straight the Sparrow Bier Café, on North Parade, was all that was mustered on our latest Bradford Curry eating trip to The 3 Singhs.  A quick bottle of wine was downed, followed by a taxi up to The 3 Singhs.  A tip off, from a fellow member, had suggested we book a table at the 3 Singhs, as it can get quite busy, so we were limited somewhat on town centre time.  Besides, it was understood from the web site, that The 3 Singhs had an extensive bar area, so was not as crucial as on other trips.

 

Expectations

I’d heard lots of good things about The 3 Singhs, including: ‘best place in Bradford’ and ‘it’s the only place I go’.  Therefore, it looked promising and I had high spirits.  Besides, it was my Birthday eve, and it was going to take a lot to dampen my enthusiasm.  However, to be honest, in my heart of hearts, I was expecting without doubt top quality food but, with a perhaps slightly middle of the road aspect.

The Reality

A Clockwork Curry

A quality, large and comfy bar area, with large sofa’s greeted us upon arrival.  The bar, and restaurant for that matter, where tastefully decorated with light cream coloured walls, with dark wood and brown leather, and large windows.  It all gave a pleasing environment to sit and eat and drink.  Also, although very busy, the diners were not crammed in either.

Mixed Grill

Due to having the foresight to book, our table was all ready to go and, after a quick drink in the bar, we were escorted to our table.  We were not harried or rushed to take our seat, and this aided in the relaxing feeling to the restaurant.

With it being my Birthday eve I fancied pushing the boat out and experiencing something new and interesting.  A peruse of the menu however, suggested otherwise, when my expectations of the suspected user friendly menu came to fruition.  However, the smells and sounds permeating the restaurant were enough to get me excited and, in addition to the mixed grill, the Fish Karahi jumped out at me.  These were preceded by group popadons and pickles, which offered a standard but perfectly acceptable selection, and were crisp, fresh and tangy – perfect for whetting the appetite.

The mixed grill offered a thoroughly high standard of spicy chicken tikka, BBQy kebabs and verging on perfect lamb chops.  It was a fantastic but very meaty selection.  The addition of a bahji or some fish - although may ultimately cheapen the dish - might add some lighter morsels.  Having said that, it was all certainly top draw and my above observations are not meant as criticisms.  The mixed grill was ultimately as good as you’ll get.

Fish Karahi

Moving on to my main – the fish karahi – it was also very good.  A rather lighter option in both taste and heat was presented compared to what I would normally select.  An ample quantity of fish fillet was offered in a tomato rich sauce.  Now, it was an excellent dish but I’m not sure it was quite for me.  The curry was pretty mild in manor with the fish not giving the full bodied favour I would normally go for.  I did try the Mrs’s lamb and spinach and that ticked more of my Bradfordian taste bud boxes.  So although my fish karahi was an excellent dish, if you like that sort of thing, I think I would choose something else next time – just personal taste.

My stuffed naan was different story.  Well yummy.  It was very very filling though, what with a healthy filling of mash, and then buttered and sprinkled with coriander, it made for a hearty side.

Drinks Policy and range

Well stocked and large bar area was a welcomed addition.  I guess because The 3 Singhs is quite a way out of town then the bar area is a good idea.  It gives you somewhere to sit and meet etc.  Perhaps strangely, but only continental beers were on draught, with Indian beers available in bottles only. 

Birthday Boy

Highlights

The 3 Singhs was a great evening out.  Food wise it had to be the mixed grill for me.  Spicy chicken and bbqy kebabs were brill.

Lowlights

None – as mentioned above we had a fab night out.  Thanks.  If I was to be critical though, for me, a seasoned Bradford Curry eater, the menu was a little ‘Radio Friendly Unit Shifter’, but it clearly works, and the packed restaurant is testament to that.

 

The Damage

It was my Birthday… Birthday boys don’t need to worry about such things.  I understand it came to about £25pp inc beer.  So The 3 Singhs was similarly priced to other restaurants in the area of a similar ilk.

Aftershock

A full evening at The 3 Singhs was all that occurred.  The very full tummies I think would’ve put paid to any further partying!  I’m in my forties now, so always aiming for my bed post curry.

Overall

I think I speak for all when I say The 3 Singhs was very good from start to finish.  The bar, the staff, the service, the ambience and the food were all excellent.  However, a hidden gem, the Holy Grail, it is perhaps not – not in my eyes any road.  We will definitely return on our travels - I need the mixed grill and stuffed naan again, and need to explore the mains further.

The Kashmir - Izzy and Me Do t’Kash

"You will learn to like curry Izzy"

Currently I’m struggling to get as much Bradford Curry in as I’d like.  The perfect window of opportunity I have managed to engineer myself over the last few months (Thursday househusband day) has bitten the dust to a certain extent!  My beautiful 2yr old daughter, who I thought was going to carry on in her fathers footsteps, has suddenly started declaring “Izzy no like curry… ‘addy like curry… Izzy no like.”  Aaaarrrgghh!

Anyway, after a couple of Thursday's worth of househusbandry, with nothing but beans on toast for lunch, I’d had enough, and bundled Izzy into the car and sped to Bradford.

After much deliberation en-route, The Kashmir was the opted for establishment.  No fuss, bish bash bosh dinning, and cracking fish pakora for the Iz.  It is also part of my personal ‘Holy Trinity’ of The Kash, International and Karachi, and, in addition, I am trying to monitor the Kashmir’s apparent return to form - so seemed logical.

Fish Pakora

The Kashmir didn’t disappoint.  Initially quiet, we were offered menus, but there was no need, and I ordered straight away.  Within minutes fish pakora were presented, and were indeed as good (the best?) as always.  Chunky, flaky fish, in a light pleasantly spiced batter – a must try I reckon.

Lamb Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Naan

For the main curry, I chose Lamb Rogan Josh.  I’ve been in a Lamb and Spinach rut of late, so it was nice for a change.  The Kashmir’s Rogan Josh has always been a strong dish, and the crispy bell peppers add a real zing.  A high meat quota, diced small and in a thick sauce – it is Bradford personified.  The dish was a touch oily, but nothing excessive.

I’ve nothing to say about the best naan in Bradford - the Kashmiri Naan - except OOooo ERRrrr.

The Kashmir is still maintaining it’s current high standards.

Aagrah Event Catering

Aagrah has about 15 restaurants spread across Yorkshire.  It not only specialises in great cooking but does corporate type stuff, and also has an Events Catering Division.  It was this aspect of the Aagrah empire we were to sample recently.  This opportunity was going to present some interesting questions with respect to the balance between providing quality food, and enough menu choice to the masses.

The Event Catering was sampled at a Bollywood themed fund raising do I was lucky enough to be invited to, at the Clarke Foley Center in Ilkley. The do was organised by the family of an esteemed member of the Bradford Curry Club, and featured Indian dancing demonstrations, raffle, quiz etc, but for me the main attraction to the event was the the food supplied by Aagrah's Event Catering division.

The format was similar to some restaurant buffets with starters - which included chicken tikka, samosa's and pakoras - delivered to your table and main courses presented buffet style in large self service urns.

The fair was pretty good for this kind of mass catering type thing.  All kind of middle of the road, but high quality and tasty non the less.  Ideal really.  The starters had become a little tepid and flaccid, suggesting they had been kept warm for some time, but tasty enough all the same.  For me the Lamb Achari was the stand out dish.  Very meaty with the slightly sour taste from the added pickle was excellent.  It is a dish that I would likely order in the future in the restaurant.

I'm not a big fan of this style of dining to be honest - ie buffets.  I think it's been mentioned on this blog before I'm sure?  However, I thought Aagrah did an alright job.  It's difficult to pitch the food right for everyone I know, and I think ultimately it's this 'middle of the road' aspect that is just a little hum drum and lacking in sparkly that you get from a fresh sizzling spitting curry.  If I was to ever have the opportunity to organise such and event I would consider Aagrah.

New Akbar's

Looks like a new Akbar's is on the way. Spotted the sign across the shop front of the old jumerah!

That'll three Akbar's on Leeds Road! You can't have too many Akbar's I suppose?

Café Pakeezah

Supermarket cafeterias are not the sort of places I visit very often when in search of gastronomic experiences.  Sausage, chips and beans, egg and water cress sandwich’s and 3week old slices of lemon meringue pie are not my idea of yummy fodder.

However, Pakeezah, who run a brace of Asian supermarkets in Bradford, do things a little differently with their Café Pakeezah concept.

The branch off Thornton Road is essentially like every other supermarket… it sells stuff stacked up on shelves!  However, it’s when you venture down the Food2Go and the café area that things start to get interesting.   You are greeted with a supermarketesque deli/curry counter – but massive - where all and sundry can be viewed for you pleasure, including all the curries, starters and sweets.  It’s a curry lover’s heaven.

From here you can simply choose your curry and take it away, or opt to dine in the café.  It’s now thing’s take a rather splendid turn.  Because once in the café area, with it’s trendy high sided booths, it is difficult to remember that you’re in a supermarket at all.  It’s all proper, with menus and waiters, etc.  No sliding a plastic tray’s here.

Izzy and me order samosa Chaat, Lamb and Spinach (although we were served Chicken and Spinach??) and a garlic Naan.

I wasn’t sure what to expect – probably just quickly micro waved food in a bowl.  But oh no, proper sizzling hot curry in a balti dish and fresh naan.  The curry was excellent and top end restaurant standard easily, and all for £4.50!  £3.95 to take away or ~£50 for 60 protions!!  Yes you can buy you curry from Pakeezah in portions of 60!).  The naan was up there with the best too – very fresh and garlicy.  However, it was the samosa chaat that really struck a chord with me.  I spotted it advertised on a poster in the window – and not every having tried it before I thought it’d be good.  It looked yoghurty too so thought it would be good for Izzy.  The dish came with two warm, stuffed to the gills, tasty meat somosas, smothered in what I assume was the chaat.  The chaat, from what I could tell, comprised chickpea and potato curry, yoghurt and was topped with tamarind sauce, garam masala and fresh chilli’s!!  Please excuse my ignorance if this isn't correct.  As it turned out it wasn’t for Izzy either, but I loved it.  It was the kind of sweet/sour/hot/cold combo that attacks all your taste buds – it was also pretty darn hot (spicy). All for the bargain price of £3.95 (£2.95 take out), and I’ll definitely re visit soon for more.

Chicken and Spinach

Samosa Chaat

Café Pakeezah is definitely worth going out of your way for I reckon – not just a supermarket café, oh no.

Kerala Cafe

Location

139-141,

Bradford Road,

BD18 3TB,

United Kingdom.

Tell:  01274 595 367

Web:  http://www.kerala-cafe.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150504294118814.394464.705533813&type=3#!/keralacafeuk

Good pickles including carrot and ginger ones

Time

21^st April 2012 @ ~17:30

Attendees

Gemma, Noel, Jake, Gill, Rob, Jenny, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Lynda, Izzy and John (me)

Expectations

As always… pretty high.  The amount of research I do pre going to curry restaurants always means my mouth is watering days before visiting.  My research flagged up that Kerala was going to be something completely different to anything else anyone can savor in Bradford… Southern Indian Food.

The Reality

On first inspection of the menu it was immediately obvious we were out of our Bradfordian comfort zone, with a board of fare stuffed full of new to us dishes.  On further perusal, and reading of the descriptions more carefully, some familiarity could be gleaned.  The bread section is a perfect example… no chapattis, naans, etc, but descriptions revealed the breads on offer were ‘like chapttis’, ‘like naan’.

Vada's with coconut dip

So on to starters. After poppadom’s that were served with a good selection of pickles, which included a ginger and carrot pickle – excellent - I chose vada’s.  I’ve not had vada’s before but remembered the Hairy Bikers once cooking them on the telly, and understood them to be essentially a kind of deep fried chickpea doughnut street food type of thingy??  My vada’s were served with a coconut dip and, to be honest, I didn’t really like them – they seemed a little bland?  Now, before I go further, I have no vada experience, so can’t really comment.  They were well cooked and had a nice chewy dense texture, but perhaps needed a dip with a little bit more oomph?  It’s all down to taste at the end of the day I suppose?  Other options such as fish and chicken fries were also ordered, and were well received.

The Dosa's are as big as they look!

My main of Lamb Masala Dosa, although slightly collapsed by the time it arrived, was excellent.  It was massive, and heartily stuffed with a mild and very tasty lamb and potato masala.  A thin lentil soup/dip/sauce was served on the side.  I’ve had dosa’s before and love the concept.  Kerala Café’s dosa was no exception and I loved it all.  A dosa is traditionally made from a slightly fermented batter, and has a slightly sour taste, and is nice and crispy.  A much lighter option compared to Bradford’s usual massive naans etc.  I don’t know the technique for eating but I just dive in!!  Pour the sauce over the whole lot and go for it.  A dosa is an excellent experience if you’ve never had one.

The dinning environment is good café style.  It is basic, with no bells and whistles, but clean and tidy.  There was a lot of glass to the front of the café, and it was a sunny day, so was pretty hot – just like Kerala I guess?  I think twelve of us turning up unannounced slightly startled the staff, and there were some gaps in the courses, but as a whole they managed a sterling job so hats off.

Cool cafe interior

Drinks Policy and range

BYO.  Come prepped if alcohol is to be taken.  No ‘offies’ in the locale that I spotted.  Water, pop and some very nice fruit juices are available off the menu.

Highlights

I do love a Dosa – and this was it for me.  Also, the Lamb Chettinadu was outstanding.  “The best curry I had in a long time” - was the comment from one of the more ‘hard to please’ BCC members.  ‘Nough said really.

Lowlights

Vada’s – just didn’t get them at all??  Sorry.  To be honest, I have no point of reference, but just didn’t really taste of anything?  Having said that, the under two’s loved them – reason enough for me to love them I suppose maybe?  HHmmm?  The jury is out.

The Damage

A reasonable ~£15pp, as per the norm.  Good food for good money.

Overall

Kerala Café is a little out the way, but is definitely worth a visit for, not only the ‘something completely different’ aspect, but for a darn good curry too, and is also open at lunch time.

International Yet Again

I managed to squeeze a quick trip to the International the other day.

Strangely I was the only diner on this occasion?  Although I did visit mid-afternoon, so may be just a funny time.

Always top notch, I was soon breaking into my complimentary poppadom and perusing the menu deciding what to treat myself this time… Garlic Chili Chicken jumped out at me.

The dish did exactly what it said on the tin.  It was strong in garlic and also offered sufficient heat to let you know you were being spoken to!!  It was simply great.

This was yet another fantastic dish and overall experience from the International.

Akbar’s The Café Quickie – Excellent Service.

AAAarrrrggghhhhh!!!!

After the recent very successful Bradford Curry eating outing to Akbar’s Café, we didn’t need much persuasion to revisit on the spur of the moment when the opportunity arose the other week.

Again, even at noon, the restaurant was already buzzing.  I ordered the Lamb and Spiniach Handi again, and a naan… again, and fish masala for Izzy… hhmm… again!!  And why not – it was lovely last time.   Big Tone ordered a biryani.

Little tear away still treated to an ice cream

Although it was busy, we were rather alarmed to be told by the waiter that there would be 20 to 30 minute wait for our food!!  Probably the biryani we thought, and set too trying to entertain a short on patience and getting hungry 2 year old toddler.  To Akbar’s credit, they must have seen we were struggling somewhat with Izzy, as her patience wore thing, and the food must have been pushed through the kitchen in double time.  Our meals arrived in a fraction of the stated time.

What joy – a settled 2yr old, happy with her fish, and happy Dad with his beautiful Lamb and Spinach Handi, that was  wonderfully rich, meaty, and irony from the spinach.  Oh and a more than happy Grandpa with his biryani.  Quality food, with no evidence of corner cutting to get everything out to us quickly, is deserving of merit. 

Yet another top draw Akbar’s experience.

Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre

Location 

Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre,

122-126 Listerhills Rd,

Bradford,

BD7 1JR

Tell:
Get Directions

01274 720308 () ‎

Time

24^th March 2012 @ ~21:00

Attendees

(Rob, Gill), Jenny, Pete, Ian, Lara Lynda and John (me)

Pre-Curry Watering Holes

No children on this trip, so a proper pub-crawl - albeit short - had been engineered in to the start of this Bradford Curry eating trip. 

Inside the Sparrow

First up was the Sparrow Bier Café, on North Parade, and a very popular little beer drinking café-bar it was too.  Pretty cool with exotic beer advertising plaques on the wall, and little Formica tables and chairs.  Although specializing in beer, we started with a couple of bottle of wine – just to get the evening going you understand – so can’t really comment on the beer quality.  Basically, there were a number of speciality beers, including local ales, on draft, and also bottled continental types too.  It was noted as being, by a member of our party, “my new favourite place in Bradford for a drink” - high praise indeed and I’m sure it’ll be on the hit list for pre-curry drinks in the future.

Next was The Castle Hotel.  Here, a famous old Bradford drinking den was visited by us for the first time.  To be honest I’ve never really done much drinking in Bradford really – probably shows.  The Castle Hotel is a pretty bog standard ‘oldie worldy’ pub with a good selection of Real Ales.  I understand it to be popular with the CAMARA types.  I had a pint of something, which name escapes me, but was quite hoppy I recall.

Inside the Fighting Cock

The belly was rumbling now, but one final drink was to be taken at, from what I understand to be, the Bradford pub that towers above all other Bradford pubs – The Fighting Cock.  You see, again, I’ve never been.  I’ve been aware of its presence, and driven past and seen all the beer barrels out side but never stepped inside.  It certainly looks the business, and was expecting a real dark and dingy, small, spit and sawdust type of place.  How wrong I was.  It was full of trendy types sipping at their artisan real ales.  Surprisingly large inside, it was very reminiscing of Fanny’s in Shipley, which we visited a couple of months ago.  It is a Bradford institution and one not to be missed.  Dutch lager was my weapon of choice.  It was good, it was lager.

Another big plus point for the Fighting Cock is that it’s just around the corner from the Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre.

Expectations

The Mixed Sizzling Starter

Punjab don’t seem to like to advertise, and don’t have a web site!!  Other than driving past on occasion, the Punjab has passed me by entirely.  However, word of mouth is a powerful thing, and once probing the enigma that is the Punjab Sweet House and Grill  Centre, it was clear that the establishment is held in high regard.  Therefore, I was hoping to find a hidden gem and something a little special off the beaten track.  Also, the aforementioned Fighting Cock was around the corner.

The Reality

The extended drinking time meant we arrived at the Punjab gone 9pm.  This was good because the tea time rush was starting to ease some what – when we passed on our way the ‘Cock it was heaving.

Atmospheric Shot of Punjab

The open kitchen was a nice to see and it was good to spend a few moments watching the chefs producing the fresh food with bursts of flames and bangs and clatters, and loading the tandoors with freshly rolled nanns.  The Punjab was looking promising.

Décor fell into the posh café style.  It was clean and presentable.  There is also an attached sweet centre, but this was closed by the time we left.  We’ll have to ensure an earlier eating time for our next visit.

Inside the Punjab

No complimentary poppadoms to munch on as we perused the menu, but these were ordered as a pre starter to our Special Mixed Grill.  We asked for the chicken wings to be swapped for more chicken tikka, which was not a problem; and the dish arrived spitting and sizzling on its red hot cast iron plinth.  All aspects of the dish (lamb chops, chicken tikka and kebabs) were wonderful – moist, succulent, full of flavour with spice that danced on the tongue and attacked every taste bud. 

Lamb Handi

The menu was full and varied as whole, but didn’t offer too many dish options beyond the standard fare seen all over Bradford.  However, the Lamb Handi (on the bone) jumped out at me as something worth trying.  I’m glad I did.  The dish was pomp and ceremony, and arrived bubbling away in a clay pot held aloft and heated by its own tea light fuelled holder - very grand and unique.  A new experience was about to be had I could tell.  As for the taste – it wasn’t all ‘talk and no trousers’ either – and the word rich doesn’t do it justice!!  I’m guessing all the marrow from the bones must have seeped out to produce a curry with depth of flavour far beyond the any I’ve sampled in this town… indeed the world.  The Handi was ultimate hedonistic decadence in curry form - quite simply gorgeous.

Drinks Policy and range

Punjab is strictly alcohol free.  Calibrate in the Fighting Cock – if that’s your bag – prior to your arrival, and enjoy the delights of tap water and lassi during your meal.

Another shot of the Lamb Handi

Highlights

Lots of highlights – basically, for me, just a great night out from start to finish.  The Sparrow and the ‘Cock got the evening rolling with good booze and chat in atmospheric environs, then onto the Punjab where one of the – no THE - most lavish and decadent curry I’ve every eaten was savored to the last.

Lowlights

Only having too much enjoyment!! The enjoyment levels were at such heights we missed the last train.  Luckily the Punjab was on hand to sort appropriate transport for our party.  Still, it was an unnecessary taxi fare.  NB – this is not a reflection of slow service or anything – just us sitting in the boozer too long!!

The Damage

I didn’t notice the bill come around the table – again!!  Sorry.  I’m getting good at this.

Aftershock

The richness of my curry had taken its toll to a certain extent, resulting in indigestion and a small amount of squiffy tumminess to following morning.  But our livers thank us for the late finish in the Punjab and straight into a taxi home. 

Overall

We really found our hidden gem, and Punjab really lived up to the ‘word of mouth’ hype I’d come across on the internet.  Miss it out at your peril.