The cold, wet, windy evening seemed to be a different world as I looked out through the glass on the poor people still fighting their way through it from my comfy warm chair, an immediate plus point.
I arrived at Kebabeesh very early, around 5:30 on a Wednesday evening and was the only person in there. A friendly smile and welcome soon put me at ease and I was seated in the conservatory, had this young man known about the aforementioned coffee chain success? Either way it was a welcome spot.
As I looked over the menu a waiter dutifully took my drinks order and swiftly returned, by now more customers made their way through the door. People filling a restaurant this early on a mid-week night surely is a good sign.
A little under ten minutes and my order was flinging its way to the kitchen, a kitchen you’re able to see thanks to a cleverly positioned window. Another good sign, a restaurant who actively encourage you to see your food being cooked!
I’d decided on a tried and tested starter, lamb chops £4.95, a usual at most curry houses yet not one that all can get right. All too often you can be present with what looks like a child portion, I’m not the size of a child, or something that’s been reheated in a rush to get things out. A delicate blend of soft moist meat with a distinct flavoursome spice is what I’m looking for, and I wasn’t disappointed. Clearly freshly cooked they were a good size, 3 in total. One of the highlights of the dish was the accompanying sauce, I’d assumed it was mango chutney but was
pleasantly surprised to be told “it’s a homemade Tamarind sauce” a spicy, fruity flavour that complimented the meat perfectly. I may be in the minority but it’s the first time id had it, and it won’t be the last.
Whilst waiting for my main I took in the surroundings. The building Kebabeesh is housed in is an old building, low ceiling, dimly lit lights, and comfy chairs. It’s almost like going round to a friends for dinner, and having been run by father Jay, and now son Ammar it’s no wonder. They seemed to know everyone coming through the door, I get the feeling that once you go to Kebabeesh, it quickly becomes one of the old favourites, a place “where everybody knows your name” as the old line goes.
By now the restaurant had a nice level of atmosphere, lots of tables quietly enjoying their meals, smiley faces all round that I could see.
On to the main course, id taken the recommendation of the owner Ammar who I’d got talking to and plucked for a chicken handi (no pun intended)
My initial thought of it being similar to a Rogan Josh was not really on the mark. “It’s similar in that it’s a tomato base, but the focus with a handi is to get more flavour in the base sauce, onion,, homemade garam masala powder, crushed garlic and strips of ginger” certainly an owner who takes a keen interest in everything the kitchen send out!
Along with the recommendation I chose Bombay potatoes and chapatti.
The handi was a huge success, I’m quite a curry fan but this is now top of the list, a rich flavoursome sauce wrapping itself round soft chicken, occasionally interrupted by chunks of tomato or ginger. Definitely one you need to try!
The potatoes were a great side, spicy as I’d asked for rather than just how they were brought (a nice touch I thought) not everyone likes spicy but it’s nice to be given the option of how you like your food to be cooked.
By the end I’d come to the point of happily full, sat back watching the world run through the rain. I’d initially decided to not go for a desert, but when I realised Oreo cheesecake was on offer, my sweet tooth won the battle.
The cheesecake was good, thick and rich just as a cheesecake should be with an Oreo flavour coming through, the only downside to the cheesecake was the base wasn’t as crumbly as I’d like, but then again this isn’t the Cheesecake factory, its Kebabeesh, and the thing is they’re supposed to do well, they do incredibly well.
Kebabeesh seem to have a very clear understanding of who their customers are, there’s no cold shoulder trying to be uber cool or something they’re not, They want customers to come in, and keep on coming in rather than moving on to the “next hot spot” and judging by the first name basis Ammar was greeting everyone with its clear it’s working.
So if you’re looking for great food, a warm friendly welcome and a restaurant that will be added to your list of speed dials, then Kebabeesh is the one for you