With plenty Street cred

Jun 27 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

With plenty Street cred

WHEN there’s a new kid in town I like to get acquainted.

So when I learned that Street Pakistani was ready to open in my neck of the woods in Brighouse I was itching to give it a try.

The restaurant is in the building that was the former (and notorious) Clifton Arms pub in Park Street, closed five years ago.

Businessman Shehzad Hussain acquired the building two years ago and I’ve watched as it has undergone a major refurbishment both to the exterior and interior.

The result is a stunning ground-floor banqueting area, the first phase of a development which will see an a la carte restaurant added later in the year and then a bar with eats.

It’s a brave venture in these times when we’re all frightened of the economy tipping over, but on the basis of my evening there it deserves to succeed.

We arrived at the unfashionably early hour of 6.30pm. There was a friendly welcome when we entered, though, and we were ushered to a table as we took in the surroundings.

First impressions are that this is an exceptionally well-finished place, with a dazzling mosaic floor design which cannot fail to catch the eye. Look for the coins in the pattern.

The name of the restaurant and the small Pakistan flag placed proudly at the till leave you in no doubt about the type of food and origins of the family who run it. A reminder that we shouldn’t lump all curry houses together into the “Indian” food category.

Three of us checked it out, tastebuds tingling in anticipation. Our verdict was that it won’t be long before we’re back again.

Basically, it’s a self-serve buffet of the all-you-can-eat variety and an absolute bargain at the introductory price of £9.95 a head.

With its open plan kitchen, Street Pakistani sets out its stall as an unfussy and buzzy place to eat.

Trade was building up nicely when we went, so it might be an idea to book ahead on some nights if popularity is maintained.

We were seated quickly and from the drinks list chose two Cobra beers at a reasonable £2.25 each and a glass of wine, also fairly priced at £2.50.

Our waiter told us just say when we were ready to eat and they would make sure fresh naan was ready. A nice touch, putting us immediately in a favourable mood.

I think almost everyone must have tried a typical Chinese display buffet as they are everywhere; but a Pakistani display buffet, now that’s another thing.

So if you are one of those people who only eat one or two things on an Asian menu, then this is the place for you because you can have a small taste of all the dishes on offer and find your favourites.

The danger about self-serve is that you can go mad, pile up your plate, pile it again and go home ill – a common failing with many people.

We were determined to avoid greed and began sedately with a few appetisers.

As well as the usual onion bhaji, kebabs and the like, there were a few things we didn’t recognise and had to have a short tutorial from a passing member of staff.

So now we know that when we see a certain dish you have to break it open, put chick peas inside and drizzle a tamarind sauce over the peas. Only trouble is no-one of us could remember the name afterwards.

But it was a new taste much to our liking and shows you should never be afraid to experiment.

The popadoms were a joy – crisp, dry and a perfect match for the onions and sauces which were on offer.

Chefs were toiling away behind the buffet counter as we ate, so we knew the food was fresh and had not been standing around.

Mains dishes will vary according to what they feel like rustling up, we learned.

Chicken korma was sweet and fragrant, charcoal-grilled lamb chops were great and fried fish fantastic, a favourite of all three of us.

Other dishes may include lemon chicken, butter paneer and dall gosht. And don’t worry, veggies – there’s plenty for you.

Desserts included gulab jamun and kulfi.

Now hear this, there’s a mock-up ice cream van in one corner dispensing cornets with chocolate flakes, lollies and scoops in a dish, if that’s your fancy.

Wow! Brighouse is coming up in the world.

We left with a feeling of warmth – and it wasn’t just to do with the weather.

VENUE Street Pakistani, 10 Park Street, Brighouse

TELEPHONE 01484 715111

OPEN 5pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays, 4pm to 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, noon-10pm Sundays

CHILDREN Really welcome. They can even have pizza if they won’t eat curry

DISABLED ACCESS Yes

THE BILL £39.35 for three, including drinks

WOULD YOU GO BACK Try and keep me away