I'm known for liking the unusual in my curries. Rhubarb and banana I’ve had them both. And enjoyed them.
Abdul Kahar shook his head. “We don’t do that here,” he said, throwing a quizzical look in my direction which showed he thought I was slightly mad.
I’d heard good reports about Abdul’s Bangla Lounge in Birstall. Our friends Kath and Simon swear by the place and have made it their local – even though they live 15 miles away.
That’s some recommendation I guess so it would be rude not to take them along.
It’s also ‘bring-your-own,’ another favourite of this cash-conscious Yorkshireman who resents paying more than he has to for his wine.
We booked, of course, and parked easily outside and the first thing I noticed was a police van parked over the road.
My journalist’s nose for news was twitching but all seemed quiet in Birstall town centre this Friday night.
The restaurant’s lights burn bright into the street so you can’t miss the place – Simon told me the lighting is going to be turned down a notch in the future for a more intimate atmosphere – and once inside we were warmly welcomed by Abdul and his staff.
The reason for the police presence suddenly became clear. England were on the telly and Birstall’s boys and girls in blue wanted a takeaway to watch Rooney & co batter Lithuania.
Two cops left the premises piled high with boxes, a little embarrassed to be caught red-handed.
The restaurant has a fresh, modern look and is currently undergoing a revamp. We were shown to one of Abdul’s new ‘pods,’ a table surrounded on three sides by comfy leather bench seats, which offer a degree of privacy while still allowing you to be part of the atmosphere of the wider restaurant.
We set out with poppadoms and the pickle tray, as you do, and were munching and chatting away – and sipping our drinks – before Abdul realised we had been here a while and hadn’t seen the menu. Not a bother, Abdul.
I’d already checked it out online and there were some unusual dishes to tickle my fancy.
Maybe not rhubarb or banana but there was venison, duck, spinach and mozzarella cheese. Not your usual Indian (or Bangladeshi) fare. Mozzarella on your curry? Strange enough for me.
Sian and I both wanted the fish pakora (£2.80) for starters and Abdul suggested one of us had the Asian-style fish fry (£3.50) instead and shared. Good choice. The stir fry was a gentle appetiser and the pakora was light and crispy.
Popeye fan Kath had the spinach pakora (£3.50), a combination of cheese wrapped in fried spinach, and served with salad. This was beautifully presented with the word Bangla signed in yoghurt, a clever and unexpected touch.
“Absolute heaven on a plate,” was Kath’s verdict.
Simon’s classic onion bhaji (£2.50) was tasty and generous in portion.
For mains the choice is wide with dishes under the headings Signature, Contemporary and Homestyle.
For those wanting to make an occasion of it there are specials on the menu that require 24 hours notice. These include whole chicken or leg of lamb.
Venison and duck are also on the contemporary section and it is clear there is talent and creativity in this kitchen.
Faced with an array of choice I again decided to take the advice of Abdul. I chose the Chicken Hariarly (£6.95), chicken and spinach (Popeye’s a favourite son of Birstall, obviously) cooked with a combination of hot and mild spices. It was a taste that danced on the tongue.
Abdul asked about my attitude to risk. I opted for safety. “Slightly the hotter side of medium,” I said.
There’s no point spoiling a great meal with burn-out, I’ve learned.
Sian also went for a chicken and spinach link-up with the Chicken Sag Makkan (£6.95), garnished with fried garlic and topped with mozzarella cheese. “Unusual but delicious,” said Sian.
Kath had Tandoori Chicken (£6.95) which was a sizzling success while Simon had the Chicken Biriyani (£6.95) but asked Abdul if he could swap the vegetable sauce for the tadka dal. “Absolutely,” was the reply.
The presentation of this dish was straight out of a high-class French restaurant. Erm, are we still in Birstall?
We shared sides of (ahem) spinach rice, cashew rice (like!) and the most enormous garlic naan.
The others were too full to contemplate dessert but I’d spotted a tempting one, coconut ice cream served in half a coconut shell. A cool antidote to spinach and spice.
It was only when checking that Popeye the sailor man wasn’t a native of Birstall that I discovered the day before our visit was National Spinach Day.
Well it had to be really, didn’t it? We left with bellies and biceps bulging, vowing to return very soon.
38 Low Lane, Birstall, WF17 9HB.
Tel: 01924 474777
Website: www.banglaloungeyorkshire.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 5.30pm-11pm
Children: Very welcome
Disabled access: Yes
The bill: £63.20
Would you go back? Definitely
