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| An expansive 648 words from gastrojock on Thursday, September 23, 2004
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| Food: |
Value |
Service: |
Decor: |
Rating: |
Cost/head: |
Suits: |
| 8/10 |
: 9/10 |
8/10 |
5/10 |
80 % |
£10 |
Small Family Gathering |
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Had fully intended to go to Nooraani last Friday for some post dog racing nosh before retiring for the evening.
I did not make it, however I duly went along with Mrs GJ and surly student daughter on a dreary Wednesday evening.
Found it OK on Slade Road but be warned parking is a bit of a bark.
After negotiating the 'trick' steps on the way in we were warmly welcomed and shown to a table for 6 half way up the room and fully utilised the extra table space with Mrs GJ and myself sitting at one end with surly student daughter at the other (boyfriend problems) !!
After surveying the 'standard' Balti house menu we had a chance to give the place the once over in terms of decor and cleanliness.
The decor can be described as mildly eccentric with a bit of a fishy theme. i.e. large tropical fish tank in the window with some motion sickness inducing 3D place mats with dolphins on the tables.
One big plus is that Naarooni is clean and we could not detect any build-up of dust, dirt or grime on any surfaces. The table linen was spotless, the floors had no evidence of being neglected and the open plan kitchen was well organised with lots of hand washing during food preparation. All good signs.
We were all in the mood to eat and this was reflected in our choices. Mrs GJ had Tandoori Chicken to start followed by a Chicken Balti, the surly student had Aloo Channa Chat then went all retro and had a Chicken Korma. I had an Aubergine Puri followed by a Lamb & Saag Balti which, on the recent advice of a fellow BPer, asked to be hotter than is normally served. In addition, we ordered a Plain Nan, a Keema Nan, a Peshwari Nan and some rice.
We broke out some of Czechoslovakia's finest in anticipation of the first course which on arrival did not disappoint.
No dodgy Tandoori leg and a wing for Mrs GJ who was served a full breast of chicken on the bone. The meat was succulent and the marinade not over-powering. The Aloo Channa Chat was excellent, the chick peas and spuds were still recognisable and not the usual mush covered in yogurt. My Puri was of the same standard with a nice 'bite' to the aubergine served with a stew of tomatoes and onions. Although deep fried, the puri was not oily.
Another Budvar and the atmosphere was warming nicely, even to the extent that surly daughter had decided to join us just before the mains arrived which were all pronounced favourably with no adverse comments and more pointedly, virtually oil free. All very good.
I want to underlined the quality of the bread we ordered. The Plain Nan was as good as it gets. The Peshwari Nan was stuffed with fruit and nuts and drizzled with honey (the only minor downside was that I felt a stronger honey could have been used). The highlight however was the Keema Nan which can only be described as a thin layer of lamb and corriander sandwiched between a very light dough. Absolutely brilliant and if the food rating rested on the bread alone it would receive 10/10.
The bill was embarrassingly low (£30 inc. tip).
As the readers of this review who know my thoughts on Birmingham Balti House offerings will have probably realised by now that this is a bit of a 'eureka moment' for me and I can honestly say that I will return, as will my family and the individuals we will recommend Nooraani to.
I sincerely hope that this find will be like the No11 bus and another 3 Balti houses will be along in a minute, however, cynical old me thinks not and Naarooni will be the single Swallow that did not make summer.
If you are the restaurant owner, we now offer the RIGHT TO REPLY
(see below):
RIGHT TO REPLY
Received from Mohammed Jahangir - Nooraani Balti House. Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hi! Gastrojock, thanks for wonderfull review. I love it. Guess what Gestrojock, thanks to all our wonderfull customers like you, this single Swallow is still here and still going strong since 1994.
Look forward to see you again and again.
Cheers.
Mohammed
Nooraani balti House |
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