Nawabi E-Khas; Al Nawab; Mirfield

I love Al Nawab, the family love Al Nawab and I'm pretty sure the guys at Al Nawab love us....

So, we went last night (11/06) for Rich's 30th birthday, early doors so the lickle boys wouldn't be too grumpy and too late to bed - we got ourselves settled (while waiting for Firmin and Sam - hmmm, plan in the bin).

If you've not been to Al Nawab before, it really is the best Indian restaurant in the area, some people (Rich) would say the world - it's that good... but I'm sure there are nicer ones in Chennai.

Anyhoo, the popadums came out early doors to nibble on. I'm struggling to think of a better place for the papad... always seem very very fresh and not these pre-packed ones you get in some places. Served with the usual mango chutney (yummy), onion and mint (yummy) and mint sauce (yummy but with a cheeky kick).

Oliver loved the papad with mint sauce... I know a 38 year old who couldn't cope with that spice, so hats off to the Bear!!

For starters, the wife and I shared the veg samosa - we always do. Pretty damn good as always. The pastry was ace and the filling was mildly spiced, not too overpowering which made it even better for Tra. I spiced mine up a tad with the mint sauce. Very impressed.
My mum went for the mixed starter and struggled through it, so handed me a piece of lamb tikka. Awesome. If you like lamb starters, it's a must!

Main course wise, it was the Nawabi E Khas. This is a new dish off their menu. Essentially, it's chicken in a relatively spicy sauce, cooked with pineapple and fresh green chillies. I'm a massive fan of fruit in curry, and have had this before so went there again. It didn't disappoint. The chicken was lovely, the pineapple was sweet and cooling and the chillies added the spice you would expect. It wasn't a spicy dish though, much more flavoursome that that. That's what I Love about Al Nawab - you get to taste the dish rather than pure spice.

As a side order to my dish I had the garlic naan. I used to be a bit scared of their garlic naan due to the strength of it, but in time you learn to embrace the taste, and it really is a taste sensation (not as much as their cheese and garlic naan but close). It was lovely and fresh, and had lashings of fresh garlic on top. I dread to think what the guys at work thought this morning, but I don't really care cos it was awesome.

As per usual, I left a (little) bit, I was looking for the Birthday Boy to finish it off for me, but he had the Balti Royal - which I must say is a bloody good choice. He ended up pogged so didn't have enough room for mine. I really need to write an additional blog on the Balti Royal.

So... everyone loved their tea, Oliver loved another early sampling of Indian food.

Al Nawab confirmed why there is no need to stray outside Mirfield for a high quality feed and I left the restaurant pogged and sleepy. It really is brilliant, we've been going for 10 years and never had a bad meal. If you're contemplating trying it - go for it, if you're a veteran, you'll know what I mean.

I'm sure this won't be the last blog I write about Al Nawab, in fact, I reckon it'll be the first of many.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy your dish should you venture there...

I'll no doubt be back on here again in the next week or so, until then, have fun!

Matty