Finally a bit of Spring weather so Easter Sunday was well spent tidying up the garden.
My husband and I are no gardening experts but we do like it to look good so clearing of leaves, pruning back the plants (hopefully we did it right!) and even a start on the dreaded fence painting.
We also have a 14-week cocker spaniel puppy called Jarvis – Jarvis Cocker (only readers of a certain age will get this!) who was determined to join in every activity and of course more of a hindrance than a help.
So we were thankful to have a fine Indian to look forward to and no cooking to be done.
The venue
Stepping into Shish Tandoori is like stepping into a pair of your favourite slippers. It is warm, cosy and ever so comfortable. Just over the Bridge of Don and adjoining the Brig Inn Bar, the restaurant has a large car park around the back.
It was a lovely Spring evening and after booking online we were surprised to see how busy it was. The decor is very traditional but I feel that is part of the charm. Lots of red and black soft furnishings, curtains with swags and tails white fresh posy’s of gypsophila and carnations brighten up the tables.
Tablecloths are starch white with red table runners and there is a mix of cream booth seating and solid dark chairs.
The food
A warm and friendly greeting from the waiter and we were handed a leather binder which was more like a book than a menu.
We had invited along my Mum to join us who had also been working in her own garden so a nice reward for all of her hard work.
So the discussions began, should we share a starter, how much rice do we need, do you think the tikka masala will be too spicy?
We ordered some poppadoms which arrived with the usual chutney accompaniments, spicy onion, mango chutney and sweet chilli. We relaxed sipping on a nice fruity bottle of merlot for a very reasonable £18.95.
The menu is extensive. Split into various sections, popular dishes, kormas, biryanis, tikka dishes, old favourites and new they really have all varieties of Indian cuisine covered.
I absolutely love brie so was instantly attracted to the chicken and brie pakora and we also plumped for the onion bhaji to share.
The chicken and brie were presented on skewers with the deep fried brie sandwiched between the chicken.
The chicken pakora was juicy and tender while the deep fried brie just melted in the mouth – a joyous dish that left us wanting more!
The onion bhaji bathed in fragrant spiced batter and served with a minty yoghurt dipping sauce was also very tasty.
Almost too swiftly our main courses arrived and we quickly cleared space on the table for the fabulous dishes.
My Mirchi chicken korma with mango was sweet, creamy and delicious.
The curry was mild in flavour with a hint of almonds and plenty of chicken and slivers of one of my favourite fruits, mango.
You could choose between mango or pineapples so will have to go back again to try the pineapple option.
Keeping with the sweet theme the aromatic peshwari naan bread, drizzled in honey was perfect for dipping into the sauce.
Mum had gone for the jumbo prawn biryani, skilfully served as a dome shape on a large white serving bowl.
The popular rice dish packed quite the punch. I know this because Mum couldn’t finish it so I had some boxed up and enjoyed it for lunch the next day!
We did feel that the prawns seemed a little overcooked but the rice was moist, robust and infused with tasty spices.
The accompanying biryani sauce tasted delicious, full of spices and herbs and perfect with the aforementioned naan bread.
Ever the ‘experimenter’, my husband chose the royal tikka masala with lamb.
We never have lamb at home as I don’t like it, so he was delighted to have it in his curry.
If you are unsure whether to go for a bhoona or a balti this is the perfect dish to try as it amalgamates both sauces with plenty of ginger and garlic.
The sauce was thick and intensely flavoured while the lamb was juicy and tender.
He felt the dish wasn’t overly spicy but he felt a lovely warming after kick from the chillies. He managed to devour the curry and the golden pilau rice in no time; no carry out box required here.
The verdict
Shish Tandoori is a very popular restaurant in Bridge of Don but is easily accessible from town as only minutes from the beach.
They offer a huge variety of fresh Indian cuisine to suit the whole family. Service throughout was efficient without being obtrusive. A glass of red wine spilt over their white tablecloth didn’t phase them.
And if you can’t manage along, they also offer a fabulous takeaway service too. I would gladly go back again just to order that brie starter.
Information
Address: 9 Ellon Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
T: 01224 702449
Price: £85.75
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