Sultan Restaurant & Take Out

Whatever one's taste in food or cultures, we all love savouries. Even in formal Indian entertaining they provide the gateway to the rest of the meal to come. The Sultan's starters of Pakora's, Bhaji's, Sheesh Kebabs, salad, Raita, and soups. Samoosas are a hors d-oeuvre that never fails to satisfy.

The hardest thing I find to come to grips with in this "Sultan Restaurant" is what to choose for the main course. Over the years when I have been faced with this dilemma, I wait and see what everyone else orders and then order something different. This way I can taste theirs as well.

They have a very interesting selection under "Typical Indian" and I think I will choose one from there this weekend: Qeema MutteR, Qeema Kerala, Qeema Aloo, Bhindi Gosht (I have had that one before - lovely!), Keral Gosht, Tinda Gosht, Dall Gosht and Aloo Gosht. I will need Ali´s guidance on what is the difference between Qeema Aloo and Aloo Gosht. The wonderful names conjure up all exciting smells and spices. Roll on Saturday - I am starving now.

The prices are so good on the whole menu. You can have a whole range of Chicken curries for €5: Normal, Mild, Hot,Vindaloo, Bhoona or even Karahi or DoPiasa, Achari, Dall. For fifty cents more you can taste Rogan Josh (that is good!), Karahi, Ginger, Chana, or Palek chicken Curry.

For the very hungry folk you can have a Mixed Grill for €9, a Full Chicken Tandoori for €9 (half for €5) and Chicken Tikka for €5 or Sheesh Kebab as a main course for €4,50.

Really good value is served here at Sultans. These are the "safe, well-tested and loved" options I usually go for: Chicken Tikka Masala or Chicken Tikka Jalfrezei at €6,50. Now I see they have a Chicken Tikka Royal Masala at €7. Will I have room for one of them? Mmmmh...

There is still more to drool over. That is why I recommend you take some friends with you, so you can all order something different.

Qorma dishes - you have a choice of 3 : Chicken, Kashmiri or Pistacho (contains nuts!). Fish lovers can ponder over different prawn curries: Prawn Curry Achari, Prawn Curry DoPiaza, or Prawn Curry Mushroom; along with the traditional prawns with normal or hot curries - Madras and Vindaloo´s.

A wide range of beef curries are offered, from varying strengths like Beef Bhindi, Beef Tinda, Beef Daal, Beef Karela or Beef Palak. They also have the Beef Bhoona (very popular) Beef Achari, and Beef DoPiaza.

The English often forget to include a vegetable dish. I do urge you to add at least one - even if you are sharing. Bombay Potato, Turka Daal, Bhindi Bhaji, Palak Panir and AlooBengan are all good choices. But if you are not sure of the contents, just ask Ali.

The story of Pilaaus is an ancient one. Persian in origin, the Moghul kings introduced it to India. Over the centuries it has taken on its own distinctive forms. Likewise, The "Sultan" have created some dishes, unique in taste and flavour. Ask Ali or Naveed which would be a better accompaniment to your main course; Basmati Rice, Mutter Palao, Chana Palao, Egg Rice, Zafran Rice or Mushroom Rice. Otherwise, if you are in a group why not order a selection and savour the varieties.

If you feel rice may be too filling for you to get through your meal, why not order less rice and include Chapati´s, Tandoor Roti, Tandoori Paratha or my favourites- Nan. Plain Nan, Special Sweet Nan, Mince Nan (now that is different!), Garlic nan and Cheese Nan - one that Vegetarians enjoy. This way you all discover new tastes.

Maybe you have never been over keen on spicy food or feel out of your "comfort zone" in trying something new and daring. Don´t worry! You can still order Fish & Chips, the traditional and safe Chicken and Chips, Chips and Curry. Or maybe you prefer a plate of chips instead of rice with your meal. But I do suggest you try a little of your companion´s Indian meal - you may just like it, for next time. Remember if you prefer your dishes sweeter, creamier or fruitier, just ask the chef.

Biryani is the dish royal amongst all exotic rice dishes of India. The chicken one reigns supreme and is a dish served for kings. Here at Sultan they also carefully prepare lamb and beef Biryani and the Prawn and the Vegetarian is also worthwhile ordering.

A selection of beers and wines is available, as well as the interesting Lassi soft drinks from India. I highly recommend the mango or banana ones. Mr Hussain meticulously prepares the food, for you to appreciate the delicate food flavours of all the dishes. Choices, choices, choices - one visit and one meal does not do Sultan justice. You just feel you must come back again and try something different!

PS If your eyes have been bigger than your belly, take the leftovers home!