A visit to Mumbai 27, Belfast

Belfast has quite  a variety of excellent Indian Restaurants and with the forthcoming Irish Curry Awards, they are very much in the limelight.  I have many favourites and a new addition to the list is Mumbai 27 in Talbot Street, Belfast.  I have been a few times and have not been disappointed yet.

Talbot Street is right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast and so perfectly placed for a pre dinner snifter in one of the many bars and pubs that provide a real buzz in the area.

My friend Clare and I arranged to meet at Mumbai 27 for dinner and a catch up.  I had booked a table, not really thinking that it would be necessary mid week but I was glad that I had as the place was quite full when we arrived.  The outside of the building is very traditional in red brick but when you step through the doors it has a really modern feel.  We were shown to our table which was a black and leather booth.  Other tables had been divided with voile curtains to create some privacy and looked great.

We spent some time perusing the menu, having our usual debate of will we have starters? Are you happy to share? How many sides? etc. etc.  Compromises made, we agreed to share 2 starters, 1 main and a couple of sides.  I have to admit to being a bit bereft that there were no poppadoms on the menu as they are normally my favourite part of the meal!

The food:

When the starters arrived I was struck by how beautifully presented they were.  The Malai Tikka was a delicious marinated chicken in yoghurt and black pepper topped with a few shavings of cheese.  The Deshi Bhaji was an onion and noodle fritter served with tamarind sauce.  A bit like an onion bhaji but not as oily and with some noodles throughout.  We loved both the starters and congratulated ourselves on our choices.

Our shared main of Lamb Jalfrezi arrived with our chosen sides. The lamb was tender and served in a spicy tomato sauce with red onion, peppers and garlic.  I love spicy food and this had  quite a kick to it.  So much so that we ended up asking for a portion of raita to cool it down just a little.  Our sides were Shada Chawal (steamed rice), Aloo Palok (baby potatoes with spinach) and Chana Makhan (chickpea bhuna)  These were perfect accompaniments for the lamb but I will admit that the chickpea bhuna was a particular favourite.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed and the staff were attentive but not overly so which can be quite annoying.  In fact we were so relaxed that it took us a while to realise that all the other diners had left and the staff were probably waiting for us to leave so that they could close up.  Not that they said a word!

Lack of poppadoms aside, I am a big fan of Mumbai 27 and would totally recommend that you visit!

Our bill:

Malai Tikka- £4.50

Deshi Bhaji- £3.95

Lamb Jalfrezi- £11.95

Shada Chawal-£2.20

Aloo Palok- £4.45

Chana Makhan-£4.45

1 bottle of Sol Oro Sauvignon Blanc- £16.95

TOTAL- £48.45