Jan 06, 2012 03:59 PM
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(Updated Jan 18, 2012 05:36 PM)
Kebab is a meat dish originating in Persia and later on adopted by the Middle East, Turkey and Asia. The reason for the last statement is the fact that many places down south and east of India serve some terribly fried balls in the name of Kebabs. Al Siddique is one of the rare places which serves some of the best kebabs in South India/Bangalore.
In the North (Lucknow and Delhi) and the West (Bombay) Kebabs are a delicacy with no deviations in the recipe allowed.
One has to make the Shish Kebab served on the skewer just the way it is supposed to be. In the South, however, Kebab includes fried/boiled and fried and stewed dishes of large or small cuts of meat.
Al Siddique has kept the original tradition of the North and the West alive in Bangalore.
I somehow miss the original meat for Kebab - lamb, but the chicken they make is outstanding if not perfect.
Al Siddique is located on the St. John's Church Road. The ambiance isn't the right one at all. Its more of a pick-up joint. If you dont mind wooden planks called "chairs" and "tables" you can enjoy a meal right here. Al Siddique serves the widest range of Chicken items down south.
It is impossible to expect the Burrah Kebab, Galouti Kebab, Chelow Kebab or the Kebab Bakhtiari down south but Al Siddique does serve rare stuff like Irani Kebab, Lasoni Kebab and Sheekh Kebab Roll ( Rs.25 ). Most of the Kebabs served here are Shish Kebabs (grilled on a skewer). The price is outstanding.
Any plate of 10-12 pieces of Kebabs would cost just Rs 100 to Rs 120 . Health concerns about the grilling time are acceptable since the Kebabs get overheated and not optimal for consumption (he hardly has the time to serve countless people). One can always tell him "we wont accept over-grilled Kebabs".
The taste is excellent considering this is Bangalore! Kalmi Kebab and Irani Kebab are highly recommended. The Sheekh Kebab is the best in the city.
The main course is a sea-saw experience. You get some great gravies like Palak Chicken and Handi Chicken and at the same time some terrible gravies made the Indian-Chinese way. The roomali rotis (Rs 3!) are superb and go well along with the gravies.
Kebabs in South-India are in no way similar to most of other authentic Kebab preparations in the West and the North of the country. However Al Siddique is a much better option compared to other restaurants in the South of the sub-continent.
I miss the Shami Kebab, Galouti Kebab, Boti Kebab, Kaleji Kebab and the Pasinday Kebab . Never mind! This place is still a restaurant you must visit!
