Shhhhhh…the Shish Tandoori has no need to shout about its culinary qualities.
THE Bridge of Don-based Shish Tandoori Indian Restaurant is celebrating its fifth anniversary this summer – and is now firmly ensconced as one of the North-east Scotland’s most popular eating establishments.
Located at 9 Ellon Road, near the banks of the River Don, and Old Aberdeen, the Shish is very much a family-run business where the personal touch is paramount – spear headed by genial mine host, Joe Ghaly, whom has a wealth of experience in the quality restaurant business in Aberdeen.
The Shish’s elegant dining room, sprinkled with intriguing Indian artefacts, comfortably seats 50 patrons in a warm and intimate atmosphere. The well-stocked cocktail bar offers aperitifs and a wide range of fine wines before the daunting decision of choosing your meal from an extensive, contemporary and cosmopolitan menu at highly competitive prices.
If regular and repeat customers are the hallmark of culinary excellence, the Shish Tandoori most certainly ears this accolade. Understandably, Indian food is at the core of the restaurant’s cuisine culture, and there are more than a dozen starters, and a bewitching choice of main courses.
Naturally, the Shish specialises in an absorbing range of Tandoori and Tikka dishes with a strong North Punjabi influence – all based on original sauces. Prices range from £8.95 for Tandoori Chicken to £13.95 for jumbo prawn tikka. And adding a distinctly cosmopolitan touch are Egyptian kebab (chicken) at £8.95 and Turkish kebab (lamb) at £9.25.
As Joe Ghaly observes: “This authentic way of cooking captures all the flavour and natural goodness of the meat, poultry and fish. Tandoori is also extremely healthy as most of the fat is lost during cooking.” The meat is mildly spiced, marinated in yoghurt sauce, and sealed over fire in the traditional clay oven.
There’s a series of popular dishes – most of which can be prepared from a choice of chicken, lamb, prawns and vegetables; and an enterprising “ Something New” section. All the curry dishes are cooked in olive oil and additives kept to a minimum.
You simply must try Joe’s own “Ghaly Masala” – specially prepared on a low heat with ground cashew nuts, roasted coconut powered, ground chillies and finished off with coriander. Among a plethora of dished, which especially tempting to the taste buds are the South Indian Garlic Chilli and cream of prawn and salmon chilli.
THE Bridge of Don-based Shish Tandoori Indian Restaurant is celebrating its fifth anniversary this summer – and is now firmly ensconced as one of the North-east Scotland’s most popular eating establishments.
Located at 9 Ellon Road, near the banks of the River Don, and Old Aberdeen, the Shish is very much a family-run business where the personal touch is paramount – spear headed by genial mine host, Joe Ghaly, whom has a wealth of experience in the quality restaurant business in Aberdeen.
The Shish’s elegant dining room, sprinkled with intriguing Indian artefacts, comfortably seats 50 patrons in a warm and intimate atmosphere. The well-stocked cocktail bar offers aperitifs and a wide range of fine wines before the daunting decision of choosing your meal from an extensive, contemporary and cosmopolitan menu at highly competitive prices.
If regular and repeat customers are the hallmark of culinary excellence, the Shish Tandoori most certainly ears this accolade. Understandably, Indian food is at the core of the restaurant’s cuisine culture, and there are more than a dozen starters, and a bewitching choice of main courses.
Naturally, the Shish specialises in an absorbing range of Tandoori and Tikka dishes with a strong North Punjabi influence – all based on original sauces. Prices range from £8.95 for Tandoori Chicken to £13.95 for jumbo prawn tikka. And adding a distinctly cosmopolitan touch are Egyptian kebab (chicken) at £8.95 and Turkish kebab (lamb) at £9.25.
As Joe Ghaly observes: “This authentic way of cooking captures all the flavour and natural goodness of the meat, poultry and fish. Tandoori is also extremely healthy as most of the fat is lost during cooking.” The meat is mildly spiced, marinated in yoghurt sauce, and sealed over fire in the traditional clay oven.
There’s a series of popular dishes – most of which can be prepared from a choice of chicken, lamb, prawns and vegetables; and an enterprising “ Something New” section. All the curry dishes are cooked in olive oil and additives kept to a minimum.
You simply must try Joe’s own “Ghaly Masala” – specially prepared on a low heat with ground cashew nuts, roasted coconut powered, ground chillies and finished off with coriander. Among a plethora of dished, which especially tempting to the taste buds are the South Indian Garlic Chilli and cream of prawn and salmon chilli.
You must sample the Shish’s exotic and tantalising unique starter: haggis and aubergine bhaji – featuring haggis-stuffed tender baby aubergine fritters topped with South Indian spiced onion, herbs, drizzling with tamarind and date sauce (£3.95).
There is a wide choice of Korma and Biriyanis; a selection of “old Favourites”; and western-style dishes including prime sirloin steak with French fries (£10.95); King Prawns with special sauce (£12.95); and chicken and meat lasagne.
Eight vegetarian dishes are on offer, at £6.50 as a main dish, and £3.95 as a side dish. And there’s a “kids Corner” for the under-12s with a selection of meals at £4.75. However, all the curry dishes may be served as children’s portions.
The Shish Tandoori is an integral and dynamic part of the Brig Inn Complex, which incorporates the spacious, but cosy Brig Inn Lounge Bar, which has played a leading role in the Bridge of Don Social scene for more than 30 years.
The hotel offers eight tastefully decorated and comfortable bedrooms – complete with en-suite facilities and satellite TV, catering for business people and visitors. A large private car park means parking is not a problem.
The Shish Tandoori’s lunchtime menu is very appealing. From Monday to Wednesday, you can have a two-course special for just £7.95, while on Thursdays and Fridays there is two-course buffet at £8.50. This includes a selection of western dishes. A lunch date presents the ideal opportunity to have a cosy blether with friends, or entertaining business clients.
Wine connoisseurs can sample three house wines, a range of sparkling wines, and an extensive choice of white and red wines from around the world – including Argentina, Australia, California, Italy, Spain and South Africa.
The Shish also provides a takeaway and delivery service which means its delicacies can be enjoyed in your home or workplace. Delivery is free for orders within a three-mile radius.
And the restaurant also offers a full-fledged outside catering service for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, celebratory functions and social gatherings – at your chosen location. It also caters for in house functions – including funeral teas.
For a dining experience with a difference, the Shish Tandoori has swiftly established its credentials as THE place to eat in the Aberdeen area, Culinary delights is just a taste away. But Shhhhhh …it’s a well-kept secret!
Telephone us on (01224) 702449 or fax us at (01224) 707832
Opening hours:
Lunch set menu: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm – £7.95.
Buffet Lunch: Thursday, Friday: 12.00pm to 2.00pm – £8.50
Resraurant, Sunday to Thursday opening times: 5.00pm to 10.30pm
Friday, Sautrday – 5.00pm to 11pm
