The only genuinely Indian run curry house in Sheffield and being run by practising Hindus specialises in vegetarian dishes, for those with a conscience.

are you sure about this? Amber on ecclesall road is run by a chap who is actually from India and a practising hindu.

Do people normally check the religion of the waiter serving them before ordering food?

The other day I had steak and chips in a pub without even bothering to check if the chef was a practicing Christian!

The only genuinely Indian run curry house in Sheffield and being run by practising Hindus specialises in vegetarian dishes, for those with a conscience.

Have only vegetarians a conscience?

Its true that the vast majority of curry houses in Sheffield (and thr UK) are Bangladeshi or Pakistani run (theres quite a few Kashmiri places in Sheffield) - but I'm pretty sure the Ashoka on Ecclesall Rd and possibly the Royal Spice in Walkley are also Indian run.

I've always reckoned a good Southern Indian or Gujarati veg place would do really well in Sheffield...

Nirmal used to give Curry cooking lessons in the seventies, she taught my Dad Indian cookery and he cooks the most amazing curries ever.
He still has the school notebook he handwrote all her recipies in although it a bit dog eared now as it has been very much used.
He lives in London now but I like going to Nirmals as it reminds me of his curries. They're actually probably a little nicer. (Sorry Dad).

There's nothing like going out for a ruby and being told what you are going to eat (despite your protestations) and having the owner of the establishment sit beside you as you spoon the stuff into your mouth.

To be asked 'It's good, huh?' and then told 'I know what you would like' to find that not only does the food you didn't wish for arrive pronto at your table, but that the cost of it is routinely added to your bill.

And the tragedy of this is that Nirmals is indeed a superb restaurant.

There's nothing like going out for a ruby and being told what you are going to eat (despite your protestations)

I always go with their suggestions, otherwise I would just have the same thing every time, I have tried stuff I never would have chosen myself and realy enjoyed it.

The only genuinely Indian run curry house in Sheffield and being run by practising Hindus specialises in vegetarian dishes, for those with a conscience.

They have no conscience though funnily enough about vastly overcharging for their food:rant:

Sorry cant stand the place didnt reckon much to the food or the rip off prices :mad:

I've been to both Nirmals, and Kashmir, and I'm afraid for me,the Kashmir wins hands down.

(especially as I like to choose what I am going to eat, rather than being "told" that I am going to have dish X, Y, or Z)

The Kashmir also does a great vegan selection (I mean ! gosh! they even do a vegan Laassi! :clap:"

It's time someone opened a curry house that's the complete opposite of this place and called it "Abnirmals".

i also have to say i hate the place, always a rip off, i have never know anyone to not be ripped off in there.

The Clay Oven near Hangingwater is run by a very pleasant chap from Goa. Used to live opposite it and was in there pretty much weekly. Have since moved and miss it - cracking curries.

I've never quite managed to find the perfect curry in Sheff so can you tell me where both Nirmals and the Kashmir are as I fancy giving them a try?

I've never quite managed to find the perfect curry in Sheff so can you tell me where both Nirmals and the Kashmir are as I fancy giving them a try?

kashmir is really cool imo. however, please expect an indian transport cafe in appearance. the food is bang on and you can get the works for about 12 quid a head. take your own booze or cross the road with a pitcher from the real ale pub opposite.

i went for the first time last friday and loved it. put my faith into eating out as i have had some very average experiences recently. will be going again this weekend for sure.

make sure you have the poppobombs to begin with!

kashmir is on spital hill just heading out of town via the wicker arches.

Just got back from Nirmals - very disappointed :( The food wasn't fresh, the portions were small (which wasn't a bad thing considering the quality of the food) and the naan's were the worst I've ever had... think it must be trading on past glory, because it certainly did not live up to its name.

I used to go to Nirmal's a lot at one time - I haven't been for years and am not missing anything I don't think.

On my last visit I couldn't help noticing that she was still sporting framed cuttings of the restaurant's hey day, "Good Food Guide 1982" and the like, some 20 or so years on. That should tell you everything.

Nirmal's was good, very good in fact, back in the '80's. Her home-made dishes were refreshingly different to the mainstream Indian places and it was the best place in Sheffield. But, she was always pricey and always very pushy. The other contributors on here have it spot on - she will sit next to you, eat your poppadoms, and tell you what you are going to order, then sting you with the bill. Big rip off sadly - and the food doesn't live up to it.

Two newcomers worth trying - Akbars and Aagrah. Both of West Yorkshire fame and having earned a great reputation over the years around Leeds and Bradford, have now opened in Sheffield. Akbars way out on Meadow Hall Road is like an Indian palace inside, but very dark indeed. Nice fish dishes but the curries tend to be very dry without sauce. But nice quality all round. Aagrah's in the prime location in Leopold square has it's own fresh fish counter and there's something about spiced fish that is very special - not least that most of your average curry houses don't do it. But avoid Aagrah's at weekends when it gets outrageously busy. I liked the food there and would say it's probably the best Indian in Sheffield right now. But next week...?

Nirmals is the WORST Indian Restaurant in Sheffield - not because of the food (which is 5/10) it's because she likes to rip people off.

For two people it was £66 for one of the crappiest experiences ever.. She gives you a little blackboard and tells you to order something from that. There are no prices on it though and when you get the bill you'll see how the price is hiked up - and she likes to help herself to a service charge.. We argued the bill but she wasn't having it...eventually we gave them £60..

It's crap and if you go there then good luck and make sure you have loads of money. Oh and you might get them telling you that even though you've just started your starter the main course is ready..what?? Were they in such a rush to move us on???

The Mangla and Cafe Guru are far superior in every way to that hole..

The Kashmir is the best in my experience, with the Mangla not far behind. Whoever mentioned the east house, good call, a pint of real ale and a curry go down brilliantly together :D

Not been to Nirmals for years as it became consistently poor and pricey. The Kashmir is indeed a fine institution but my current favourite is the Chaman, just before the Arches. They do very fine spicey lamb chops; with a starter and a lassi, that usually adds up to £10!

Im a Shapla fan personally, bottom of the Moor.

Went to Nirmals a few months ago and it was one of the worst meals I've ever had. I ordered a saag paneer but the spinach wasn't fresh and you really had to search for the paneer. The naan bread had the texture of a cracker and the portions were tiny, though this was a small mercy considering the poor quality of food. Never to be repeated! :shocked:

However, if you're looking for a great curry as a veggie I'd recommend Ashoka and Ayesha's on Eccy Road and The Mogul Room in Hunters Bar - yummy! :thumbsup:

That woman in Nirmals tried to make me and my girlfriend buy a mango desert, she wouldn't take no for an answer, very strange but I remember the curry was pretty good?

Im a Shapla fan personally, bottom of the Moor.

I went there for the first time recently. It was very good. I ordered a few starters to share, followed by a mix of vegetarian curries. All very tasty.

I'm not a veggie (far from it) but find vegetarian curries are always more interesting than meat ones. Particularly spinach ones. :D

Yes, I've heard that she's quite a character... she told my friend off when he ordered a second beer and then wouldn't let him order the meal he actually wanted :loopy:! How has this restaruant lasted so long with service like that!?!

Top Curry houses in Sheffield;
1. Mangla
2. Butlers Balti House
3. Cafe Guru
4. Dehli Junction when it was open.

I wonder if it's the same woman who was there years ago?

Her sari doesn't fit as well as it did in 1982.

went there once , , we were there early and the food tasted like it was yesterdays leftovers warmed up. never again

Her sari doesn't fit as well as it did in 1982.

Bloody Hell it didn't fit great then :hihi:

Nirmals is the WORST Indian Restaurant in Sheffield - not because of the food (which is 5/10) it's because she likes to rip people off.

For two people it was £66 for one of the crappiest experiences ever.. She gives you a little blackboard and tells you to order something from that. There are no prices on it though and when you get the bill you'll see how the price is hiked up - and she likes to help herself to a service charge.. We argued the bill but she wasn't having it...eventually we gave them £60..

It's crap and if you go there then good luck and make sure you have loads of money. Oh and you might get them telling you that even though you've just started your starter the main course is ready..what?? Were they in such a rush to move us on???

The Mangla and Cafe Guru are far superior in every way to that hole..

Here Here - Mangla no disputing!

Not in sheffield but if your ever in the area i would recommend it, ate there last week, very nice. Also has a Thai restaurant upstairs which I hope to try in a few weeks when I am back down that way.

http://www.jaipur.co.uk/

Ashoka and shapla are my favs, the new place aagrha on leopold square is very good IMo. depending on my mood and timne off the day . Ashoka been a posher more of a birth day thing. Shapla always friendly eevn very late on. Aagrha (spelling) I love the spiced chicken liver starter and their fish. Good bread too. Often go for the Roti


the mangla with its supper hot palm oil drenched currys are among the worst places to eat in town. Vile

Chaman Balti house on wicker. Trust me, it gives bradfords curry houses a run for their money. nice and lush inside too

Chaman Balti house on wicker. Trust me, it gives bradfords curry houses a run for their money. nice and lush inside too

I was looking for somewhere to eat on Monday near The Harlequin pub so we might give this one a go...cheers for the suggestion :thumbsup:

You wont be disappointed i hope, and look out for the chef, he looks like bruch forsyth!

You wont be disappointed i hope, and look out for the chef, he looks like bruch forsyth!

some satisfied customers :D

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2008/02/22/bruce1884.jpg

You wont be disappointed i hope, and look out for the chef, he looks like bruch forsyth!

Thanks for the tip. We went tonight and it was great. I'm completely stuffed though. The naan easily feeds two and the mango lassi fills you up.

Some interesting things on the menu, I unknowingly nearly ordered lambs feet! :o