With a barely suppressed gasp, Bu-Ali’s receptionist said: “The vindaloo? Are you sure? It’s very, very hot.”
“Do your worst,” I challenged them.
When it comes to vindaloo, I’m impossible to please: either the heat drowns out the flavour, or it’s not hot enough. They can’t win.
And so, rather grimly, I sat down to this chicken vindaloo (€8.50) in anticipation of disappointment. This was incredible.
It was indeed very hot, but it was not “very, very hot.” Instead, the flavours shone through: fresh plump tomatoes, sweet spicy chillies, and each spice allowed to play a part. As usual, my pic doesn’t do it justice!
I had an adequate coriander naan at €2.50, although in fairness, I don’t think these travel well. I made my own rice and saved €1.60.
I’ll rue the day I discovered this place.
- Bu-Ali, 28 Lower Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 014546505. 5pm-11.30pm
Friday 13 November, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I was in Co Cavan recently and ordered an Indian from a takeaway in Belturbet. I went for the madras and one of my friends went for the vindaloo. Words cannot describe how hot they were! I was actually crying spicy tears after about three mouthfuls. My friend’s face nearly fell off. I really don’t think a curry should be such a horrific experience! People in Belturbet are hard as nails.
Friday 13 November, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Bu Ali is my local Indian takeaway and it is absolutely smashing! Its prices are reasonable and the staff are very pleasant. Sometimes I go there instead of calling and I am especially reassured by the presence of the old man, presumably the owner, who is always sitting at one of the tables and who gently instructs the younger staff with an almost imperceptible nod. Straight up, no fuss, good food.
Friday 13 November, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Another vote for Bu Ali! I used to live off Leonard’s Corner and called there regularly. Its also decent enough option for eat in, though the food is much better than the decor – canteen style dining.
Sunday 15 November, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hi Peter,
I am curious – in your review you say you made your own rice. Did you bring it in with you in a lunchbox or something? And the restaurant was ok with this?
Thanks,
V
Sunday 15 November, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Hi VK. This was a takeaway so I made the rice at home. Just mixed in with a bit of fresh coriander.
Monday 16 November, 2009 at 11:57 am
+1 fan for bu ali – all time favourite indian takeaway
Monday 16 November, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I get takeout there twice a week. The chicken balti is great, the potato and cauliflower curry even better.
Wednesday 18 November, 2009 at 1:56 am
Bu Ali is my nearest takeaway and absolutely cannot rate the food highly enough! My family were so sick of hearing me rave about it that I brought a huge takeaway over there one night to share the joy. They were so impressed they now drive over from Artane to get take out once a week. It’s THAT good.
Saturday 21 November, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Sorry, Pete I’m so annoyed I feel compelled to moan. We ordered take away from Bu Ali around 5:15 knowing we had to leave at 6:30. We called at 6:10 wondering why it hadn’t arrived and were told it would be there in 20 to 25 minutes. An hour 15 minutes for takeaway?? not impressed!!
Monday 23 November, 2009 at 10:53 am
Apparently Bu-Ali was the first Indian takeaway in Ireland, fact fans