Mr. Snax had communicated with The Hector on seeing I was in Bradford – You must go to Kashmir! (27 Morley St., Bradford, BD7 1AG). Hector has been Breakfasting at Kashmir for a Decade, the downstairs part of this Restaurant opens early, though not as early as they used to. 11.00 currently appears to be when one is welcome, today I arrived at 11.30. Two Staff were watching TV, awaiting Customer #1, that was me. Mein Host emerged from the kitchen a smile was forming on his face, hands were shaken. It has taken years, finally he recognises me.
Fish Karahi has been my Standard Breakfast, I wondered if there was any other Fish Interpretations available. Mein Host informed me that the Karahi was all. Fish Karahi (£6.70) and Two Chapattis please.
A Modest Salad with Raita was brought with a large Jug of Tap Water. The Salad remained untouched. The Chaps were still watching TV, a Qawwali Singer was belting out his song aided by the semi-circle of backing vocalists. I didn’t understand a word, but there was a sense of Comedy. The Chaps were amused.
The Fish Karahi and Chapattis were brought without comment, a Karahi served in a plate. When Mein Host saw me take the customary photos he was back. In all they years he has never asked. A Calling Card was probably given years ago. I showed him the Curry-Heute Website. That Glasgow appears first brought the subject of Akbar’s to mind. He is aware of the extent of this Chain. He became interested immediately in the Bradford Section and the number of visits. He could see clearly that The International across the road and the Sheesh Mahal have significantly more entries.
We are only number 3 in Bradford? He left with the biggest smile I have ever seen him display.
Fish Karahi
Three Chapattis had been provided, presumably this was automatic in the kitchen, who orders two Chapattis? Whatever the Fish, there was more than enough, there were no Bones. Fish adds a new dimension to Curry, and makes a great change from the normal Lamb Overdose which I inflict upon myself. The distinctive Fish Flavour was accompanied by Tomato on the Palate. Studying the Masala more closely did reveal a considerable Tomato Presence. This was a followed by a strong Citrus Blast, three Flavours, simultaneously, Wonderful.
The first Chapatti was not a problem, then the internal alarm went off, slow down on the Bread. Towards the end, yet another Powerful Flavour was revealed, the Classic 1960s Curry. This was a Complex Curry, one to savour, one to remember.
The Bill
£6.70. As stated above.
The Aftermath
The photo of Mein Host was obtained, now to find out his name…