Mother-in-Law is 90, Marg and Hector have driven to the frozen North on the eve of the celebration. This means an Aberdeen Curry-Heute at 21.00 on a Saturday night, how often do Marg and Hector eat together in a term-time Saturday?
Having done my best for Ambal’s Restaurant on recent visits, it was time to try somewhere different. A Reliable Curry Website revealed that it is four years since we last dined at Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE), where has the time gone, and more importantly, what has been in Hector’s mind which blocked this venue whenever a choice was being made?
We found a parking place some fifty metres beyond the venue, Marg remembered to check the parking meters. Free after 20.00, only in Aberdoom. On entering, a large group occupied the left seating area. All the tables down the right of the room were occupied bar one which was being cleared; this was the busiest we have seen Lahore Karahi. We were escorted to the rear of the central row of tables, a good spot. From here we could survey all, we would as the night progressed.
Our first visit to Lahore Karahi was in 2011, Hector had a decent Methi Gosht, Marg had a somewhat Soupy Karahi served by a Dippy Waitress. On the last visit in 2012, it was Achari Gosht and Butter Chicken served by a Quirky Waitress. The Achari Gosht disappointed. On both visits, the Meat count was a strict – 6 pieces, not Huge then. Being served by Kids on both occasions, who had little idea of what they were about, was the lasting memory.
Four Years Later
Tonight the Staff were all Male, it became apparent very quickly that they knew what they were about. The Menu was well-fingered, no complaints here; the prices have not increased since last time, a definite plus. Most significantly, the price of a Tandoori Roti was therefore still £1.20 which in Aberdeen is remarkable. Hector has issues with the ridiculous price of Bread at Aberdeen Venues but not here!
It had to be Methi Gosht (£8.50) for Hector, the Keema Paratha (£3.50) Test would be conducted also. The Menu states Keema Aloo or Peas (£8.50). Marg asked for advice about which was better to have – ask for both! – and so Keema Aloo Mutter it was, accompanied by a Tandoori Roti. A Main Course and Bread for under a Tenner in Aberdeen?
I asked the Young Waiter for Extra Methi and Hotter than Medium, duly noted.
Sparkling Water is still not available, indeed only the most Minimal Range of Drinks is on offer. Marg ordered a Glass of Mango Lassi (£2.25). Lahore Karahi operate a BYOB policy. This feature had been fully exploited by the Group of Eight who thankfully felt relatively remote, though we could certainly hear them, especially The Women. This made a change from badly behaved children.
Two warm plates were brought in good time before the arrival of the Curry, by now a couple were sat at the adjacent table, we still felt we still had plenty of space. Marg estimated Lahore Karahi seats @forty, the place was still half full.
Another Chap brought the Curry, the Keema impressed immediately, no sign of unnecessary Masala. The Methi Gosht had a suitably Thick Masala, I had to count the Meat – 6 pieces. I did raise this by one later, The Standard Portion. Marg had no such issues, her metal bowl had a Very Decent Portion.
This has a kick – was Marg’s first utterance. She ate on.
This is great.
The Potato is quite filling. The Hector had a solution to this problem.
Before commencing the Food on my side of the table, the Keema Paratha Test had to be conducted. The Paratha had been needlessly Quartered, I took a piece and split it open, this was different. Hector is looking for individual Grains of Brown Mince, not a Layer of Red Donner-like Meat. Here was a Layer of Brown Meat. Visually more pleasing, however, Grains would have been better. Still, a Fine Paratha.
The Methi Gosht was Well-seasoned, extra Green Chillies had been added so this was far from Bland. The Herb content was visible throughout the Masala. I was not getting a huge Methi Blast until…
Is this Lamb? When I cut the Meat and it rveals a columnar structure, I have my doubts. This was not Leg or Rib, but I have found Lamb this way before. Whatever, the Meat was giving off no real Flavour and did not feel as if it had met the Masala long before it had met The Hector.
I had to help Marg, the Potatoes came my way. Hector now had his Interesting Vegetable, the Methi Gosht was greatly improved. Although the Aloo had no taste other than Potato, I did start to sense the Herbs more clearly. This made a Good Methi Gosht – Very Good. But still no – Wow.
Who would be a Waiter?
The Party was over, the Group of Eight were departing, but not before the Birthday Boy expressed his displeasure. I heard exactly what he said to a Waiter whom by now I realised was one of the Two Main Chaps running the Restaurant.
I could not let the Chaps finish their shift on a Low. I produced the Calling Card and handed it over with the Replacement Samsung showing the review of my last visit. Mein Host said he thought he recognised Marg, but certainly knew the review, apparently he has used one of the photos.
Of the Group of Eight, I was told only four had dined, the Hysterical Women had not spent a penny in Lahore Karahi, well maybe one at a time. I had only ever seen seven.
The Bill
£23.45. 50p less than anticipated. Still, the tip covered this.
The Aftermath
One of the two Main Chaps identified himself as Mein Host. We updated our Friendship on a well known social medium. I congratulated him on the price of the Roti, not £3.00 a pop here. The – 3 Free Chapattis – in Bradford had to be mentioned. He did admit that overheads on the Main street would be higher, still, it’s Flour and Water.
I asked what Meat was served as Gosht. It was Lamb, they do not serve Beef having customers from parts of India where Beef is Verboten.
The Chef and his Assistant (Mein Host’s Brother) took a table in the centre of the room. The Chef’s Curry was on the table, I had to ask. Chicken Karahi. Again I had to ask, they never add Capsicum. The Masala was more copious than I would prefer, but far from the Soupy Karahi served five years ago. A second plate appeared, I saw the Sucky Bones, much better, Lamb Karahi on-the-bone. This is available on the Menu with an hour’s notice.
Mein Host has promised that whenever they have new developments on The Menu, he will be in touch.
The Staff Photo was duly taken. The Hector has well and truly made himself known at Lahore Karahi.
£1.20 for a Tandoori Roti in Aberdeen, Les Autres take note!