In Hector’s continuing quest to cover all the Curry Houses of Aberdeen, this evening’s intended venue was Maya (22 King St., AB24 5AX). Marg and Hector – enjoyed – an infamous visit there under its previous brand – Manzil – back in 2013. Maya is no more. What is worrying is that the latest Aberdeen Curry House to impress Hector – Ambal’s Restaurant (4 Bridge St., Aberdeen, AB11 6JJ) – has also gone. There was nothing for it, there had to be a return to the nearby Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE), perhaps the success of this venue was the noose for Manzil/Maya?
Entering around 20.00 on a Tuesday evening, three tables were occupied, not bad for the quietest night of the week. Marg chose a window table, Hector had his back to the action, for once. The Menus were brought in an instant by a Chap I did not recognise, however, Mein Host has spotted us and was over to extend the welcome.
Having reduced the notice required for Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£9.95) from 24 hours to one, there was a sense of frustration that I was missing out once more. However, I did see enough Lamb Karahi at the weekend. Still, this was not my intended venue this evening. Achari Gosht (£8.50) did not particularly impress back in 2012. One feels that Lahore Karahi has taken great strides since then, this would be a test. A Tandoori Paratha (£2.50) would accompany.
Marg has enjoyed Keema Variants here in the last couple of years, tonight it would be Keema Peas (£8.50) with a Garlic Naan (£2.50) to accompany. A Poppadom had been mooted, then a Chapatti, Marg had by now declared her hunger. A Naan to herself?
Marg announced that a Glass of Mango Lassi (£2.25) would be hers. Lahore Karahi still do not offer Sparkling Water, or even Hot Drinks as Marg discovered later when she asked for Coffee. They do operate a BYOB system as was clearly abused in a visit in September last year, and not by us. Should I bring my own Sparkling Water?
Achari Gosht
When ordered previously, the Meat content was debatably sufficient, the lack of a Pickle Blast disappointed. Tonight Hector had a Curry! The Thick Masala looked Rich, one could tell before the first dip of the Paratha that this would be a Worthy Curry.
The efficacy of the Paratha had to be questioned. Having had a Layered and Flaky Paratha exactly how I dream of them served up at Tanjore (Edinburgh) last week, this was an entirely different piece of Bread. Brown, suggesting a more Wholemeal-type Flour, this had an air pocket more associated with Pitta. It had been freshly prepared, had a welcoming – sheen – but was far from what Hector considers to be a Paratha. Tandoori Paratha, is a Tawa not better?
The Seasoning in the Masala hit hard, the Spice Level was commensurate, this was going to please. When Marg’s half Large Green Chilli came across the table, there was a further – Hit – to look forward to. The Lime Pickle kicked in, this was an Achari. Little Green Specks of Vegetable made me believe initially that my – No Capsicum – caveat had been ignored. Ah, it’s the Lime Pickle.
The Meat was counted, easily double figures of Tender Lamb. All but a scrap of the Paratha was consumed, leaving the final bits of Masala to complete the end game. Filling and Enjoyable, I would have this again.
Keema Mutter
The Keema Peas impressed Marg from the start. Tasty – was an almost immediate reaction. Marg too had issues with her Bread. I was asked if I thought this was a Plain Naan, no Garlic was visible. Again, a sheen suggesting Garlic Butter was the only clue. She asked the Waiter to confirm it was a Garlic Naan, it was, allegedly. I don’t taste any Garlic. None – she reinforced.
The Masala was Minimal as it should be, a mass of Mince with Peas. Some came my way, the Richness of Flavour took me by surprise, and this without a Methi Overdose.
This is spicy hot – was Marg’s next comment, explaining why the Chilli came my way. She was finished well before me, only the slightest residue of Orange Oil was visible at the base of her Pot. If Hector was in Aberdeen more often, help ma boab, this would be a choice. An Excellent lunch, potentially, but Lahore Karahi does not open until 16.30.
The Bill
£24.25. Including the Mango Lassi, this makes Lahore Karahi possibly the most affordable Curry House in Aberdeen.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was challenged, by Marg, about the Garlic Naan. We discussed the various ways it can be prepared. When the change came back, the Garlic Naan had been removed from The Bill. This is not what Marg intended, but there was an admission that perhaps Chef had overlooked the Garlic.
Five visits to a venue is not commonplace in Curry-Heute. Lahore Karahi has come on markedly since the early days. It is time Lahore Karahi was added to Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.
See you in the summer.
It is summer – was the reply. In Aberdeen terms, this may well be true.