Not another Curry-Heute, Hector? Pete’s surprise Curry this afternoon at the Staggs (Musselburgh) indeed was a treat. No way was I going to pass up on a visit to Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ).
Hector was dining alone this evening, well almost. All four downstairs tables were occupied, a group had two tables joined together. I had to join a Chap at a table who was eating alone, no problem here. I failed to register what he had, though it was being washed down with Mango Rubicon. Hector would stick to Tap Water. A Chap at the adjacent table received his Order, a photo was secured – Chicken Daal. Chef Rashid was in his spot, Ayaz, Mein Host, managed to serve me without coming out from behind the counter.
No Lamb, only Lamb Chops – he advised me. Lamb Chops Karahi (£9.70) it would be and a solitary Chapatti (£0.70). The extra charge reflected the presence of Tandoori Lamb Chops as opposed to Tender Lamb which is the norm.
A Modest Salad and Raita were brought by the Spanish Lady, never have Tomato and Cucumber tasted so good, cool, refreshing. Again I ask – what is the purpose of Lettuce?
Tandoori Lamb Chops Karahi
It has been a while, yet some have suggested this is all I ever eat. The Masala was familiar, Thick-Dry-Minimal, Herb-rich, Magnificent. The Chops were initially too hot to touch and so dipping strips of the not so Hot Chapatti started things off. I then took a spoonful of the Gritty Masala, the Temperature, Spice Level and Seasoning were bang on, a slight Tang developed too. Green Chillies were strewn through the Masala Mash, some were almost – Whole – adding a further – Kick. Ginger Strips kept reappearing as I dug down, occasional Stems too – Fresh Coriander. There was Methi in here too though difficult to identify, Mmmm. This is how I prefer my Masalas, no blending here, serve it as is cooked. Dark and Rich, I can replicate the appearance but not the Overall Flavour.
The Tandoori Chops had a different Texture to that which is normally enjoyed on these premises. Tandoori Lamb is Tougher but gives off so much Flavour. Again the Seasoning was all, the tongue tingled. I could not tell at the outset how many Lamb Chops were present. Each was thoroughly enjoyed, in the end I was left with one and three discarded bones. Never have Four Chops entertained so much. I have not enjoyed anything as much as this in the past month. Was the last time when I was at Karahi Palace?
The Bill
£10.40. Worth every penny.
The Aftermath
Ayaz was in the mood to chat. He mentioned the redecoration of the upstairs. I thought he said it had been done, so up we went. Ah, no change here, still the garish, Ice Cream Parlour décor. Ayaz has plans to totally revamp and in effect relaunch. Waiters and Pads were mentioned. Presently, the upstairs is staffed on an ad hoc basis, as and when required, there is no real presence. I have seen an upsurge in activity upstairs being posted on a certain Social Medium of late. Poetry recitals, and other meetings have been held here. The Asian Community must hold this venue in the highest regard, they need to attract more from the broader community.
I suggested they have to change the facade of the building, it is not attractive, people walk by as I did for years. Other venues were mentioned, we agreed on the three venues in Glasgow which sell the Best and most Authentic Punjabi-Desi Cuisine in Glasgow. Karahi Palace is of course one of these three, the other two are also south of the river. Curry-Heute is about making this known.