New Karahi Palace – Visit #1 – 2014

Only Punjabi Curry will do

There was No Friday Night Curry-Heute, Hector does eat Other Food. The Ritual Saturday afternoon Glasgow Curry had to be at the New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), Chef Rashid makes the Perfect Hector Curry.

Shahid extended both hands across the Counter as I approached. I would not be dining alone. A Chap was in the midst of his Curry Fix, sitting at the Spot where Hector normally sits. There was mutual acknowledgement.

The Hector Curry – Lamb Karahi, on-the-bone, with Extra Methi and Seasoning was duly recorded. I was in the mood for Rice, however, Shahed dissuaded me. He assured me that Karahi works better with Chapattis, but would arrange Rice if I really wanted some. Chapattis it was. Shahid then mentioned Dundee. Hector and Marg had Curry at the Balaka last summer. Apparently one of The Chaps from this very Traditional Indian Restaurant made his acquaintance and mentioned the Calling Card. It is pleasing to hear that Curry-Heute is being discussed within the Curry Trade around Scotland.

Rashid was at his usual place in the Kitchen. I took a Can of Mango Rubicon from the Fridge and sat at the Alternative Seat adjacent to my Fellow Diner.

My Fellow Diner comes to the New Karahi Palace every time he is in Glasgow. He told me his Father was an excellent cook but he never learned himself. The quality of what was served at home was taken for granted. The Home-style Fayre served up at the Karahi Palace is therefore thoroughly appreciated.

Sometimes there is the Presentation of Salad and Raita and sometimes not. Today there was. A Simple Salad and Excellent Raita.

A Familiar Face took a seat at one of the remaining two downstairs tables. Asian Robin is how I shall describe him. The Stocky Build and Dress remarkably similar. The order was the same as when I last saw him at Cafe Reeshah, Daal and Two Chapattis. His meal came first, he ate in silence, no communication of any sort. He ate, he left.

Shahid brought the Karahi and One Chapatti, the Second followed on. The Karahi was a Visual Feast. A Variety of Lamb Pieces, Chops and other Cuts topped with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. The Masala was there, buried, the Perfect Quantity. It was Thick with Fresh Tomato, no Purées and Food Colouring used here. This Curry-style from the North-West Frontier is preferred above all. Chubby Fresh Green Chillies featured prominently, the Kick was immense. The Eating was Sheer Joy, the Freshness of the Ginger and Coriander blended with the Rich Masala and Array of Tender Lamb, this is Curry! My Fellow Diner watched with interest, he could sense the Pleasures I was experiencing, he had just finished his Wonderful Curry served at the New Karahi Palace.

The Bill

£9.50. I could eat here every day – I said to Shahed as I parted with the cash.

The Aftermath

On display was a very Yellow Dish which I initially thought was Cauliflower, but then I changed my mind. It turned out to be Vegetable Pakora Curry. This I must try.

On the walk in the rain up Pollokshaws Rd, I reached the Afghan Village, open everyday from Noon till late, this will have to be investigated.