Where has the last month gone? I reckoned I must have been here since the last trip to The Staggs, Musselburgh. A Reliable Curry Website states otherwise. I thought it was only Three Weeks since my last Visit, it turned out to be Four, and Ayaz later would observe I Visit every Two Weeks. If I could, I would eat here Everyday. Only a Two Minute walk from Bridge Street Subway Station, or Ten on Foot from Glasgow Central. The reasons for mentioning the Locus and the Frequency of Visit will be revealed shortly…
The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) finds Hector Dining on their premises for the Thirtieth Time. From the First Visit this Venue has impressed. Only a handful of Glasgow Curry Houses have had Hector crossing their threshold with this degree of regularity. People keep asking me where is my Favourite Curry House, the Column on the right of this page surely gives this away?
With Cars parked outside as per the last visit, I was not surprised to find Three of the Four Downstairs Tables occupied. Ayaz, Mein Host, shook the Hand of Hector on entry. Shan was in his usual Spot awaiting the Food to Deliver. Chef Rasheed was at the Rear of the Open Kitchen, also in His Spot. All was set for yet another Superb Curry Experience.
To make a point, I ordered Lamb Chops to Start, a First. A Fellow Diner permitted a sample last visit, hooked.
I think I need Lamb Chops to Start.
The Normal? was Ayaz’s reply.
No, The Better – was Mine.
Rasheed knows – Lamb on the-bone, Minimal Masala, Extra Methi and Extra Seasoning – for anyone who has not visited these pages before. Chapattis assumed, and topped up as required.
A New Waiter plonked down a Minimal Salad, one had to smile. At least there was Raita to make it Interesting. This was ignored initially, but came into its own moments later.
Four Chops, yes Four, were presented with No Fuss, and no attempt at Decoration. The Lemon Quarter was squeezed over the Chops, here we go..
Tandoori Chops, Sublime. I was taken back to Greece 1984 when I first had a Chop prepared in such a manner, and that was Pork! Instinctively the Salad and Raita formed the Perfect Accompaniment. No Fuss indeed.
To my left was a Fellow Diner sitting alone. He looked as if he knew exactly what he was about. His Chicken Curry looked too Soup-like for Hector and was accompanied by a Large Bowl of Boiled Rice. I had to engage him.
A Regular at the New Karahi Palace over many years it was inevitable our paths would cross. He loves his Curry and rates this Venue highly. The Calling Card was handed over. He may well introduce himself in the days to come.
And so to the Lamb Karahi. The Photographic Ritual was conducted and would bring immediate comment from John down south. You have no idea how wonderful this is – I wrote on a Popular Medium. The Kick was way beyond The Norm that has been served over the years. Rasheed has turned the Spice Level up a Notch or Three.
The distinctive Karahi Palace Flavours were there, the Seasoning exactly as Curry needs to be in order to kick Bland into touch. The Fresh Green Chillies, the Chubby Ones, along with the Fresh Ginger Strips gave even more Kick and an alternative Texture. The Lamb as Tender as Lamb can be. Sometimes Lamb Chops appear in this Dish, not tonight, almost Gigot Chops judging by the Cut. The Four Chops Starter had slowed me down, perhaps this added to the Overall Enjoyment, instead of Wolfing it was time to Savour.
One Chapatti tonight would be enough, the offer of a Second was acknowledged and declined. The Chapatti Dipped into the Oily Mash at the Base of the Karahi is when the Pleasure Rating goes off the scale. This is so far removed from what is sold in the typical Curry House. Curry does not get better than this, and here it is in my Home City.
The Bill
£15.00. Only tap Water was consumed. Four Chops and a Curry for this price. Most Agreeable.
The Aftermath
Ayaz and Hector had a long discussion. He started by asking if I had been to – … the Place along the road.
I used to virtually live in The Village – I informed him. I used to walk past this Venue regularly on my way back from The Village. Whilst they still make Outstanding Curry, One gets served Faster here and the Food is always Hot, it has not been sitting out waiting to be brought to the table.
I sensed Ayaz’s Frustration at the fact that people are not flocking to the New Karahi Palace. What does he have to do? He assures me they do not cut corners, only the Best of Lamb (and other Ingredients) are served here. He is doing his utmost. I was told they do most of their business Midweek when the Cash and Carrys in the Tradeston area are open. The New Karahi Palace is quieter at weekends. I suggested he has to get people to go upstairs. Even getting rid of the downstairs tables was discussed. The Upstairs also has to be given an Ambience away from the the 1950s Ice Cream Parlour which it displays currently. Whoever designed this did them no Favours.
Maybe One Day Everyone comes here. – said Ayaz.
Then I won’t. – was my reply.
Actually, nothing could keep me away from the New Karahi Palace.
Postscript:
Scott, in Falkirk, thanks for getting in touch and sharing your appreciation of Yadgar. This is why I have steadfastly reported every Curry consumed in the past Four Years, plus. There have been a Few…
The Sannam (Falkirk) will be visited on your recommendation. It has to be better than its Larbert neighbour.