Khalid’s Lamb Karahi @ Lasani Grill – The Best of Both Worlds

June 7 was the planned return to Lasani Grill (223-225 Allison street, Glasgow, G42 8RU), however the migration of Chef Waris along the road to the Desi-Curry Palace, was a major distraction. Having had Impressive Fayre at Lasani Grill prior to this, Hector was determined to rediscover the Lasani Grill – after Waris. On Wednesday afternoon, prior to the – Curry for Protégés – at Yadgar, I dropped in here to see – the Other Chef – Khalid. A Half Kilo of Lamb Karahi was arranged for the Glasgow Saturday Curry-Heute Traditional time, 15.00. Khalid asked if I required the White Karahi which we have enjoyed at the Hands of Waris.  No.

It’s Your Karahi, the Lasani Grill Karahi, I wish to sample.

Last night Kenny got wind of this. Having seen the logic of Curry before Bier during Hector Bounces Back, he was keen to join. Stewart, his Sancho Panza, would make Three Diners today. There was a quick phone-call to Lasani Grill to expand the Order to One and a Half Kilos. Khalid’s Assistant took the order, all should be well.

For the second time this week, Hector found the Exit from Queens Park Railway Station to Victoria Rd, shut. Today I found a poster proclaiming an Eight Week Closure. To fix a flight of stairs? No further comment other than this added an extra Five Minutes to the walk along Allison St. It worked up the Appetite further. As the Regular Readers know, Hector starves himself before the Saturday Curry-Heute Ritual.

Khalid was at The Counter and confirmed he was expecting Three. The Table in the adjacent Dining Room was set. The Young Waiter asked if we would require Starters. Given the amount of Curry expected, maybe not a Good Idea. Chapattis, and no Rice was sufficient Accompaniment.

Spiced Onions

Kenny and Stewart arrived just after the 15.00 Rendezvous. Poppadoms and Spiced Onions were mooted. I went next door to arrange this. What came was Strange. The Poppadoms were not exactly – Crispy. The Spiced Onion had Mango Chutney mixed in, a First. Still, they went.

The Lasani Grill Salad

On the last visit, we were embarrassed by the effort that had been applied. Today, another Platter of what can only be referred to as – Lasani Grill Salad – was presented. This was a work of Art, and with the Raita Accompaniment, a Good Palate Cleanser.

The Salad did contain some of The Forbidden Vegetable, this was easily picked out. For Stewart, The Forbidden Vegetable included Cucumber, Tomato, Lettuce…

There was however, a £3.00 charge for this.

The Lasani Grill Lamb Karahi

Khalid brought out the Lamb Karahi himself. Again, a bit of thought had gone into the Presentation, however, look what’s on top… I could instantly tell that this was only the Single Kilo. More than a Standard Portion shared between Three, but with the Bone Content, not The Feast I had anticipated. One could sense that this was going to be – More-ish.

The lack of – Red – in the Masala was most apparent. The First Taste gave away the Salt and Pepper Base to the Dish. The Lamb was Magnificent. Stewart wondered how I was able to – suck the bones – and he wasn’t. Choose the right ones! The Masala was how Hector considers it should be served, Enough, with the Oil collecting at the Karahi Base, Thick, Well- Seasoned, The Kick, Perfect. So Meaty and Savoury – Umami – it was.  The Joy of Eating Curry at its Finest.

What we had here was halfway between the Afghan/Punjabi White Karahi and the Traditional Punjabi Karahi. I regard this Dish today as a Major Revelation, The Chaps will no doubt be making enquiries as to when Hector plans to return,  Mob handed probably.

The Young Waiter brought Three Chapattis initially, a Fourth followed. As the photographic evidence shows these were Large! Probably again halfway between Soft Chapattis and Roti given the Crisping as they cooled.

My observation was that Stewart was reaching his limit, Kenny and Hector could have eaten more. We shall share The Kilo!

The Co-Diners Comments

Kenny – Beautifully marinated meaty lamb, full of flavour, falling off the bone, quality food matched only by the quality of service from the attentive waiter.

Stewart – Forget Old Spice, this is High Karate!

The Young Waiter knew when to appear and how not to be in our faces. There was an offer of Coffee or Tea which was declined. However he did present us with Fresh Jalabee as a Complimentary Dessert. I have seen this before but have never been tempted. Hector prefers Savoury to Sweet. However, it would be rude not to…

How Sweet can a Sweetie be? Try this and find out. The Syrupy Interior is OTT.

An Experience

The Bill

£30.60. The Kilo of Lamb Karahi was £22.00. It is prices like these which makes it possible for Hector to dine out as often as he does.

The Aftermath

In a very noisy Allison Arms, so noisy we did not stay long, Kenny remarked on my determination to give Venues a try that others would walk past.

Do any of The Curryspondents know anything currently about Cathcart Rd?