Every so often it happens, one is completely blown away by the quality of Curry served. What makes the experience even more memorable is when there has been no prior anticipation, no recommendation, Serendipity Rules.
Lahori Taste (36 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3EB, England) is next door to the Rat and Ratchet where The Company brought in New Year 2014. We have been regular visitors to this Pub in recent years, especially given the inconsistency of the once wonderful – Grove. Lahori Taste was seen as a Takeaway only. Tonight I spotted chairs and Diners through the steamy windows as we arrived late afternoon. A thought, one day.
By 21.00 people were drifting back to Manchester. The – C – word was mentioned. Steve, who had arrived late on knows The Rule. He and Mags would accompany The Hector for Curry, but where? Going back to Manchester means a taxi from Piccadilly to The Curry Mile. The plan was to visit Dera for Lunch tomorrow. The Northern Quarter Curry Cafes are mostly closed this late. Why not try the Lahori Taste next door and take a later train? It does say the magic word – Lahori, Hector’s favourite part of the Indian Subcontinent. One never knows…
Curry-Heute Experiences in Huddersfield have been mixed. The Gurkha Thali was Dreadful, it has gone. LaLa’s at the Station adjacent to the statue of Harold Wilson was as good as a Bradford Curry. LaLa’s is a Formal Restaurant, alcohol, hot and cold running waiters, Lahori Taste is at the other end of the market. This is where The Hector prefers to be, how else can I afford to eat out so often?
The Menu was studied. Lamb Karahi (£6.50) was available. The Chap at the counter who appeared to be Mein Host was addressed. I asked if he could prepare a Lamb Karahi my way? There was a hesitancy, depends… The Hector Classic Lamb Karahi – well Seasoned, Extra Methi and no Capsicum – was rhymed off.
We don’t use capsicum – was his reply. A good start. The Methi appeared to be in doubt, however, when he relayed the order to the Chef in their own language, Methi was distinctly heard. So, I’m getting my Methi! remarked The Hector. One Chapatti (£0.50) please.
The Bill
£7.00. Just in case somebody could not add £6.50 and 50p. My sort of price, but we hadn’t seen our food yet. I will admit to not spotting the offer of – Go Large for an Extra £2.50 despite it appearing at the end of each section of The Menu.
Steve ordered –The same – with a Plain Naan. Regular Readers will not be surprised to hear that Mags ordered Aloo Gosht, even though there was no sign of it on The Menu. Not a problem.
Meanwhile at the adjacent table, two Chaps were tearing into a Chicken Karahi, a Kilo by the looks of it. The Chicken Karahi looked Stunning.
Permission to take the Photo was granted. I thought that taking The Chaps might be a step too far. They were particularly friendly, indeed everyone who passed though these premises whilst we were there had a smile for us. Spot – The Tourists!
A Modest Salad and Dips made an appearance on the table. Then came – The Moment. One knows, immediately. Quality Karahi speaks to The Hector before it is tackled. The Vapour rising from the Karahi made photography difficult. I had to take photos of Steve’s Karahi too, just to increase the chances of capturing this Visual Feast. Look at the size of The Portion! As good as a Half Kilo? With a strip of ample Chapatti in hand, here we go…
The – Wow! – was instantaneous. A Curry to note, forever. The Seasoning was pitched correctly, it was there. Where was The Methi? No Methi? I heard Mein Host give the instruction. Ah, The Methi… Hector was in that Special Place, Curry Heaven. Knock on the table.
The Lamb was Soft, not approaching Pulp, on the edge, where Decent Chefs can prepare Lamb to Perfection, a wee bit of a chew. The Lamb was cut differently, not Bradford-small, but smaller than the Mainstream. The Ratio of Meat : Masala was Ideal. Enough to shroud, enough to mop up. Spice Level, Seasoning, Flavour, all spot on.
Beautiful! A standout in my Life of Curry.
Steve was in raptures also. Hector was too busy eating to record every quote.
This is really delicious. Loved it.
The Aloo Gosht was plated as is the norm. Mags too had been given a Treat.
Good, a different style of Curry. It’s up there.
Throughout our period of joy, Mein Host looked across the room to check on our level of happiness. He could no doubt sense that we were thoroughly enjoying our visit. I asked, with full mouth, when they had stopped just being a Takeaway. They have been there since 2004 and have always had seats. Hector was wrong, perhaps never gave due attention, or are the windows not favourably placed? Fourteen can be sat at tables with a further three at the bench.
The Calling Card was offered. Mein Host introduced himself – Mr. Ahmed Salem. He was congratulated on the Quality of his Curry.
I knew when you asked that you knew your Curry – he remarked. There had to be a Staff Photo. Ahmed is in the middle. We like Ahmed. We love the Lahori Taste. We shall be back, with more people. May 2016? Before? If only it was not the Penistone Line that connects Sheffield with Huddersfield.
Huddersfield is hereby placed very firmly on the UK Curry Map.
Lahori Taste – Open 11.00 until Late, 7 Days – Update – Opens 17.00
