Huddersfield has long been an attraction for The Company, two Hogmanays having been celebrated there in recent years. Slowly, the Curry scene has revealed itself after the worst of all possible starts. Last January, Steve, Mags and Hector tried Lahori Taste (36 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3EB, England) as an alternative to returning to Manchester City Centre, what a Splendid Decision. In February, Hector convinced Howard that a Lunchtime Visit to Lahori Taste was possible, wrong!
When Marg and Hector conceived the current New Year Trip, we had to add a night in Huddersfield. Meeting up with John and Judith was most certainly one attraction, but an After-pub Curry at Lahori Taste was – A Plan.
Entering just after 22.00, one table at the window was occupied by Chaps with an array of Curry. Let them be, though I was tempted to engage. Hector was on a mission, secure Curry of the same Quality as last year. Mein Host, Salem, confirmed that – on-the-bone – was not available, I have yet to establish if it ever is. Lamb Karahi (£6.50) with Extra Methi was the Dish which impressed so much, it had to be. Go Large – for £2.50, had to be done. How – Large – this would be had to be established, we drive home tomorrow, a Takeaway to Glasgow, Yay.
A Keema Nan (£2.50) would be a further Test of the Quality of the Fayre. What about Marg? There was no way she was having a Second Curry of the day, and why not? Fish Pakora (£3.00) was the compromise. Two Cans of Mango Rubicon (80p) completed the Order.
The Bill
£16.00. Paying in advance is always weird.
The Fish Pakora came first, not unexpectedly. Seven Decent-sized Pieces of Fish. Marg noted they were not in Batter, well, a Thin Batter. This was more like Fish Tikka. A Steel Tray with a Modest Salad and Dips accompanied, this turned the Near-naked Fish into a Meal. Normally, Hector would have taken a Sample, not tonight, something wicked this way comes.
Lamb Karahi (with Extra Methi)
The Flat Karahi are a feature of this region, one can see instantly what there is. There was no need to count the pieces of tender Lamb, there was Loads, – Large – indeed. Behold the Lamb Karahi, surely the Voyeur will appreciate the Splendour of what is shown here?
The Naan was also – Large, far too much for one person, I knew already that half of this would be going to Glasgow. The Naan was Thicker and Fluffy at the edges, thin in the middle. The interior was another yardstick, here one revealed – Grains of Keema – far from the Donner-like filling too many venues serve. This was a Quality Naan.
How is it? – asked Marg.
This is Wonderful! – The Curry-Heute Test had been passed.
I drew a line in the Karahi, one half I could manage, the rest was going North.
The Hector Scale of Seasoning and Spice has been perfected. This was the Second Wonderful Curry of the day, the Ingredients may be similar, the outcomes so different. Somehow, in this part of Yorkshire, Here lies the Joy of Curry, and the reason that Hector is able to apparently eat the same Food so often. The Masala was so Rich in Flavour and in the correct ratio to the Meat content. As the Oil collected around the edges of the karahi so I felt totally at home. This is the Food I seek, and I find it in Bradford and its South and West Hinterland.
The Meat and Masala across the line started to diminish. Having finished the Fish Pakora, Marg was getting stuck in to the Karahi. My Saturday Lunch! Both appetites sated, there was still a Substantial Portion to take away.
Go Large – beware. Go Large – to share.
The Aftermath
I had to clarify the error on the Menu.
Salem, himself, assured me that Lahori Taste opens at 17.00 – not as printed on the Menu, hence my first review was misleading. Hector misled?
Update – Saturday Lunch
Only Akbar’s in Glasgow serve anything like the Flavours conatined here. Akbar’s is a Bradford-based Chain.
