Bradford – Karachi Restaurant – New Menu, New Carpet, New Prices

We must eat more Fruit and Vegetables, the BBC told us this morning. A Fruit and Vegetable Curry was not on the Menu at Karachi Restaurant (15/17 Neal St., Bradford, BD5 0BX), after Hector’s excess of Lamb yesterday, it had to be Fish-Heute.

Howard was waiting outside just after noon when Hector, Craig, Yvonne and Mags alighted from our taxi. We could have walked from t,Travelodge at Forster Square, but with Storm Doris seemingly at full tilt, why be uncomfortable? We took a table for six still unsure if this was all. Jonathan and Simon joined us moments later.

The shiny Menu was clearly new. So are the prices and the carpet – the Waiter informed us. Whatever other changes there have been to the Decor, the framed newspaper account of – TV Chef – Rick Stein’s visit was still on display. I have his book, I must attempt a Fish Curry.

I had to ask what the difference was between the Fish Curry (£7.00) and the Fish Masala (£7.50). I was told the Fish Masala had – everything – an Opperchancity to partake of Vegetables. As ever, I ensured that the Dreaded Capsicum would not be present.

Poppadoms (£0.40) were mooted by Howard, Yvonne and Mags. The Pickle Tray would also be ordered (£2.00), two? Mags specifically wanted Spiced Onions. Craig announced he was hungry and would therefore have a Starter. Two Sheesh Kebab (£1.00) would precede his Meat Jalfrezi (£6.50). Despite the Menu clearly stating that three Chapattis would be inclusive in each order, Craig added two Tandoori Roti (£0.50). I would never discover what we were charged for the Poppadoms, Dips and Roti, I simply knew my share would be £7.50.

Not to be outdone, Jonathan asked for two Poppadoms, a Sheesh Kebab (£1.00) and a Shamee Kebab (£1.00). Simon completed the Starters with an Onion Bhaji (£1.20. Only an Englishman would order this reportedly – Non-existent – Starter.

The Mains took close consideration with some Dishes being available as – Straight – Karahi or Kofta. Here we go. Simon and Howard went for Meat Potato (£6.00), whereas Mags broke a tradition and asked for Meat Ball Potato (£7.00). Jonathan’s selection was Kofta Karahi (£7.50). Yvonne rounded things off with King Prawn Jalfrezi (£8.00). Six of us therefore took the – three inclusive Chapatti – option.

Six plates of Modest Salad were distributed around the table, Hector passed given we were one short of a party. A pile of five Poppadoms were placed near Howard, Yvonne and Mags with the Pickle Tray. Spiced Onions were there, Mags was still expecting more. The Sheesh Kebabs were in fact Seekh Kebabs. It was just as well Craig had ordered two, they looked a bit lonely on the plate. Jonathan’s Shami Kebab was also singular, but he had a Sheesh Kebab to accompany.

Everyone was nibbling on something except The Hector who had had a late night Curry at The International. Note, Dr. Stan and Ricky had not joined us for Brunch.

By all accounts, the Starters did their job, Hector was getting hungry, just as well.

Fish Masala

One cannot eat the same thing every day. Fish Curry can be hit or miss. In most years I would have had the Fish Karahi down the road at Kashmir, the Fish Masala as served at Karachi was a much more Complex Dish. A dozen bite sized pieces of Fish were shrouded in a suitably Thick Masala. There was a bit of Chewiness to the Fish, far from Pulp. This impressed. The Seasoning was fine, with a pleasant, medium, Kick. From somewhere came a slight Sweetness. As one who tends to look for the Bitterness of Methi or even Karela, this was a change. I even managed to eat almost all of the three Chapattis allocated. I would certainly have this again.

Kofta Karahi

Jonathan’s Kofta Karahi looked most appealing, which reminds me that I have not had this for some time. The Meatballs were Large, the Masala was probably the same as I received. Jonathan too remarked upon the Sweetness of his choice.

The tasty sauce was sweet but not unpleasant, a bit more spice…

Meat Potato

Nobody had specified a Spice Level at the time of ordering, so presumably all Dishes were served at the Karachi Medium. With seven diners this was an Opperchancity to compare people’s Spice Tolerance. Simon found his Meat Potato to be a bit more than he is used to, but was very positive about the Meat content.

Lots of meat, good chunks, and no gristle. A lit bit more spicy ….. just a touch more. (same words, different meaning)

Howard had his summary prepared for the Meat Potato:

Excellent, flavoursome Curry, that hit the spot. I thought initially it was too small a portion, just right.

Meat Jalfrezi

Craig prefers his Spice to be non-existent, however, it was not the Spice Level that was the focus of attention, but the two large Roti. These were relatively huge when compared to the Chapattis and most certainly had Girth. Bradford Chapattis do not compete with Glasgow’s Yadgar or Karahi Palace. It’s just as well Craig was hungry.

Very enjoyable, Lamb was succulent and tasty. OK Spice, did the Craigy Boy.

King Prawn Karahi

Yvonne was most impressed with the Prawn content of her Dish. She assures me that three or four is all one normally receives, seven King Prawns lay before her.

Excellent, very spicy, a light sauce.

Meat Ball Potato

Finally, Mags’ Koftas were on a par with Jonathan’s Karahi. I have eaten Kofta Palak at Karachi in the company of Marg and Ricky back in October 2010. This in fact was the First Bradford Curry Blog. A rated Dish, there are many reasons to return.