There was always Bradford Curry, then Huddersfield Curry was found to compete in places. In October 2015, Hector instructed a Halifax Taxi Driver – take me to your Best Curry House. Sagra was Excellent. Almost across the street from Sagra lies Ziggy’s Spice House & Pizza Bar (19 Carlton St, Halifax HX1 2AL ), a much larger venue, and the planned locus for Hector’s next Halifax Curry.
There was the matter of Curry for Lunch at Sarina’s, Marg has been Curry Tolerant in the past week, this would be our eighth Curry in nine days. But then, this time last year was our nine day India Trip, Every day was a good day to eat Curry.
Entering Ziggy’s at 19.00, the Waiter greeted us and asked if wished the Buffet or the Menu. We had passed the Buffet as we moved from the vestibule to the seating area. The first Diners on a Saturday evening, is it good to arrive first for a Buffet? Fresh Curry versus Yesterday’s Leftovers?
Seven more Diners would arrive during our visit, five chose the Buffet.
I’ll get you Poppadoms and the tray – said the Waiter as he showed us to a table at the far end of the room. That these would be Complimentary was understood. Tray – what a brilliant way of describing the Dips/Chutney et al.
Hector was busy photographing the Menu when Marg declared her choice: Karahi Fish and Potatoes (£7.50). This could well have been my choice had I seen it first. Eventually I found three Dishes that should be considered: Traditional Desi Karahi (£5.95), Karahi Gosht (£7.50) and Handi Lamb (£6.99). I would take advice.
A Waitress came to take our Order, but could not answer any of my questions. A Chap came over, here we go. He recommended the Karahi Gosht over the Traditional Desi Karahi. The Handi Lamb he described as having – more sauce. Having had Curry this week that has tended towards – Soup -, the 
Karahi Gosht it had to be. Three Chapattis (£0.45) should be enough for us to share. The Capsicum Caveat was then announced. Green Peppers do not feature in many of Ziggy’s Curry Dishes – Usually only in Rogan Josh – I was advised.
Marg asked for Mango Lassi, I received the last Bottle of Sparkling Water in the house.
*
The Chapattis were the best we had encountered on this Trip, proper good-sized Chapattis, with Girth.
Karahi Gosht
There was a mass of Meat, all cut Bradford-small. The Quality varied considerably The Masala was the much sought after Thick and Minimal. The Spice Level was worthy, however, the Curry was Under-seasoned. As a result, this Karahi Gosht lacked any Distinctive Flavour. Where was the listed Herb content, the Methi? Slices of Large Green Chillies featured, plus a quarter of a Tomato.
Was that Meat? – asked Marg when I tackled the Tomato. She was having an issue across the table with Tomatoes.
Karahi Fish and Potatoes
This is a much sought after Curry. Some of the Masala came my way, it had much more Flavour than what I was eating.
Too Spicy for me – was Marg’s opening comment. She may say this, but unless the Spice Level is ridiculous, Marg always manages. Too much Tomato, not much Potato – was her next announcement. As she progressed further, Marg realised that what she thought was Tomato, was actually Fish, and then Potato. As with the Karahi Gosht, there was actually only the single piece of Tomato. The Potatoes were New Potatoes, halved, still with their skins on. Marg appreciated the size of these, working well with the Fish.
I enjoyed it, a bit too spicy, but plenty of flavour. She got there, I wish I had ordered this too.
The Bill
£18.85. The Drinks were £3.50, no breakdown.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waiter who had brought the Food and the Bill. I asked him to pass it on to his Boss. There was no further discourse, a pity.
Next time in Halifax for Curry it will be back to Sagra.
