Four days in Bradford, Hector will be as busy Blogging as he will be eating. For Brunch the Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX) was the chosen venue. Arriving at 11.50 this Tuesday morning, unsurprisingly, Hector was the first customer of the day.
A Chap, I believe is Mein Host, greeted me as I entered with a welcoming smile. I carefully chose my table, away from the heaters which were on full; it is chilly outside, far from it, in. I was asked if I wished a Menu, I have not been here that often to know the Menu by heart, however, I could have consulted a well known and reliable Curry Website.
Fish Karahi (£8.00) was the choice. The Menu clearly states: All main dishes served with only 3 Chapatties. Chapattis it would be. A Most Modest Salad with Raita accompanied a Jug of Water.
Was the Restaurant a one man operation? I heard a microwave – Ding – then the tell tale scraping sounds from a Wok. Ah, there’s two people in the kitchen presently. At 12.02, two more Chaps came in and acknowledged me as they headed to the kitchen. A blender was soon heard in operation, Masala being readied I guessed.
Mein Host brought the Fish Karahi and Chapattis. The Chapattis were decidedly Thin compared to what is served in Glasgow, however, they had sufficient girth to fulfil their purpose. I managed two of three.
Fish Karahi
The Fish Karahi was – Piping Hot – exactly how I seek my food. The White Fish was cut relatively Small and sat in a Tomato-rich Blended, Thin Masala. The eating was tentative initially, until the Masala had cooled sufficiently. There was a slight Sweetness, the Fish most likely being the source of this. The Coriander Topping was mixed through the Masala. The Onions from the Salad were then mixed in to give a variety of Texture.
The Fish maintained its integrity throughout which made me wonder why Glasgow Restaurateurs have told me it is difficult to achieve this. The Spice Level was Moderate, Seasoning should never be an issue with a Fish Curry, here it was Fine. Tasty as this Karahi was, I was still not getting the Bradford Curry Blast. Has familiarity made me immune?
The Bill
£8.00. Simples.
The Aftermath
The walk to North Parade meant walking downhill and back up again. Dr. Stan, The Rickmeister et al were waiting at The Record Bar. Ricky promised there would be further Curry-Heute at the Sheesh Mahal.