Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), we’ve been here before, The Lone Diner, – The Usual. It is good to be back in the erstwhile Curry Capital of the UK after varying Curry Quality in the past two weeks. One Wroclaw Curry and one Berlin Curry were at the level of – could have come out of a Jar, one Berlin Curry did not sit well on – The Hector Palate. Still, it’s what this Curry Blog is about, trying new venues, one never knows. Swera in Berlin is a venue I have now added to the Recommended Curry Houses, so some success. With the exception of Indian Mango in München, deutsche Curry is very much in League Division 3. Many German Restaurateurs tell me they have to serve up what The Locals will tolerate, not the Authentic – Desi Style – Cuisine that is available in Glasgow, Bradford, Manchester et al. Polska typically does better. I would like to think that the venues I recommend are well above – The Mainstream in whatever part of the planet I find myself.
Qaiser greeted me from across the road as I approached the Karahi Palace, he was off on a delivery. Ayaz and Rashid were behind the counter with Chef #3. It is Ramadan, business will be slow until sunset which in Glasgow is currently @22.00.
The Spanish Lady brought a Jug of Tap Water which made me realise that this was a first for this week.
The most Modest of Salads followed, without Raita it did not tempt. I was joined by a Chap who ordered Chana Curry and two Chapattis, he asked for Raita and ate his Salad. Also.
Ayaz brought the Karahi Gosht (£8.70) and solitary Chapatti (£0.70). Look at this and compare it with what has been served to The Hector in the past two weeks. This is – Desi Style – a Tomato-rich Masala an no sign of – The Dreaded Ballast.
Far too – Hot – to touch, it is just as well the photographic ritual takes a minute or so. Dangerously Hot, yet the Palate copes. The first dip of a piece of Chapatti into the Hot Oil, the Flavours are there. Scooping the Masala Mash on to the Chapatti, – Wow! Welcome home, Hector!
The Spice, the Seasoning, the Herbs, the Ginger Strips, the Fresh Coriander Topping, were all marvelled at. Then there was the Tender Lamb. It felt like an age before I could tackle the Lamb on-the-bone. Marrow Bone makes such a difference to the Overall Flavour of any Curry. Hector had Bones to lift with more Chapatti. If the Bones were Large, the Meat surrounding them was even More. I had one regret, I could have ordered the Half Kilo, but in daylight during Ramadan? I should not do that.
The Bill
£8.70. My kind of price.
The Aftermath
A Curryspondent has asked for clarification about Ramadan at Karahi Palace. As reported last month, Ayaz led me to believe they would be putting out Food upstairs. Today the answer was:
Just normals.
A block further west lies – The Village Curry House, here is The Buffet to end all Buffets.
Marg tells me Thursday suits, here we go…