Curry three nights in a row was not – The Plan – but sometimes one just has to get on with it. A rendezvous was made with Graeme at Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE) for 18.30. At 16.30, the opening time, Hector phoned in his order – Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£9.95). The Restaurant requires advance notice, this Dish is not served straight from – The Curry Pot.
A few tables were occupied when I entered, at the time of leaving there was only one free table. A Tuesday night? This is impressive.
Graeme was punctual, I revealed that my Order was already in. The same again could well have been secured, however, Graeme saw the logic in ordering something else. Bhindi Gosht (£8.50) was his selection. We both opted for Mushroom Pilau (£3.00). I had considered Bread as an accompaniment as one should for a Lamb Karahi, but given recent disappointments at other venues, I was not spoiling this meal.
One can use the BYOB system here at Lahore Karahi, what would happen if I brought my own Sparkling Water? Tap Water it was.
I made it clear to the Waiter that no Capsicum should come anywhere near me. Capsicum, Green Pepper, Bell Pepper, did he not know what these are? Having taken the Order, the Waiter returned momentarily to confirm Graeme wanted – Lamb. He had ordered – Gosht – come on. I couldn’t help recall the – useless girly – who served us on our first visit here. The Chaps should be more on the ball.
Graeme was amused by the dumb waiter, is it really operated by hand? Whatever, it is quaint.
Two plates brimming with Mushroom Rice were set before us. The Fresh Coriander Topping was a good touch. The Earthy Colour is reminiscent of the Vegetable Rice served in the halcyon days of The Village (Glasgow). This could have been a Meal in itself. With Bread, one Portion would have easily been enough to share.
The two pots of Curry arrived immediately afterwards, a second Waiter now involved. Look at these…
Lamb Karahi on-the-bone
Had I been transported back to Glasgow? This was near identical to that served at The Village / Cafe Salma. All fear of the Stir-Fry with large slices of Onion and the Dreaded Green Ballast were set aside. The Chef at Lahore Karahi knows what a Lamb Karahi is, not many do. This was indeed Classic Punjabi Cuisine.
Decanting the Meat, I was well into double figures, decent sized pieces too. Sucky Bones were visible, the extra Flavour from the Bone Marrow is what makes the difference. The Puréed Masala was enough to cover the Tender Lamb, no more, no Excess, perfectly judged. The Masala soaked into the Rice, which is probably why Bread usually accompanies. Here we go…
I was anticipating a – Blast of Citrus – as variants of this Dish would have had in Glasgow, not to be, Chef had stuck to the script. The Lamb was Something Special, there was a feeling of belonging, not the usual Meat meets the Masala moments before serving. The Spice Level, never discussed, was Fine, the Seasoning was perhaps a tad under, but after the full blown well-seasoned Bhuna at Ambal’s Restaurant last night, the Hector Palate was adapting.
Cloves and Peppercorns presented as I made progress, full of Flavour, this was an oh-so-familiar, Excellent Karahi, and there was lots of it.
Some Rice had to be left. I had but three bones, two Sucky, at the end. But what a difference they made. I shall be having this again, but will ask for some refinements. Wonderful as this was, Extra Methi and some Lemon would have put this Karahi Gosht into the Stratosphere, but then it would be something else.
Bhindi Gosht
Graeme had to tolerate the rhapsody from across the table. I was keen to establish the texture of the Okra. Too often it is served as – Mush – especially at Hector’s House. I was assured that it was properly presented:
Well cooked Okra and Tender Lamb.
The Masala here also soaked into the Mushroom Pilau:
This looks like Biryani – remarked Graeme.
Graeme too was defeated by the volume of Rice. I knew he was enjoying his Curry but was not expecting what followed:
… could be the best cooked Lamb I’ve had in Aberdeen.
We were two Happy Diners.
Our Waiter offered Dessert, we had other plans.
We came, we ate, we’re leaving.
I don’t think the Waiter was ever on my wavelength.
The Bill
£24.45. The prices at Lahore Karahi are very competitive. Even the Bread is not Extortionate.
The Aftermath
I had not been aware of how busy the Restaurant had become. Long may they continue serving this Quality of Curry.
A first visit to Wild Ginger tomorrow.