Lord Clive of Crawley is spending a few days in the West of Scotland, there will be a major intake of Curry in the coming days. Venues were discussed, Yadgar nearly won until it was realised that Clive was there on his last visit. Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) it would be.
Arriving at 14.00, an hour earlier than the Hector ideal, the downstairs was full of relatively Young Diners compared to the norm. Is Karahi Palace becoming – Trendy? Sadly, I could only see the debris of Pizza and Kebap on their tables. The far-side table was chosen, the table mid-room would get the Arctic Blast every time the adjacent door opened. Do we need two doors?
Ayaz was behind the counter, Qaiser was front of house, too early for deliveries. There would be a stream of Takeaway Customers throughout our visit. A fan heater on the floor was on full-blast, I deduced another source of heat but could not locate it. The room was comfortable except when the main door opened. Use the other door, please! Eventually the poor victim who had taken the remaining table secured one of the two preferred and sheltered tables.
Lamb Chops (£5.90) were mooted, Clive was up for this. Comparisons with The Downsman (Crawley) would be inevitable, they do mean Lamb Chops. Clive was persuaded away from his favoured Dhansak, he would join Hector in the traditional Lamb Karahi (£7.90) and Chapattis (£0.70).
The wait was significant, not helped by the distraction of other customers. Sitting with my back to the counter I could not see if Chef Rashid was present, or his assistant. The Asian TV Channel kept us amused, I shall be asking Marg later if we need to purchase an – Octaspring – mattress topper.
If we weren’t hungry enough for Chops and Main Course when we entered, we were when Qaiser brought the goods. Four Chops in a Portion with a Salad Garnish accompanied by a bowl of Hot & Spicy Chilli Sauce.
In larger, busier venues, Chops can be rushed, the interiors may still be Pink, the exteriors lacking Charcoal. These Lamb Chops were as good as any ever served, absolutely Perfect.
Very tasty, very salty – was Clive’s immediate remark.
The first Chop was taken without the Chilli Sauce. Intensely Flavoured, as I write so often, all down to the Seasoning. The bones were shrouded in Charcoal whilst the Meat itself remained Tender and Succulent. Drool. I encouraged Clive to take some of the Chilli Sauce:
The sauce is the real deal – said Clive.
The Chilli Sauce had a slight Sweetness which worked well with the Savoury Chops. Served Hot it truly complemented the Chops. It even withstood the Onion Strips being dipped.
That’s as good a Chop as I’ve had – remarked Clive. The Downsman was not mentioned.
One could have sat here all afternoon gorging on Lamb Chops. Some Readers think this is all Hector does anyway. Today was a treat.
That was Magnificent – I said to Qaiser as I made my way to the Facilities to wash my fingers. Qaiser was taking Burger & Chips to the poor unfortunate who had previously been sat in the cold. Pizza, Kebap, Burger & Chips, do these Kids not appreciate the true purpose of Karahi Palace?
The Lamb Karahi arrived soon after Clive had wiped his face. One Chapatti each has generally proved to be sufficient such is their size and girth. Everything was hotter than everything else. Eating directly from the Karahi helps maintain the heat.
It’s hot, very hot – Clive was being a Blogger’s delight.
I have missed this Tomato-rich Masala Mash. The Spice was pitched well, the Seasoning felt below what Hector desires after the Chops. With the ever popular Chopped Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Toppings, there would be a Diversity of Texture. The Ginger Strips today appeared to be huge and were particularly crunchy. The Lamb was on-the-bone as is every Lamb Dish served at Karahi Palace. A Sucky-Bone full of Marrow added another dimension to the Overall Flavour. One has to use fingers to enjoy the Lamb to the full, so Tender. First the Lamb Chops, now the Lamb Karahi….
Not just a meal, but an eating experience – Clive was evidently impressed.
I put it to Clive – I could eat here every day.
This or work your way through the Menu? – was his response.
Given that I typically find myself in the Karahi Palace on a monthly basis, I am stuck with the Favourite Curry. More visits would permit greater exploration. The Karahi Palace page I link to does show a range of Dishes consumed here over the years.
The Bill
£29.00. We had eaten like Kings.
The Aftermath
A batch of New Creations had just been placed at the counter.
A crowd of Chaps had assembled at the counter, we gave up our table. Hopefully they would order – Real Food. Only on leaving did I spot that Chef Rashid was on the premises.
Dr. Robin expressed a desire to join me for Curry at Karahi Palace. It appears Hector will be back on Wednesday, time to try something different.