The – Silly Season – has commenced, this evening Hector is at Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE) in the company of Graeme and Euan. After Thursday’s Meatfest at Karahi Palace (Glasgow), Vegetables were at the forefront of Hector’s mind. To have a Vegetable Main Course, a Side? On the Golden Coach north this afternoon I spotted a photo of a Rice Dish served at Lahore Karahi, it looked particularly – Rich. I would enquire. I fancied Lamb on-the-bone, but not the Lamb Karahi that is on the Menu.
Arriving first, two of the three Young Chaps on duty smiled in recognition, one was Mein Host. Three Menus were set on the table and some Tap Water. One day they will stock Sparkling Water.
I enquired if Methi Gosht on-the-bone was doable. I have had this Curry here on and off the bone (£8.50) on previous visits. The one-the-bone version would have been Perfect had it been served Hotter. Having consulted the Kitchen, my request was confirmed as possible once again. I showed the photo of the aforementioned Rice Dish, Lamb Biryani (£8.00), I was told, a Main Course. Peas Pilau is not on the Menu, I asked, it would be created, but only after there was a realisation that Chana (Chickpeas) Pilau (£5.25) had been recorded initially..
Graeme announced Fish Curry (£9.00) with Mushroom Pilau (£3.00). The Menu gave no clue as to what this might contain, other than Fish. We both had Mushroom Pilau in the summer, the first time I have had Rice at Lahori Karahi. The Parathas are so good here, Bread has been the norm.
This was Euan’s first visit to Lahore Karahi, he played safe. Chicken Jhalfrezi (£7.95) would be accompanied by Pilau (£3.00) and a Peshwari Naan (£2.40).
The Restaurant was about one third full, the majority of customers were sat at the wall tables. I watched a parade of Curry Pots being served to the people sitting behind me. It was simple to work out when we were next.
The three different Rice Dishes were set before us, an impressive Quantity, enough to share, manageable by one, just. Graeme sampled his Mushroom Plau before decanting his Fish Curry.
I’ll just eat the Rice on its own – he said, tongue in cheek.
The Peshwari Naan was a Sensible Size. Stuffed with a layer of – something orange, I declined a piece when Euan offered.
If there’s Coconut it will not go with my Curry.
Euan did not think there was. When Graeme accepted the offer, he confirmed the presence of Coconut.
There is Coconut. It is very sweet. QED.
Methi Gosht on-the-bone
The Peas Pilau was much more than Peas and Rice, it had a Flavour of its own. The Meat and Masala was arranged on top of the Rice. I was pleased to find the Curry was Hot, as was the Rice. The Sucky Bone was a standout, this Curry had potential. The Thick Masala had Methi mixed through, exactly as I like it. There was no point counting the Tender Lamb, there was Loads. This was far from the Modest Portions of a few years back. From somewhere came a Blast of Citrus, I found a piece of Orange Rind. Graeme sourced it from the Rice. The Spice Level was good without being demanding. A sliced Large Green Chilli had been added as a Topping, this gave a welcomed Kick. The Seasoning raised this Curry to the Premier League. There are no negatives here. This was the Best Curry I have ever been served at Lahore Karahi. Given this is the Aberdeen Curry House I have visited most, I have to conclude that this was an outstanding Methi Gosht.
Fish Curry
I noted the Thick and not Excessive Masala as I took the photo. I suspect this will be Hector’s Curry of choice next time. We speculated as to what the Masala Fish might be. We would ask. Meanwhile, Graeme was thoroughly appreciative of the blend of Curry and Mushroom Rice:
Very, very good – said Graeme. Flavoursome, if anything it could have been stronger.
Excellent Curry with very good Rice.
The Waiter was asked if he could identify the Fish:
Haddock – was his assured reply.
Chicken Jhalfrezi
Not too oily – was an early statement from Euan. With the Curry, Rice and Naan, Euan had taken on quite a Quantity of food.
Generous – was how he described the Plain Pilau. The sauce was quite refreshing.
Later, with pint in hand, he announced – I would certainly go back, especially since it’s BYOB.
The Bill
The price of the Peas Pilau was unknown until The Bill was presented. I had to challenge the £5.25 charge, presumably for the previously recorded Chana Pilau. The Bill was taken away and a new one issued. £37.95. The Peas Pilau had been reduced to £4.00, still steep. Mushroom Pilau (£3.00) next time for Hector.
The Aftermath
Bill sorted, we left with no fuss. The Prince of Wales awaited.
Later, walking along Union St., I spotted that Cumin Tandoori is now – The Essence Indian Cuisine – and finally I saw this poster. Starting today! Hold me back…
