Hector had one thing in mind on entering Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), Hector would have his Methi. Arriving back from the Staggs (Mussleburgh) at 21.45, only the east side table was free, it was cool here on the periphery.
*
A Large Karahi was taken to the far side of the room, three Chaps were about to feast, on what I could not tell. Ayaz took my order Lamb Karahi (£7.90) with Extra Methi, Spicy and a Chapatti (£0.70). I heard Ayaz instruct Chef Rashid – Extra Methi.
A Jug of Water and a Modest Salad were placed on the table, I nibbled at the Salad whilst I waited. Eventually it arrived, one of the best Lamb Karahi served – anywhere.
The Chapatti went Cold and Crispy too soon for my liking, to what extent this was down to being sat on the far side away from the heat sources is debatable. The Lamb Karahi was sheer Perfection. With Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander piled high above the Meat and Masala Mash, anticipation was all.
The Lamb Karahi was so Hot it revitalised the pieces of Chapatti. Two wonderful Sucky Bones full of taste-giving Marrow were spotted, an extra treat. The Chapatti was dipped in the Oil Residue, burny Hot, a good Kick, but the Seasoning felt a bit – Under. Seeing this Tomato-based Masala once more after the days spent earlier this week in Köln was a joy. The Spice kicked in some more as the Green Chillies were taken, the Seasoning was accruing, where was the Methi? The Methi was there, the Karahi tasted as good as it ever was, conclusion, the Methi was in the Masala Mash. The Ginger Strips added Diversity, Hector was in a happy place.
There was possibly more Lamb than normal, two Tender Chops were uncovered. The Black Karahi magically retained the Heat, the Masala at the base revealed even more Chillies cooked in, Magnificent!
A Young Chap took a seat at the now vacant middle table, the coldest part of the room, adjacent to the door. It became clear that his presence here was not down to happenchance. Arranging his meetings with friends later on the phone, he kept stating he had stopped off for food. His Karahi and Keema Naan arrived, I have never had a Keema Naan here, it was pink inside, note to self, stick to Chapattis.
We did not introduce ourselves, but I did discover he was from the Western Isles. I had to mention a Curry House in Bowmore which I visited on consecutive nights some ten years ago. He was not from Islay.
Chicken Rogan Josh was his choice, did I see the nasty Green Vegetable in his Karahi? He still has much to learn.
The Bill
£8.70. People do not know what they are missing, ah that is the point of this Blog.
The Aftermath
Marg would collect me from the Laurieston, James, Mein Host, was manning the door to prevent invasion from Subway Crawlers. It was peaceful inside, a venue worth considering at this time of year.