… or Hector orders Chicken Curry!
The Rickmeister gave up on getting me to go to Curryosity (Saltaire) earlier this evening, one day. He settled for a late night Curry at the International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA), well not as late as we have sometimes been. Howard came too, is he becoming a – Two Curry a Day Man?
Khalid was there to greet us, no Ali. Ali has gone, if anyone knew why, they were not for telling. His banter will be missed. Hopefully Ali will turn up somewhere else soon.
I appear to have more photos of the staff than normal, everyone wanted in on the act, or to appear on Curry-Heute. Fame at Last! The Poppadoms and Dips were brought in an instant, we tore in.
Ricky has been enthusing about the Shahi Kofta (£8.00) since May last year. Tonight would be my third exposure to this Bizarre Curry which I consider to be – The Curry of Leftovers. In May I found it to be – Too Salty – Erlangen Salty. If Hector finds his Curry that way then there is something wrong. My last Curry here was in October, a much better experience. Tonight would be the decider, else it’s back to my usual Lamb Karahi on future visits. Howard and Hector kept to the inclusive Chapattis option, Ricky went for Naan.
We waited for our Curry, at this point Ali would have kept us amused, the photo suggests we were not particularly so.
Shahi Kofta
Why this Curry is served in a Glass Dish remains a mystery. Only this and Lamb Chops Karahi/Achari have been served thus on previous visits. The Egg, is it cooked on top of the – Hot Masala? Part of me hopes this is the case and it’s not just a Fried Egg thrown on at the point of serving. The Lemon Wedge offered some Citrus, another source of Flavour. A sprinkling of Fresh Coriander Leaves and Stems was present too, no Ginger Strips!
Five Kofta were buried under the Egg, more than enough Meat. Halving the first, quartering the second and so on felt as if a Geometric Multiplier was in force, the more I ate, the more I appeared to have. The Masala was closer to the – Standard Blended – Masala that would feature in any Mainstream Curry House, the International is not Mainstream. From here came a remarkable Level of Flavour. The Spice was right, the Seasoning was under control, the Egg complemented the Meatballs and Masala perfectly. One should consider adding Egg to Curry on a regular basis.
On the previous times I have had Shahi Kofta I felt the presence of stray pieces of Lamb, perhaps from – The Big Pot. No such evidence tonight. If I was making this I would probably start with leftover Lamb Curry.
The camera never lies – they say. I was not aware at the time of eating how – Pale – the interior of the Meatballs were. These could only have been Chicken Kofta. For the second time in a month, Hector has been caught this way. Can one ask for Lamb Kofta instead?
Very, very good – said Howard who was eventually defeated. He would take his remnants away with him.
Ricky raves about this Curry at every Opperchancity, he considers it it to be the – Best Curry – served in Bradford. Hector does not even think it’s the – Best Curry – served at the International, I have had some highly memorable meals here over many years. Shahi Kofta is different, it is Light Years away from Kofta Palak and an excellent alternative to that served in other establishments. I can see my Lamb on-the-bone Curry being ordered at other venues thus keeping this treat for nights here.
Howard had his Takeaway, no doubt the – Inflatable Microwave – in his hand luggage would be put to good use in the morning. Ricky disappeared into a taxi. Hector was left to deal with the formalities.
The Bill
£25.50. There was a £1.50 charge for the Poppadoms etc. I have had this removed in the past. Ricky would have had no hesitation. Bad form.
The Aftermath
Howard was not getting away with a three word comment – he was tracked down:
A second Curry was desired. The Curry presented was interesting and turned out to be rather good. The melange of flavours and textures was superb … a distinctive Curry that hit the spot, and I would happily have it again and again, even the Egg and sauce on its own.
That’s more like it.