When we are in Aberdeen, Marg takes care of the day until 18.00, thereafter it’s Hector’s time to make arrangements. In this two night stay there could only be one Curry, Shri Bheema’s at Bridge of Don is overdue another visit, however, Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE) is more convenient for – activities afterwards – and IMHO, is the best source of Curry in Aberdoom.
Sister-in-law Laura would join us for Curry for the first time since the inception of Curry-Heute. Euan made his debut last time and was back for more. Graeme has been to Lahore Karahi possibly more times than Hector. Hector’s Aberdoom Diaspora has expanded with the arrival of erstwhile colleague Kirsty and husband Ross. Of the seven who assembled at 18.00, five are – non-Aberdoomian.
Bier auf dem Tisch, Kostenlos
Lahore Karahi operates a BYOB policy without a – corkage – charge. For the first time in Hector’s company, some took advanatage of this. Tap Water had to suffice for Hector as Sparkling Water is still not available.
Starters were mooted then dismissed, let’s do the Curry justice. Kirsty and Ross took advice from the Hector and admitted they had consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog prior to their arrival, two more Readers today. Both opted for Chicken: Chicken Karahi (£7.95) for Kirsty, Kashmir Korma with Mango (£7.95) for Ross. They would share a Garlic Naan (£2.50) and a Pilau Rice (£3.00). Marg, Laura and Euan all chose Lamb Karahi (£8.50), a Dish I have enjoyed here previously, especially when served on-the-bone. Marg would attempt to stick to her usual single Chapatti, here they be Roti (£1.20); not as satisfying as a Chapatti, but at a price which is acceptable. Mushroom Rice for Laura (£3.00), then Euan and Graeme decided to share a Mushroom Rice and a Garlic Naan. Graeme helped extend the Curry-Heute coverage by ordering a Curry he had not had here before: Piaz Gosht (Onions/Lamb) (£8.50). Hector was here for the Fish Curry (9.00). Having seen this on my last visit I was taken by Graeme’s enthusiasm. Mushroom Rice for Hector also, though briefly I toyed with a Chilli and Coriander Naan. In anticipation of abundant Masala, Rice felt like the better option.
The Chap took the Order, only Hector asked for Spicy, and also enquired about adding – Methi – to the Fish Curry. Various Soft Drinks were ordered too.
At 18.28 seven Hot Plates were set before us, the Curry followed a few moments later. They did well to get this out timeously, though it was only around this time when other Diners began to arrive. During the wait the conversation was mostly about pets: cats, tortoises. Daisy and Fluffy (cats?) have never been mentioned in Curry-Heute before, and hopefully never again.
Those who ordered Rice all marvelled at the Quantity. Marg managed to convince Laura that she wanted half of her Roti in exchange for Rice. Staring at my very impressive mound of Mushroom Rice, I decided not to decant, let’s bring the Curry to the Rice.
One Naan was lacking Garlic, this was sorted quickly. I mentioned to Euan, sitting on my immediate right, why I no longer order this – the Garlic tends to dominate and can unbalance the Flavours from the Curry. Soon we had two Shiny Garlic Naans and a plate of Salad! With no side-plates, I was not going near this. With a side-plate, I probably wouldn’t have bothered either, too late.
Lamb Karahi
Topped with Fresh Tomato, Coriander and Ginger Strips, the Karahi here still approaches Mainstream Curry. The Quantity of Masala is much more plentiful, also blended, and not how it is served at say Glasgow’s Yadgar, Karahi Palace, Ambala Deli Bar or Manchester’s Dera. Still, in Aberdeen it is a Curry I have come to know and respect despite it not having the appearance of true Desi-cuisine.
A lovely dish – said Marg – plenty taste, good tender meat. I can’t believe how much Rice there was, I enjoyed the Mushroom Rice for a change. The Roti was not the same as a Chapatti (goes too crispy, too quickly) which is what I wanted.
It is about time Hector challenged Lahore Karahi to make a Punjabi Chapatti which maintains its softness.
Delicious, quite saucy – remarked Laura – I particularly liked the Mushroom Rice.
Euan’s comments covered the entire experience:
The Lamb was very good, as was the Rice. It is great you can BYOB and no corkage. Personally would have preferred the Garlic Naan to have less Garlic Butter, it was a bit overpowering. However, given the price, quality and BYOB, this is one of the best places in Aberdeen.
Chicken Karahi
It is over two years since Kirsty, Marg and Hector last had Curry together, Helensburgh’s Akash closed soon aftewards.
The Toppings were the same as the Lamb Karahi but a bit on the skimpy side. Large pieces of Chicken protruded through the Tomato-rich blended Masala. Kirsty:
One of the best I’ve had, creamy without being greasy.
Creamy?– interjected Hector.
A creamy texture obviously with no cream, not the usual gravy sauce.
Indeed, and not the Masala one might expect in a Karahi at all.
Kashmir Korma (with Mango)
Ross was sat on my left, I witnessed all of his positive statements throughout the meal. This was my first ever Curry with him and so I do not know his norm. For Hector, this was a Dish best avoided, far too much Masala, and let’s not start me on Chicken Curry. I was not eating it, Ross was thoroughly enjoying it:
It wasn’t as sweet as you would imagine it to be, more heat than you would expect a Korma to have, which was agreeable to me. Well balanced, Chicken cooked well (perhaps) slightly overdone. Glad to have found a good Curry House in Aberdeen.
Piaz Gosht
Dopiaza, is what Graeme and Hector agreed upon for the Piaz Gosht. There was an abundance of Onion, the dreaded Big Blobs. How this otherwise differed from the Karahi I cannot comment. Graeme’s enthusiasm maintained, perhaps he is not bothered by – Ballast.
As always, the food was excellent. The Lamb was tender and perfectly cooked, with a fine balance of Ginger and other Spices. The Mushroom Rice and Garlic Naan were also very good.
Fish Curry (with Methi)
Look at this, a Fish Curry fit for a Hector!
The Methi was visible in the Masala. The Masala looked significantly Thicker than the other Dishes served this evening. The Fish, Haddock confirmed last time, was plentiful. The ratio of Meat to Masala was therefore most pleasing.
I took enough to start, the second photo reveals the Quality of this Curry. Bring it on.
From the first tasting I was sold on this. The Fish Flavour hit the plate instantly, this was full on, and all down to the Seasoning being pitched correctly. Just as well I asked for – Spicy – else I may not have noticed any. The combined Methi and base Masala was putting this Curry into the Stratosphere. Every mouthful was going to be Absolute Pleasure. This was a truly outstanding Fish Curry.
The Mushroom Rice turned out to be potentially the Ideal Complement adding further – Diversity of Flavour – hang on, what’s this? Pieces of Green Chilli? Oh no! Two slivers of Green Capsicum were uncovered, then some more, yellow too. They were in the Rice. Eight small offending pieces, if cooked in, not distorting the Mushroom Rice and certainly not the Fish Curry whose Flavours would compete with anything alien.
My Curry was Spectacular, Memorable, the – Overall Experience – almost Perfect.
I’ll be having this on every visit – I said to Graeme. Will he ask for – Methi – too next time?
Ross showed me a Green Cardamom which he had avoided eating. A Peppercorn had been left too, and a Pip. We had to ask. Mein Host brought out another Fruit Pip, from a Plum, they are added to the Rice to enhance the Flavour.
More Pips, no Capsicum please!
Coffee?
Marg was up for Coffee, even Dessert. VDT! Fortunately a tray with seven Complimentary Desserts was presented – Semolina topped with Pistachio. Very tasty, a good touch, appreciated, and saved us another half hour which would be better spent in the P.O.W.
The Bill
£79.35. Where else in Aberdeen can seven people eat this Quantity and Quality in Aberdeen? The Sensible pricing of Bread makes this possible.
The Aftermath
I left another Calling Card to ensure the above is noted.
That was the best Fish Curry I have had in Scotland – I said to the Chap at the counter as I handed over the cash.