Ricky is up from Bradford, Lord Clive is up from from Crawley, each for different events tomorrow. Curry-Heute was mandatory.
Namak Mandi (21-23 Bridge St, Glasgow G5 9JB) was today’s selected venue, a first for the above plus Dr. Stan who was hosting Ricky. Namkeen Karahi (£11.99) for four was arranged at 16.00 as Hector and Dr. Stan proceeded to The Laurieston, our rendezvous locus. Mein Host was there to greet, the – two kilos – requested for 18.00, but only confirmed after he consulted the Chef. If one desires the – White Karahi – one has to give notice.
This would be Clive and Ricky’s first exposure to Namkeen Karahi. Dr. Stan and Hector have enjoyed this at Yadgar and courtesy of Waris now at Deira Lahore. It is – Curry – but not as one knows it, cooked with nothing – Red – only Salt, Pepper, and Chillies.
We arrived punctually to find most of the tables reserved. Young Waiters were now on duty. I told one that we were here for the Namkeen Karahi and were shown to a table adjacent to the counter and one of the Dias. Interestingly, the Dias at the window was occupied by a group of Chaps who had chosen to squat here to dine.
One Kilo? – asked the Waiter.
No, two.
We required Bread but no Menu was provided. The Waiter appeared to think we knew what Accompaniments we wanted already, I could only speak for myself, a Chilli and Coriander Naan. Clive asked for a Keema Naan. The order became two of each.
A Salad featuring Lemon Slices was presented accompanied by a Raita and a suitably Spicy and Flavoursome, Red Sauce. This relatively – Modest Salad – proved to be a hit, it was devoured, the Red Sauce being particularly appreciated.
The Restaurant was filling up. At one time, people were queueing at the counter. Every table was occupied, Kebap various, being the major attraction. Ricky pointed out that Hector was the only Scotsman here, possibly true.
Two laden Karahi were presented with the first Chilli and Coriander Naan. The remaining Karahi arrived soon after, then the Breads one at a time. As the pile of Bread grew I wondered as to what we had done. Who would/could eat all this?
The Karahi were full, however, I still question as to how what lay on the table was – Two Kilos? This amount of Curry we have seen at Yadgar, I have yet to be convinced that this is what is presented at Namak Mandi. Prove me wrong please.
The Naans
The Keema Naans were huge, the Chilli and Coriander Naans not far off, but more manageable. They arrived off the assembly line and hence were – Fresh. Given the quantity, the Breads became communal.
The Keema Naan passed the test, no Pink – Donner-style – Meat here, though as it was impossible to split them apart, the individual grains of Mince could not be shown.
The Chilli Naans gave off a good Kick, perhaps even more Coriander would have been welcomed. Still, they were Light, not Doughy, Ricky would have more to say on the Bread.
Namkeen Karahi
The Meat was served on-the-bone as it should be for a Namkeen, or any, Karahi. The Tomato-based Masala was in two phases: the Thick Masala Mash and the Oily residue collecting around the periphery of the Karahi. Both supply pleasure.
From the first dip of the Chilli and Coriander Naan there was a Big Salty Hit, Tremendous! The Spice in the Masala was aided by the Naan, this was – Nippy – not for wimps. Dr. Stan coughed on his first intake of Karahi:
Something in the back of my throat – he exclaimed.
Ricky kept complaining about the Bones, this was a Curry to chew on, not suck like his favoured Shahi Kofta as served at Bradford’s International.
*
The Flavours were Intense, I reached the conclusion early that this Namkeen Karahi was truly up there with – the best. This very Simple Curry may not suit all, however, if one has acquired the taste for it, I can highly recommend one comes to Namak Mandi.
*
The food is excellent, the Bread is even better – remarked Ricky – as you know, I’m a Bread man.
As I noted this very positive statement, Mein Host came over to check on our progress. This quote was relayed, I could not tell if Ricky’s – Bradford pedigree – meant anything to Mein Host.
In the minutes following Ricky became more circumspect and withdrew the above statement. The Bread he still loved, however, he questioned if what we were eating was really – a Curry.
It was Meat with Masala, so yes. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced in terms of the ingredients. Ricky has had many a Karahi, so he knows the style. One thing we did agree upon:
I presented my observation that the Base Curry in Bradford is way better than that served in Glasgow, but Glasgow offers a greater diversity in terms of style and flavour. Ricky concurred, well, until he reads this and denies it.
Dr. Stan enjoyed the Peppery Flavour He had three more words to say:
A good Kick.
Clive:
That was different, pleasantly different. I wouldn’t describe it as a Curry.
So there we have it, a Curry of Contradiction. Hector has no qualms about rating today’s among the Best, ever. Perhaps on reading these words, Howard will demand a visit, Tracey too? Namkeen Karahi!
The Karahi were wiped clean with the abundant Bread. We left so little Bread. Who ate all the Bread?
The Bill
£57.96. I noted the Chilli and Coriander Naan and the Keema Naan were charged at £2.00 and £3.00 respectively. The Menu I posted last time has Chilli Naan at £1.50 and Keema Naan at £2.50. Is there a New Menu?
The Aftermath
I thanked the Young Chaps who had served us and left another Calling Card, just in case. I hope to add Namak Mandi to my list of Recommended Curry Houses soon, three more impressive visits required.