After seventeen days trying to track down the best of Curry on the Pacific side of USA, Hector is home, briefly. Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was chosen as today’s venue, somehow I have not been here in two months. With the high regard I had for the Curry served up at Karahi Palace before I went – West, I can now deduce that not only is Karahi Palace one of the Best Curry Houses in Glasgow, it is simply one of the Best, Anywhere.
I arrived just after 14.00 to find two Chaps sharing a Kilo of Chicken Karahi. If my stomach was not still somewhere around 40,000ft, I may have been tempted to order the half Kilo for myself, a Portion would do. Qaser was there to serve, Chef Rashid was in his – spot, all was comfortably familiar.
The Order was given: Karahi Gosht (£7.90) and a Chapatti (£0.70). No Salad was forthcoming, a jug of Tap Water was brought, no glass. Patience, Hector, no American-style service here. Karahi Palace is as basic as they come.
A plastic cup arrived with the Curry, what happened to the glasses? No plate, none needed. As I took my usual photos, the Chap at the next table of Chicken Karahi fame asked if I was taking photos to wind up my friends, as in Look what you don’t have. I told him I had a Blog.
Oh, your – hoot!? (sic)
Hoy-teh – is not pronounced correctly by those without Deutsch.
Hector had been recognised, he had read my Blog. His friend went on to name Yadgar as being the other standout venue in Glasgow. I mentioned Ambala, they have not been, yet.
And so into the Fresh and very Hot Karahi Gosht. How I have come to miss my Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strip Toppings, the extra Flavour and Crunch is something I will never take for granted again. This was comfort eating, I have been here often enough to know what to expect: the Oil collecting around the periphery of the Karahi, the Tomato-rich Masala Mash, the Sucky Bones, today I had three.
The Seasoning was – down – today, I did not ask for Extra Methi and Seasoning, perhaps I shall have to keep making this point no matter how often I visit. The Spice Level was most welcoming, a good Kick, nothing crazy despite the abundant chopped Green Chillies. My days of – Habanero – are behind me.
There was a pronounced Bitterness to the Flavour today, had some Karela sneaked in there? I needed more Methi. The Lamb was brilliant. Hector has not had Lamb in two weeks, such was the poverty of what was on offer States-side. Lamb, so much more full of Flavour than Chicken, don’t start me…
The Bill
£8.70. Rashid took the cash and took time to ask how I was. Genuine, not the American way. No presumption of a 15-20% Tip. Indeed, in these Curry Cafes, they are embarrassed if one tips.
The Aftermath
Now to the Briggait where Hector is doing some hours at the Foreign Bar at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival – G-RAF.