Hector has been abducted, two nights in Aberdoom before setting off for what may be a relative Curry Desert. In the next few weeks I may find myself in a country where no Curry has previously been reported, a challenge. Should I take my own spices?
Deutschland 2 v1 Sverge
After watching one of the most ridiculous comebacks in the history of Football, Marg and Hector drove to Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE). A Saturday without Bier, and when Bier-Traveller catches up (aye right) with Curry-Heute, all shall be revealed. On entering we were firstly greeted by a cacophony from a group of three couples sat at the window. One assumes they had – brought their own bottles. The Waiter recognised me, smiled and offered his hand. A warm welcome.
Of the six at the window, it was the three females who were making the noise, screeching at the top of their voices at every opperchancity. The only respite was when two had to go outside to accelerate their departure from this planet. I hope Marg and Hector’s quiet demeanour did not spoil their evening.
When seven of us dined at Lahore Karahi back in April, Hector enjoyed the astonishingly wonderful Fish Karahi (£9.00). This evening I went back to my roots – Methi Gosht – (£8.50). Unbelievably, there has been a limited intake of Lamb in the last few weeks. The guarantee of – Methi – was paramount. The Menu offers a choice of Keema Aloo or Keema Peas (£8.50), Marg went for Keema Peas.
The Paratha at Lahore Karahi could be Legendary: both in terms of Price and Quality. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) for Hector, a Tandoori Roti (£1.20) for Marg. Marg was happy to take the risk of – crisping – over having the – Butter – equivalent. £1.20 for a Roti in Aberdoom, Unglaublich! (For readers in Bradford, this is actually a positive.) The Bread was up to standard. The Roti had Girth and was a decent size, one was enough. The Paratha had Layering, Flaked and had the – Swirl. Perfection.
Keema Peas
The Potato stood out, so – Keema Aloo Mutter – then, better still. This was a mass of Curry. With Ginger Strips and Chopped Green Chillies, plus half a Large Green Chilli, this was a commendable Keema.
A Ginger and Coriander hit – remarked Marg. This was pleasing. The Quantity was going to defeat Marg, some of the Potato came in my direction adding to the diversity of the Methi Gosht, the Best of Both Worlds.
Methi Gosht
Look at the Splendour of this. Large-cut Lamb in a Beautiful Masala with Herbs. As in any Quality Curry, the Quantity of the Masala was appropriate, an excellent – Meat to Masala Ratio. The Methi, how I have missed this throughout the month of June. The Masala was Thick with Herbs. One suspects that Spinach and possibly Mustard Leaves may also have been present. One cannot survive on Methi alone, it is possible to have – too much. Again, half of a large fresh Green Chilli had been put in at the point of serving, an extra – Kick – if required. Marg’s had already crossed the table. Hector had all the Spice required, but not the Seasoning. This Methi Gosht needed much more.
I could taste the Flavour of the Lamb itself which initially was most enjoyable. This raised the question of how long the Meat and the Masala had been in each other’s presence. In my favoured Glasgow Curry Cafes, one sees the Saag Gosht sitting out, plenty of time to absorb the Flavours.
Still, what was not to enjoy here? Hector had his Methi.
As we finished our meals, so the Head Waiter came over to check on our progress, he too remembered Hector. I am a regular here, at least twice a year. Lahore Karahi continues to set the Standard for Curry in Aberdeen…
The Bill
£20.50 … at prices that are realistic.
The Aftermath
The screeching females persisted. Maybe BYOB has its disadvantages – pour les autres.