The anti-penultimate trip to Aberdeen of 2018 only permitted time for a single Curry outing. This therefore had to be at Hector’s most favoured Aberdeen venue: Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE). Today marked the tenth visit to Lahore Karahi who have come a long way since the disappointment of Visit #1. There are still items on the Menu which could be worthy of a Hector, Tandoori Chops Masala (£9.95) has somehow been overlooked. However, having discovered the splendour that is Fish Curry (£9.00) then having this enhanced with Methi on a subsequent visit, Curry-Heute had to be – Fish Curry with Methi.
Tonight was a Chaps night out, Marg et al were at a Hen Party, we were not invited, strange. Euan and Graeme were the Fellow Diners this evening.
Last to arrive, Hector found Graeme and Euan seated at a table for ten. Had I booked this? We were relocated to a wall table and the large settings were split up. Graeme was taking advantage of the free BYOB system and would share some – Fyne Ales – with Euan. For Hector it was Tap Water, still no Sparkling Water available at Lahore Karahi. We sat, chatted, no Menu was forthcoming. We sat patiently, then wondered if it would have been possible to come in with a cargo of Bier, order nothing, drink it, then leave. Eventually I had to call for the Menu.
It didn’t take long for Graeme to decide upon Methi Gosht (£9.00). Euan took his time, Chicken Jalfrezi was eventually declared.
On previous nights out together, Euan and Graeme shared a Mushroom Rice (£3.00) and a Naan, various. Euan recalled the Peshwari (£2.50) being too Sweet, and the Garlic (£2.50) being dripping Wet. This amused, reasons why I would not welcome either. They agreed on a Mushroom Rice and a Peshwari Naan.
The Mushroom Rice at Lahore Karahi has impressed, Hector was not missing out on this, two portions between three of us would be more than enough. The Tandoori Paratha (£2.50) at Lahore Karahi has helped define The Standard. Despite having – Stovies – for lunch, I still had an appetite. Hector would have Bread and Rice.
I had to remind my fellow diners that their Curry would not taste right if it hadn’t been photographed.
The Paratha was Layered and Flaky, though being made from what looked like – Wholemeal – Flour, it would clearly go Crispy in parts as it cooled. The Parathas here were much better than this in the past. The Naan was cut up like a Pizza. The something pink – was again evident as the stuffing. Euan and Graeme were both in agreement, this was a much better Peshwari Naan than that served previously.
There was an abundance of Mushroom Pilau, three people sharing two portions proved to be more than adequate. The Mushroom Rice had Flavour in its own right, this has become a popular choice for us at Lahore Karahi.
*
Fish Curry – with Methi
I described this in April of this year as – Astonishing – it truly was. I knew immediately tonight that this Fish Curry would not compare favourably. The protruding pieces in the photo are the Fish, no problems with this actually, enough Masala Fish. There was no identifiable Masala, just a mass of Fish shrouded in Herbs. Instead of the much sought for – Masala with Methi, my observation was: Chef grabbed a handful of the Saag/Palak mix, and cooked the Fish in it. This was an example of what Hector does not look for in a Curry.
I waited for the – Methi – to hit the palate, it didn’t. Flavour? None initially. Spice? Seasoning? My fellow Diners were quick to spot my lack of enthusiasm. There really was not much happening here. The Spice became more apparent as I ate on, the lack of Seasoning was holding everything back. Who cooks an Under-seasoned Fish Curry? The Mushroom Rice became the focus of pleasure.
Had the instructions gone to the kitchen as – Fish Methi? The lack of a typical Onion-based Masala became ironic: how Hector loves a Minimal Masala. I challenge the Chef to respond, exactly how was this prepared?
Next time – Fish Curry – as per Menu, or back to the safety of Lamb.
Being so wrapped up in my own disappointment, I did not make notes describing the visual impact of the other Dishes presented this evening.
Methi Gosht
A stalwart at Lahore Karahi, this always works. This was the – Boneless – version. The Waiter made no attempt to offer Lamb on-the-bone this evening.
Graeme:
Very tasty, just the right amount of spice, lamb well cooked.
Chicken Jalfrezi
Topped with a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander, and Tomatoes evidently introduced not long before serving, this Curry looked – OK. It was a Chicken Curry, so expectations were not high on Hector’s part.
Euan:
Very good, I enjoyed it.
If one orders a – Mainstream Curry – and enjoys it, then so be it.
The Bill
£36.45
The Aftermath
There was none. All the Staff were dealing with one Chap’s Takeaway. I looked over to bid farewell … no eye contact.
There was an undercurrent of indifference from the moment I set foot in Lahore Karahi this evening. What’s the story?