Hector had his mind set on the Shahi Kofta as served at the International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA).
Arriving before midnight, I was shocked to find the place in darkness. I had heard that they had issues with a recent hygiene inspection, but closed? Is that what a – Zero Hygiene Rating – demands?
I decided to take the walk up Great Horton Rd. passing Shimlas which looked too formal as did Anams. MyLahore Deli I have been to already. Eventually I reached Rajas (258 Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD7 1PU), next door looked much more interesting: Cafe Rajas Karahi Lounge (260 Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD7 1PU).
I checked with a chap at the counter where I should sit. I took a table on the ground floor from where I could survey all. There’s a mezzanine where the Facilities are located. The Menu was beyond all expectation. Karahi – and – Desi – were present, and – Namkeen Karahi!
Lamb Namkeen Karahi (£9.00) was available by the Portion. Later in the Menu was the half-kilo at £13.00 and the Kilo at £25.00. Here was also a caveat – a wait of 20 – 30 minutes – would be required for the preparation of the latter two. So why not for the Portion?
The Waiter was aware of me photographing the entire Menu. I asked if I could have the Portion but wait the full time as it would take to prepare the half-kilo.
Can I have a slow Lamb Namkeen Karahi?
He appreciated my argument.
Inclusive Rice/Bread is not part of the Cafe Rajas setup. I’ve had enough Chapattis this week and so considered a Naan. A Keema Naan (£2.50) seemed good value and would reveal more about Cafe Rajas.
That will be way too much – the Waiter suggested.
I can take it away.
The time was 00.30, I studied more of the Menu. Cafe Rajas is open everyday from 16.00 until 04.00. Not a Lunchtime venue then.
A Salad was set before me with a ridiculous array of five bottles. I found the Raita. I kept myself amused until 01.06.
Lamb Namkeen Karahi
This impressed immediately. A White Karahi which appeared to have been prepared correctly, just Salt and Pepper and it was on-the-bone. There was a slightly Creamy finish to it, I assumed some Yoghurt must have been added just before serving. Some Fresh Coriander topped all this.
The Naan looked glorious – Big & Puffy. On inspecting the interior, oh no… here was the Donner-like Meat spread across the the lower part, not the discrete grains of Keema which are the mark of genuine class. Still, it tasted fine, but I soon discovered the Waiter was right. This was far too much. I ate about one fifth, the rest would come back to Glasgow.
The Spice was in-the-face, not a problem. Given the method of preparation, the Seasoning had to be significant – a Salt & Pepper Karahi. As I made progress so I unearthed Ginger Strips and chopped large Green Chillies. This explained the – Kick. I could dream about being able to make a Masala of this Quality.
The Waiter and the younger chap who had brought the Salad both checked on my progress.
This is Wonderful!
I took the Opperchancity to ask about the International.
Maybe it is being refurbished.
But Ali went earlier this year.
Ah…
He asked if I was a Chef.
Just a Student of Curry – was my reply.
And so I continued eating. There were – Sucky Bones – shrouded by so Soft Lamb. Chewing, however, was still required. This felt close to Afghan Cuisine, a Namkeen Lamb Karahi with the best of everything.
Another staff member behind the counter in an orange polo shirt called across to enquire about my Karahi. I gave him the thumbs up.
Still I ate. At 01.30 the Naan was abandoned. This – Portion – was substantial, the half-kilo came to mind. Shreds of Large Green Chillies were strewn through the mass of Meat and Masala. The Quantity of Meat was indeterminate, there was loads, cut Bradford-small.
Eventually I had to wave the flag, a Soupçon of Namkeen Karahi would be driven north. Namkeen Karahi in Bradford? A first. Are they trying to emulate the Diversity of the Fayre in Glasgow?
The Bill
£11.50 Bespoke food at a more than acceptable price.
The Aftermath
I asked the Waiter how long Cafe Rajas had been here. A customer who was leaving answered the question – just over two years.
I deduced that the Young Chap behind the counter was in charge.
Is this your place?
My uncle’s.
I gave the Calling Card, the next few minutes were fun. Another colleague raved about his time in Glasgow. The Chef who cooked my Namkeen Karahi was summoned – this was the chap in the orange polo shirt. They were all happy to pose for the photo, and pose they did.
What a discovery. Hector will be back, even if it is next October.
Rajas is a chain across the north of England serving Chicken and Burgers. Cafe Rajas, my chosen venue this evening has identical livery, but the only example I have found serving Curry. There is also the question of the – apostrophe. Other sources have – Raja’s – but that is not on their signage or Menu. Perhaps – The Man from Bradford – will have more information?
The Staff
The 2018 Menu
