Today four of The Company went to Leeds (closed), a city that is never likely to appear in this Curry Blog, once bitten… Five, including Marg and Hector, went to Hebden Bridge which will most certainly feature on Curry-Heute, eventually. On our return, Marg called it a night. I had previously phoned Lahori Taste (36 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3EB, England) to verify they were open. Hector and Neil caught up with Howard and Mags at the Rat and Ratchet next door to Lahori Taste. They ordered Takeaway, Hector would have his first Curry of 2019 alone.
After the Quantity of Lamb I ate two days ago at Kobane Kurdish Restaurant and later at Sher e Akbar, I was in the mood for something different. Vegetable Curry, Keema, even Chicken was considered, yes it was a good day in Hebden Bridge. I was delighted to spot Fish Karahi (£6.00) on the new menu board. A Plain Paratha (£2.00) would accompany.
I didn’t recognise any of the staff behind the counter.
As has been a common occurrence across the land in recent months, there was a new Menu with new prices. This print has the correct opening time – 17.00.
The Bill
£8.00 … or, £1.00 more than the taxi fare from Huddersfield Station to the Rat and Ratchet.
One of the chaps was wiping down the middle table, Hector’s preferred locus. At 23.20 he probably thought the was doing this for the last time.
The Curry took little more than ten minutes to arrive, the joy of Fish. Served on a tawa, it was exactly what I needed. Let’s not overlook the metal dish with a Modest Salad and Dips which accompanied, simple, it made the presentation look like a meal.
Not as bad as the – Selfie, the Paratha was nearly a disaster. It was Flaky, however, the layering was Minimal, far too Thin. It lacked Flavour and Seasoning, this was never a Paratha. It did have one advantage, it would not lie heavy in the stomach overnight.
Fish Karahi
The Karahi was topped with Coriander Stems which is a particular favourite, this can add a welcomed Fresh, Gritty Texture especially to a Fish Curry. The Flaked Fish was shrouded in the Minimal Masala. Absolutely no Oil separated from the Masala, a rare event, very healthy. The occasional pieces of Tomato and Onion were encountered, the Salad Bits added further Diversity.
Hector! How are you doing? – enquired Mein Host who had just entered the premises.
This is my first Curry of the year – I replied. Well it is New Year’s Day.
This Fish Karahi was Excellent, Light, full of Flavour, and reminiscent of Bradford’s Kashmir which (IMHO) has set the standard in this style of Curry.
The Aftermath
I speculated that the wall facing me might contain some Facilities, I asked.
Pub next door – was the reply. Closed.
It was a twenty two minute walk back t’Travelodge. The palate was still registering the Flavours from the Fish Karahi. It was at the end of the walk that the impressive level of Seasoning in the Curry was recognised. To think that some people order Dessert and don’t let the Curry Flavours linger as long as possible.
Menu
