Google Maps had us take the Tube to Aldgate from Farringdon, not the best way to get to Lahore Kebab House (2-10 Umberston St., Whitechapel, London, E1 1PY, England) as it turned out. Hector sensed that Clive was questioning the chosen path through residential areas to reach Umberston St. We reached the Restaurant from the rear instead of walking along Commercial Road, all very strange. Even stranger is the fact that the last time I came to Lahore Kebab House I also had a Kebap in Crawley the night before.
It was 13.50 when we entered Lahore Kebab House, there were about a dozen diners. We were shown to a small table immediately adjacent to two other chaps, why so close, the place is huge. The Menu was already on the table, prices have increased by around twenty five percent since my first visit two years ago.
Last time I had an impressive Methi Gosht, time to try the Karahi Gosht (£9.50). Clive took the Fish option, Fish Curry (£9.50). The Waiter was happy to take my order for a Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.25). I had to dissuade Clive from ordering a Keema Naan (£3.50), instead he would have an Aloo Paratha ((£3.50). Mince with Fish?
The Waiter brought a large bottle of Still Water (£2.75). I noticed that the adjacent chaps had not opened theirs. Ah, one is expected to pay for this. I asked for it to be changed to Sparkling, may as well have something I actually want. The bottle was placed on the table on the other side, it was never replaced, instead another Waiter brought a jug of Tap Water, not so cold, no ice, not refreshing. A modest Salad arrived too with a Raita.
I saw a Seekh Kebab (£1.35) arrive beside us, I had to have one. Two were ordered.
Seekh Kebab
One each, the juice was oozing across the plate. The burnt extremities were in sharp contrast to the lightness of the Meat. The Fresh Coriander was a bonus. Umami, really meaty, this was a stunning Seekh Kebab. Again, this was probably all down to the Seasoning.
This has a kick to it – Clive remarked – and tasty too.
Usually served as a pair, one was actually enough given the size of the Main Courses.
Both Breads were served in halves, better this than wedges I suppose. The Naan was thin in the centre. Thanks to Curryspondent – Captain Coriander – I now know the holes prevented the Naan from puffing up in the middle. Fortunately the edges were delightfully fluffy, here was the best of both worlds perhaps. This was a good Naan.
The Paratha impressed also, the Flakiness was clear to see. The girth confirmed that this was a well stuffed Paratha, and a large one at that.
Fish Curry
None came my way, a major pity. This looked like the Best Fish Curry I have ever seen (Chettinad excepted). There was a mass of Fish, large pieces, in an interesting looking Masala. This was not the Flaked Fish that one encounters in Bradford. Specks of Herb and Seeds sat in the Masala which some may consider to be too Oily, for Hector this was ideal.
Very hot – declared Clive – definitely hot and spicy hot too. This is really good.
Next time, Hector will most certainly be ordering this.
That was excellent – Clive concluded.
*
Karahi Gosht
Twelve large pieces of Meat sat in a very traditional blended Masala. The first dip of the Naan revealed a Flavour that took me back in time. This was very much a Curry of the 1970s. The Spice Level and the Seasoning were very well judged. Most of the Meat was very soft, on the edge. As I ate, so I noted pulped Meat had thickened the Masala. Good as this was, it was far from sensational. Meat and Masala, I could have done with a Vegetable, Methi even, or heaven forbid – Rice. At the end I had to ask myself what was here that made this a Karahi and not simply a Lamb Curry.
The Bill
£27.45 We had a lot of food for our Pound.
The Aftermath
The staff were all smiles as we left, last time there was an air of indifference.
Around the corner on Commercial Rd. I spotted another Lahori Curry Cafe – Lahore One Restaurant. This is one for the future, however, I’ll need to get back here for the Fish Curry.
