It is sixteen days since Hector became aware of Basharat G’z (223-225 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8RU), located in the premises which were briefly Al-Anwar. Last Saturday I went in to introduce myself and study the Menu, which is posted – here. Lamb Karahi (£12.00) is available by the half kilo at a sensible price. I promised to return.
I was told that Bashharat G’z opens at 14.00 each day, Google Maps presently suggest otherwise. Hopefully, the management will get this sorted, soonest. The two young chaps I met last week were on duty when I walked in at 13.57. Hector was recognised. Abbas, who appears to have taken the role of managing the front of house, confirmed that he had seen my Blog posted last Saturday.
I took a seat in the empty dining room, I already knew what I was having. The Lamb Karahi (without Peppers) would be accompanied by a Paratha (£2.00). We also agreed on – Spicy. I checked there was no Sparkling Water then asked for a Jug of Tap Water. It was Noor, brother-in-law of Abbas who recorded the Order. A double act.
Abbas suggested that I take photos of other Dishes before I left. This I would be more than happy to do. Meanwhile, I sat back and waited for Chef Nasir to work his magic. It was Noor whom I ended up chatting to most. He was interested in how I came to be such a Curry aficionado. The story is related – here. I do not want to eat the alternatives – Burgers and Pizza. When I mentioned my amusement on seeing Asians ordering the aforementioned in the Curry Cafes that I visit, Noor confirmed that for them, it is a change from what they have at home. Noor mentioned that his father is a keen Chef and likes to experiment. It was then I joined the dots. Noor is the son of Basharat, the owner. This is Basharat’s first venture into the Restaurant/Takeaway business. Nasir has been a Chef for some fifteen years, having previously worked in France. One day, we may establish if that was at any French Curry House reviewed on Curry-Heute.
A more than Modest Salad had been brought soon after I took my seat, accompanied by a welcomed Jug of Cold Water. Glasgow is in the middle of a three day resurgence of that thing people call – summer. When the Karahi and Paratha arrived, I was ready.
The Paratha was huge, half was as much as I would ever manage. Made from Wholemeal Flour (I prefer white), it was served Whole, had the required Layering, and showed signs of both Flakiness and the – Swirl. On sampling this, I noted that this Paratha had serious Flavour in its own right. Such was the time it would take me to eat the Karahi, the Paratha did crisp. Still, this was a fine example of the genre.
Lamb Karahi
The Coriander Garnish was modest. The Oil was already collecting around the periphery of the karahi. Within, lay a hearty mound of Meat shrouded in the Thick and Minimal Masala one seeks. Abbas would confirm in passing that there were Tomatoes in here to complement the Onions. I stopped counting the Meat after I reached double figures, this was a decent portion. The Lamb was on-the-bone as one would expect for genuine – Desi Fayre. Two Sucky Bones, yay! This looked as good as the Karahi Gosht served at my favourite Curry Houses.
I started by dipping some Paratha in the Masala, this was instantly rewarding. What was I tasting? Everything was familiar, yet this was decidedly different. A new taste experience, this Karahi Gosht clearly had pedigree.
Around the corner lies Yadgar, who unashamedly serve the best Goshat Karahi in Glasgow. Theirs is so rich in Flavour, one could not eat it all the time. Whereas, the same Dish at Karahi Palace is the stripped down version, more basic, flavoursome in its own right, but quaffable. Today’s Lamb Karahi took me back to my first visits to Ambala Deli Bar before they started messing around with their menu and lost the Lamb Handi.
Basharat’s Lamb Karahi had the – Warmth of Flavour – which is as well as I can describe what makes Yadgar so special. When I discover a new Curry House serving Curry of this Quality then inevitably I become excited. A couple of years back, in these very premises, Lasani Grill served this Quality of Lamb Karahi. We lost Lasani Grill, now we have Basharat G’z. The Lamb Karahi served today was as good as any I have eaten, I shall certainly be back for more, but then there’s the Methi Gosht (£7.00) to consider also. It looks as though I shall be heading to Allison Street with an even greater regularity in the coming months.
Again, when passing, I asked Abbas if the Lamb Karahi would have had – Capsicum – present if I had not asked for it to be withheld. I was informed that they only use Capsicum in some of the popular/mainstream Chicken Dishes. Hector should be safe.
Another chap came to chat, this was Basharat, Mein Host. I congratulated Basharat on creating a Karahi with a distinct blend of Flavours. I promised to see him at the end. Basharat, Noor and Abbas each confirmed that they appreciate that there is no point them opening a new Restaurant and simply serving what everywhere else serves. Yes, the Menu is along Curry Cafe lines, but they are genuinely trying to create something different. Today’s Lamb Karahi was appreciably so. Basharat suggested that next time I try their Rajhastani Boti (£4.99). This of course is not a Chicken Curry, but a Tandoori Starter, or is it? The Menu shows it it served with Rice or a Naan plus a can of lemonade. Perhaps I can have just the Meat?
Meanwhile, back at the Karahi, I encountered only one piece of Meat which required serious chewing, the rest was suitably – Soft. I realised that the Spice Level and Seasoning were very much an afterthought. The Oil, oh the Oil, had so much Flavour, by the end game, all had been scooped up by the never ending Paratha.
This was very much one of the special days in Curry-Heute. I had finished a superb Lamb Karahi and was about to talk – Curry.
The Bill
£14.00 I tried to pay the full amount, it was rounded down as a thanks for publicity I had already given, and in anticipation of this Blog posting.
There ain’t no vanity clause.
The Aftermath
I took photos of the prepared Curry.
Chicken Karahi Chicken Pilau
Keema Chicken (with Karela?) Haleem
I had to mention my dislike of Haleem. Abbas and Noor insisted I would like theirs. Perhaps a Soupçon, one day. Basharat was summoned for the grand photo.
Noor, Basharat, Abbas
I listed my favourite Glasgow venues with an explanation as to what made them stand out. Basharat asked where I would rank his premises, not after one visit. There shall most certainly be more, and I promised to bring – The Friends of Hector.