As soon as John heard about the wonder that is the Lamb Desi Karahi as served at Basharat G’z (223-225 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8RU), it was a matter of how soon could we go. Dr. Stan and Mags were included, taking us back to the halcyon days of Saturday afternoon Curry. Yet another disgustingly wet day in Glasgow, John would be late for the 16.30 rendezvous. The remaining three headed from the Allison Arms in good time, but were a few minutes late having engaged Zahid at 
Shahed’s Original (712 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2AD) as they now brand themselves. The renovations are well underway; there should be at least a bench at which to sit to enjoy their Fayre, from sometime in September. If it remains only a Takeaway, then Hector will continue to pass them by, there being no point in visiting if there is nowhere to sit.
Arriving at Bahsharat G’z – drenched – the coat was draped over a spare chair. I studied the prepared Dishes, the Lamb Curry was there as hoped for. The Glacé Cherries suggested one Rice Dish was a Dessert. I asked Abbas if Potato could be added to the Lamb Curry. My plan for today was to join Mags in her favourite Curry – Aloo Gosht – even though it is not on the Menu. I expected John and Dr. Stan would share a kilo of Lamb Desi Karahi (£23.99). John texted en route to ask if it could be served – Boneless. He arrived just as Abbas was taking the Order, Boneless was possible.
Basharat, Mein Host, appeared:
Are you the real Basharat? – I asked, with reference to two days ago when I totally failed to recognise him. Basharat continued the conversation that I had started about the presentation of the Aloo Gosht. Basharat mentioned – Soup – which would mean an Aloo Gosht in Shorva as served across the road at Sheerin Palace. He then used the term – Bhuna – now we were on the same page. Spicy – had already been agreed with Abbas.
I tried once more to secure a Chilli and Coriander Naan, the Chillies having been invisible on Wednesday. Abbas promised that the Chillies would be rolled into the dough. Mags opted for a Plain Paratha (£2.00). Dr. Stan thought one Tawa Chapatti (£0.70) would be sufficient for himself. John who can eat Chapattis for Scotland would have one of these plus a Garlic Chapatti (£1.00). Abbas had to explain to the Chaps what a Tawa Chapatti is. Does this mean there is no Tandoor at Basharat G’z?
I went to the door to get a phone signal, such is the density of the tenements in this part of Glasgow, wi-fi is required. Dr. Stan had just raised the question of a trip to Berlin for the Weihnachtsmarkt in December. More Berlin Curry in 2019, Mmmm. Noor announced that he had been reading my reviews and was taken by the detail. More on this matter below. Noor also had a Pizza in his hand, about to go in the oven, far better value in the Curry Cafes than the Pizza Chains.
I returned to the table to find two complimentary plates of Salad, bring on the Pickled Chillies! The Mains were on the table as I returned from yet another visit to the doorway. Abbas sorted my phone, wi-fi is available.
Less Oil
In my previous two visits, I have commented upon the presence of excessive Oil. Whilst the Oil can be off-putting for some, here lies so much Flavour. Today, there was visibly less Oil.
The Breads
Once again, the Paratha, served whole, lived up to the level of expectation, a worthy Paratha. The Chapattis would be devoured without much comment. The Naan was – Spectacular! This was exactly what I had in mind: copious Coriander on top, the Chillies were truly embedded. The Naan was significantly – Thicker – than that served on Wednesday. Good as that one was, this was so much better, still Light and Fluffy with enough burnt bits, this Naan had it all. Around half of it would eventually go in John’s direction – the seagull – as he was now calling himself. John said he would consider ordering this in future. Chapatti John – no more?
Aloo Gosht
Topped with Fresh Coriander and slices of Large Green Chillies, this was the proverbial – Bee’s Knees. The Potato was visible, large pieces. There was definitely enough Lamb here also. Mags had a – Sucky Bone – there were no Bones in my karahi. The Masala was an elegant sufficiency, enough, suitably – Thick – Bhuna-style indeed.
The Curry was – Hot – the richness of Flavour from the Lamb came over immediately. The Chillies added the required – Kick – let’s hope this becomes a Basharat standard. The Lamb was so Tender-Soft, and felt it was an integral part of the Dish, not something that had just been added, as is too often the case. Basharat was passing by:
Basharat, your Lamb is Wonderful!
I ate on, the ratio of Meat to Potato was well considered, I enjoy the Diversity. To what extent is this a half Vegetable, half Meat Curry? Finally, the Seasoning was there, never an issue.
Mags was giving a commentary about the likelihood of her finishing her Curry. At night, usually a fair bit goes home. This was not happening today, she would finish the lot. Well, some of her Paratha was given to the – Seagull. Mags’ verdict:
Usually I don’t finish … appreciate they put Potato in. I liked the Spice. I would have it again. Watch out, Rashid! (Karahi Palace).
The Aloo Gosht was therefore given the thumbs up. Good as it was, I did take a Soupçon of the Masala from the Lamb Desi Karahi, this was in another league!
Lamb Desi Karahi (Boneless)
There was a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander on top, no Chillies. Ginger Strips have yet to reach Basharat G’z. Lets have even more – Foliage! Whilst the Oil was collecting on the edge of the karahi, this was appreciably less than on my previous two sightings of this Dish.
Stunning! – was John’s instant reaction to his first piece of Lamb.
It’s different – he continued, which was essentially my conclusion last Saturday. John speculated about a – Secret Ingredient. A gifted – Chef – himself, John recognises it is all down to the relative Quantities of Spice and Herbs added, and when. On encountering a Black Cardamom, John declared that he would be adding loads of these to his next Curry Creation, which unfortunately, Dr. Stan and Hector will miss.
Equally as good as I have ever tasted – he added, knowing that Yadgar is around the corner. John was restrained today, letting Dr. Stan have his share. In our last Karahi Gosht outing at Rustom (Edinburgh), the Curry simply manoeuvred itself, on to his to his plate. Only when Dr. Stan admitted defeat, did John scrape up the remnants, and finish nearly all the bits of Bread that were – thrown – in his direction.
Stan was well impressed by his Curry-Heute:
It was different, rich, full of flavour. Achoo! – as a sneeze interrupted his progress:
Well spiced, a variety I cannot identify.
John asked if stopping to take notes did not spoil my Curry?
It stops me eating too quickly.
I lost the third word in John’s final statement.
A rich, ***** and uniquely flavoured Lamb Karahi. I don’t remember tasting better.
First mouthful, boom! That did it for me.
The Bill
£42.40. I still cannot work out what Mags and I paid for our Aloo Gosht, somewhere between £6.00 and £7.00. Abbas said a – card machine – is due to arrive next week.
The Aftermath
I promised not to return for at least two weeks, other places to go, as shall be revealed. My fellow diners all expressed their appreciation for what we had been served. A taxi was summoned to take us across the river, we were not going back out in that rain.