In 2002, John saw Rick Stein on TV, demonstrating the preparation of a Bradford Curry based on the recipe provided by the Chef at Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX). In the interim, John, as have many, attempted to replicate this at home. John ably demonstrated his mastery of this at a recent visits to Staggs (Musselburgh). Somehow John has never had a Bradford Curry at source, though we have been to Akbar’s (Glasgow) since he became part of – The Company.
We arrived from Manchester at 13.50, too early to check-in, plenty of time for Curry.
Meat Spinach Karahi (£7.50) from the Rick Stein section of the Menu was John’s – Dream Curry at Bradford’s oldest Curry House. I decided to try and relive the pleasure that was Kofta Palak as once served at Cafe Salma (Glasgow). Dr. Stan and I used to share one portion as a Dessert after we had finished our individual Curry choice. For Hector, Cafe Salma set a standard for this Dish that remains unequalled.
Having brought the Menu plus some Raita on a plate with Salad nibbles, the young chap serving was busy with Takeaways, and some cooking duties, before he was able to come and take the Order.
Meat Ball Spinach (£7.00) with an extra 30p for being served – Madras Spicy – was relayed along with the Meat Spinach Karahi. Chapattis were confirmed as the – inclusive – accompaniment. John can eat Chapattis, he knew I would manage little more than one of the six that would come.
John had asked why – Meat? The Man from Bradford informs us that many Bradford Curry Houses have abandoned Lamb/Mutton in favour of Beef such are the relative prices. I don’t think John was impressed by this. Some scrutiny of the menus in recommended Bradford Curry Houses may be required.
When the waiter brought the Curry, he couldn’t tell them apart. The Masala was identical as expected. I prodded the contents of the first plate – Kofta.
That’s mine.
Meat Ball Spinach
Five large Meatballs sat in the Thick, Dark, Herb-Rich Masala. Each Kofta would be halved, and then more latterly, a plateful of Meat and Masala. One assumes Mutton, but all one can be certain of – it wasn’t Chicken.
The Spice hit hard. Madras – had been taken seriously. Why had I done this? After being somewhat defeated by the Chillies in my Achari last night at delhi2go (Manchester), I was determined to kick the palate into submission. I coped.
The Seasoning was way below that which I seek, and thus the Richness of Flavour I had hoped for would never emerge. That particular Flavour remains firmly registered in the memory bank. Today I had to accept that this was Kofta Palak a la Karachi Restaurant.
Meat Spinach Karahi
As admitted, the Curry was not too different from my own choice except the Meat had not been minced. John made all the anticipated noises as he devoured the Karahi and some four and a half Chapattis.
Chapatti John:
After very high expectations, I was not the least let down. Awesome flavours, with pitch perfect levels of spice. As good as I’ve ever had. I’ll be back, tomorrow.
The Bill
£14.80 Bradford prices, no frills, and in Aberdeen one could have paid this amount for the Chapattis alone.
The Aftermath
Hector is not known at Karachi Restaurant, and so there was no more discourse.
And so to Halifax where there is no Curry served before early evening, and even Sarina’s (Queensbury) only opens at 15.00, but not on a Monday or Tuesday.