The four who sat together at Kobane Kurdish Restaurant for lunch in Huddersfield headed to International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA). Tomorrow we will be the last men on this trip left standing. After an impressive Karela Lamb Karahi (£9.95) here last night, Hector was keen to try one of the new Dishes on the new Menu. The description of Lamb Nawabi Khani (£9.95) had it all – complex – desi masala – coriander.
The staff were surprised to see Hector back so soon, I led – The Company – to my favourite table beside the stairs. The Menu was brought in a flash hence the coats were still on. In years gone by, Poppadoms would have arrived with the Menu, not any more.
Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips stopped a long time ago – I was told by the Waiter. Indeed, in the spring of 2018 when International was forcibly closed having failed their hygiene inspection. Yes, I mention this again, let the staff and the reader not be under any misapprehensions. The recently re-opened premises may be pukka, it is the work of Mr. Bashir, Khalid, Ali and of course, the kitchen staff over many years, which made International one of Bradford’s top Curry Houses. Then things turned sour, International has to re-establish itself in Bradford.
My fellow diners surprised me by not ordering Curry. Craig ordered Lamb Seekh Kebab (£3.95), Yvonne, Chicken Pakora (£3.25). One Starter was not enough for Mags: Chicken Wings (£3.95) and Mushroom Pakora (£3.50) might have been enough for some, Mags added Chips (£2.50) to this. Chips? I think a – wtf – is justified.
The Order was completed by Hector ordering a Plain Naan as part of the inclusive deal. Having done so, it was time to go up to the counter and discuss their current policy.
Last night I was charged for a Garlic and Coriander Naan (£2.95).
I was told that as is written on the Menu, only a Plain Naan is inclusive. That is not how it has been in my twenty plus years of dining here.
If I order a Garlic and Coriander Naan, what happens to the Plain Naan I am entitled to?
The logic escaped the young chap I was talking to, the Waiter who also appears to be the Manager suggested it is simply lost. So, if I do order a Naan (/Rice/Rotis/Chapattis) that I don’t really want, I waste food, else I lose it?
This is stupid!
I took my seat. It looks as though – The Curry-Heute Campaign – will have to be extended to include this paradox. In Europe, where Rice is nearly always included with a Main Course, I have wondered who would order a more complex Rice. I did make the mistake of ordering Naan across the street at Kashmir once upon a time, the Chapattis came too. Honourable, but crazy.
Chicken Wings
Seven Chicken Wings with a BBQ Sauce drizzled across. At least there was an attempt at a garnish. At this price I would have expected more. I am not a fan of most BBQ Sauces. Not for Hector. Mags was happy with her #1 choice:
Marvellous, BBQ-ee, and spicy.
*
Mushroom Pakora
Five Mushrooms in batter. I often wonder in what way this is strictly Pakora, but then Fish and Chicken are served in the same way. Mags:
Hot, hot, hot! This is the place for Mushroom Pakora! Glad I came in.
I take it this Mushroom Pakora was well above average.
There were Chips…most were left.
Lamb Seekh Kebab
Two good-sized Kebabs with a garnish as above.
Two nights ago at Sheesh Mahal, Craig was defeated by his Seekh Kebab, guess what? Too spicy! – was his first comment. A whole lotta’ sharing going on followed.
Vastly improved – said Craig with reference to the overall ambiance at International – Mags helped me out with Chicken Wings. I do Hops!
She who must be obeyed, declared that Craig will never be allowed to order a Seekh Kebab in Bradford again.
*
*
Chicken Pakora
Where’s my Dip? – asked Yvonne. That a Dip had to be asked for takes us back to the start of this post. There didn’t appear to be very much for the price charged, I suppose Hector is spoiled at Yadgar (Glasgow) when plate-loads of Starters – simply arrive. Yvonne:
It was lovely, but Craig had most of it because he couldn’t eat the Kebab thing, I was enjoying it.
So, who did eat the Seekh Kebab?
Lamb Nawabi Khani
Nawabi, Khani, not terms one encounters often. Sources suggest both words have their origins west of the Indian Subcontinent. The richness of Nawabi Curry is reportedly achieved by being Nut-rich, both Cashews and Almonds. I find Coconut mentioned in recipes I have looked up also.
The Oil was collecting on the periphery of the karahi, not enough to have Yvonne remark, so very acceptable then. The Masala was most inviting, the simple Lemon-slice garnish would be put to good use. The addition of Citrus can add a new dimension in Flavour. The Meat had been cut Bradford-small.
Wow! This had the full on – Bradford Curry Taste. This took me back in time, an old-fashioned Earthy Flavour. The Waiter came to the table, I gave the thumbs up. The Meat was Soft, glorious. The Taste of the Souk – was my next note, probably due to an abundance of Garam Masala added late on. I bit into a Cumin Seed, the almost – Liquorice – Flavour hit the palate. If there was Coconut present, it was not to the detriment of the Curry. Delightful, this was a Curry to savour. I would certainly have this again.
And finally – The Bread
The Naan was exactly as I seek them, burnt blisters, cooked in the Tandoor. The simple Butter coating proved to be quite sufficient, the Curry was doing more than enough. Nothing extra was required, so who needs to spend an extra £2.95 then?
The Bill
£28.10 Four Starters, one Curry, and Chips.
The Aftermath
We bade farewell, two visits in two days, both impressive.
Walking down the hill we passed the illuminated Kashmir Restaurant, the four shall assemble there for brunch tomorrow.