Bradford – Kashmiri Aangan – What a Welcome!

Finally, the last day of this trip. Hector may be Bier-ed out but deliberately took a later train back to Glasgow in order to squeeze in one more Bradford Curry, and the tenth since starting in Manchester last Saturday. Every day is a good day to eat Curry – a famous philosopher once said.

Back in August when Hector was in Bradford to take up the invitation to review the newly opened branch of Bradford’s Sheesh Mahal in – Halifax, The Rickmeister and I stumbled upon the opening of Kashmiri Aangan (10 Bowland St., Bradford BD1 3BW England). Bowland, St. has the Sweet Centre and PIND at the top of the hill, Kashmiri Aangan sits between these.

Arriving just after 11.00, as expected Hector was the first customer of the day. Had I arrived a bit later on a Friday lunchtime, I have to wonder if I would have found the place open? A chap was still setting the place up. The Menu was brought. Had it not been so early, a half kilo of Fresh Desi Lamb Karahi (£14.95) would have been the Order. The boneless Meat Karahi (£7.45) would have to do. I always like when both – Regular – and – Large – portions are available, sometimes one just needs – more.

How better to judge a new business than order a Paratha (£1.50)? One expects Quality Curry in Bradford, the Paratha Police may or may not give the seal of approval.

The chap whom I took to be the waiter brought me Complimentary Poppadoms then talked me through the three Dips. I would manage one Poppadom only. The Mango Dip was delightfully – Spicy.

The chap disappeared into the kitchen. I could hear chopping sounds to the right and scraping to the left. Was there another chap in t’kitchen? Was the waiter cooking my Curry? Had it been Chef who had served me?

As the view from above shows, when the Main Course arrived, I had a lot of food on the table. The Salad I had to leave untouched, how could I go back to Glasgow having eaten – Salad?

Paratha

Behold the Perfect Paratha! White Chapatti Flour, my preferred type over Wholemeal. The layering was there, soft, flaky, the swirl. For those who have yet to appreciate the – swirl – the second photo shows how the Paratha naturally breaks up into circular pieces. Hector is a – half Paratha man. I would eat as much of this as I could, this was wonderful.

Meat Karahi

On another Medium, I see people posting photos of what they proudly prepare and call – Curry, Base Sauce and all that nonsense. This is what I call Curry, albeit – Karahi!

The garnish was modest, a sprinkling of Coriander. Note the lack of any Oil collecting on the edge of the steel karahi. The Masala was a beautiful light brown colour, nothing – red – added here, and – no ballast!

Initially the Meat was so Soft and far from – pulp. I then encountered more chewy pieces, then back to Soft. This Masala had an almost burnt Tomato Flavour underlying the expected Flavours of Spices. Maybe it had just been caught in time.

The chap was out to offer me Water, this was declined. I had to ask:

Are you the Chef?

He was. I congratulated him on his very fine Meat Karahi.

Back to the Karahi, this was seriously Rich in Flavour and nothing like the two impressive meals I have had at International in recent evenings. Bradford Curry clearly, yet something unique.

Chef was back out with a Dessert, I was only halfway through my Karahi. I had to decline the generous offer, I pointed to the remaining half Paratha. I could accept no more knowing that I would be leaving this.

Hector had reached his limit. The karahi was scraped clean, I was already planning my return visit.

The Bill

£10.00 A round figure meaning that the Mango Rubicon was – on the house.

The Aftermath

The blog entry I posted on the August opening day of Kashmiri Aangan was shown, the Calling Card was handed over. He had already seen my post having come across it using his favoured search engine. Indeed, Kashmiri Aangan does come up with the Curry-Heute post at the top of the page. He wondered who had written it.

I then established that my waiter today who was also Chef, was also Mein Host, the proprietor. This felt like a special moment in Curry-Heute. He mentioned the Desi Karahi as being something particularly special and said I should have this next time. Indeed I shall. Hector is passing through Bradford next month, but unfortunately not on a Tuesday when there is a blanket 20% discount. I’ll be back.