How are the last day of October and the first day of December connected? Curry at Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ)! November was a busy month for Curry-Heute with reviews of venues in Czechia, Slovakia, Österreich, England and Scotland. Lahore Pakistani and Indian Restaurant in Bratislava eventually managed to serve Hector more outstanding Curry, however, the highlight of November was the visit to Syhiba in Wakefield. Who would have thought, especially after Bradford also featured?
Marg suggested we go out for Sunday Brunch. Having had Steak Pie yesterday, not Curry, there was a feeling of having missed out. Somehow, Marg was persuaded that Karahi Palace would be the ideal venue.
We arrived at 12.45, Ayaz was manning the store. Marg took the seat at the window table right next to a fan heater. The fear of sitting in an ice cold room was abated, a thaw is forecast for tomorrow.
Ayaz came over to take the Order, no Menu had been provided so Marg was unsure as to what she would have. I reminded Marg that all Lamb Dishes are served – on-the-bone, she prefers otherwise. It’s having to eat with her fingers that puts Marg off, not the presence of bones as such. Marg asked if Fish was available, no Fish Curry here, a pity. So Marg ordered Karahi Chicken (£7.50) with a Chapatti (£0.70). She was offered Boneless or on-the-bone, Marg took the latter option. Think about it. With the customary Karahi Gosht (£7.90), today I asked for a Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.10 – £2.80). Ayaz returned a few moments later to confirm Chilli and Coriander. On the Menu, a Garlic and Coriander Naan is priced at £2.80. I have previously paid £2.10 for my Naan of choice, but there was a convenient rounding that day, therefore the price remains to be established.
The Lady on duty brought a jug of Water followed by a Salad and Raita. She then opened the door to empty the bins, cue a blast of cold air. Four Polish chaps took the table under the TV. It was good to see that our European cousins have found Karahi Palace, what is wrong with the rest of Glasgow’s Curry enthusiasts?
Ayaz the waiter became Ayaz the Chef. Two very hot plates were brought to the table, Marg would use hers, as always, Hector would eat directly from the karahi.
The substantial Chapatti was accompanied by a Chilli and Coriander Naan which had been halved, why? The perforations on the Naan put this some way towards the Rogni style. Someone may explain why Chefs tend to do this when I ask for Chilli and Coriander. The contents of both karahi were visibly – Hot. This is a major plus for food at Karahi Palace, it comes right away, no waiting for – Service!
Karahi Lamb
Ginger Strips and Coriander Stems topped the Meat and Masala, with Oil collecting on the edge of the Mash. Chopped Green Chillies were mixed through the Masala. With more Chillies in the Naan, this would clear the tubes.
The Meat was far too Hot to tackle. The Masala was scooped on to pieces of the Naan, the fun began. There was a – Big Spice Kick. The Seasoning was pitched as I like it, they know here. There was a Deep Roasted Tomato Flavour emanating from the Masala, so Rich. Tentatively, I tackled a piece of Meat shrouding a rib. Hot, so Hot, Soft, tasty, excellent, yet it became apparent that the Meat in front of me was not the best cuts of Lamb. No – Sucky Bones – today, yet what was here was so well cooked. I marvel on every visit, authentic Karahi Gosht.
Karahi Chicken
Look at me, steaming! – exclaimed Marg. Perhaps one month from today.
Marg continued by asking if cutlery was due. She had a spoon, what more? She also noted the quantity of Oil. I know this puts some off, but so much Flavour. Marg chose to decant her Karahi on to the now much cooler plate, this would speed things up. Inevitably, the Chicken pieces had to be picked up, the only way to eat poultry.
Marg found a slight – Sweetness – in her Masala. I put this down to the fact she had Chicken, not Lamb. I tried her Masala, identical. When Marg has the same as Hector, she sometimes finds the Curry to be too Spicy, not today:
Not too spicy – she confirmed.
As much as Marg enjoyed her Lunchtime Curry, it was not what she had in mind when – Brunch – was suggested. Future outings will be – back to the bland. In time, there will be a return to Mother India’s Cafe, Marg finds that hard to resist.
I went up to the counter to order more food. Dr. Stan is presently indisposed, a couple of Samosas (price unknown) would be much appreciated.
The Bill
Something just over £20.00, the Samosas confused events.
The Aftermath
Ayaz called me back to the counter when the Samosas had been heated.
Cold outside, warm inside – he remarked.
Indeed, the white is frost, far too cold for snow.