Today, Lockdown in Scotland moved into a new phase, a slight easing. Pubs and restaurants remain closed for the foreseeable, however if they open in England only in the next three weeks, there could be mayhem, an exodus.
With a sense of liberation, Hector dared exceed the recommended five miles by a modest margin and cross the River Clyde to Glasgow’s Southside, this is where the best Curry is to be found. It is 81 days since Visit #1 to DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG), the latest addition to Glasgow’s – Desi Curry – scene.
When Dr. Stan and Hector made the inaugural visit back on March 9th, we could not have imagined what was about to occur. So impressed were we with the kilo of Lamb Lahori Karahi (£20.00), there was a promise to return as soon as I returned from Polska. Hector’s premature return from Polska is a tale that will stand the test of time. The shutters at DumPukht went down, seemingly never to reopen. Google reported the business as closed, what did they know? Last Thursday, Curryspondent Pete made contact, DumPukht was open! A quick phone-call verified this, I promised to come over for more Lamb Lahori Karahi as soon as possible. That was today!
I phoned the order in during the 17.00 daily briefing and was told to collect after forty minutes. On ordering a Tal Nan and a single Roti to accompany the Lamb Lahori Karahi, this was challenged. Was that enough Bread? For two people certainly, the Curry was being shared by two people, not a family of …
The still reliable Huawei showed a temperature of 25ºC, the Hector-Wagen showed 27.5ºC, the warmest day of the year, so far. There was brilliant sunshine when I finally managed to take a new photo of the facade at DumPukht. How I have looked forward to this moment.
Mein Host & Chef – Aqeel Shah – was managing the store on his own. He smiled in recognition as I approached the counter, he was making the final touches to the Karahi. Pan in hand he came out from the preparation area and handed me a spoon. I was invited to test the Karahi – Wow! There was a big Spice hit. Marg will love this, I thought. The blast of Flavour was intense, Cumin came immediately to mind, then Jerusalem and the aroma of the Souk.
The last time Hector was offered a Soupçon before eating was also on Paisley Rd. West, almost exactly six years ago to the day, at the ill-fated Cafe Sizzler. Cafe Sizzler was the first of two business which tried to serve Desi Curry in the premises that were once the – Clachan – bar.
I photographed the flyer on the counter. Aqeel brought another from a different pile – Tiffin Express, same address. Are you re-branding? Apparently not, but he quickly realised he was not going to survive by selling Curry and Pakora. Tiffin Express – is an online service with more of an emphasis on Donner, Pizza and Burgers. The on-line ordering agent for DumPukht also lists Curry in all the standard styles, Mainstream Curry. Hopefully, the discerning cognoscenti who read these pages will be more interested in the – DumPukht Kitchen.
The Bill
£22.50. Unbelievable.
1kg – Lamb Lahori Karahi (£20.00), Tal Naan (£1.50), Roti (£1.00).
The price of Lamb went up in March, but has come down as recorded in Hector’s home-cooked Leg of Lamb Curry. A kilo of Lamb Karahi at The Village along the road is nearly double this. The prices at DumPukht are to be savoured. Hopefully, Aqeel will do well on this.
I offered my credit card, cash only. (Unless one orders on-line.) I had cash on me, but it does mean that I will have to go to a dispenser for the first time since Lockdown began.
Having parked in Portman St., I was facing the right way to get on to the M8, home in fifteen minutes. I was expecting a reheat would be necessary, not the case.
The Breads were still warm-hot, better to leave them as they were and not spoil the texture. The Roti remained soft and did not turn to crisp, so a worthy Chapatti then. The Tal Nan was again approaching – Rogni – in style. Well-fired, soft, light and fluffy. One day I shall manage to recreate this.
Lamb Lahori Karahi
In the pan the Oil was very visible, in the trays, ditto. Once decanted to the karahi, the Oil seemed to be less obvious.
In anticipation of more Manchester Curry Flavours it was only fitting that – the foliage – should make an appearance.
I marvelled at the sight. I already knew how wonderful this was going to be, but what about Marg.
I had warned her it was – Spicy – and so she did not make her usual remark. Marg is not a fan of Curry on-the-bone but has come to accept that this is how one has Curry that achieves the required intensity of Flavour. I did point out that there was no way we could have shared a kilo of boneless at one sitting. Anyway, on-the-bone is how DumPukht thankfully serve their Karahi.
Spice and Cumin I already knew about. The great taste of Manchester Curry was perhaps less apparent initially, but then it grew. The Meat was an absolute delight, Soft, Tender, cooked to perfection. I picked out a big Sucky Bone, yay!
The Masala shrouded the Meat as can only happen in a Karahi. The Seasoning was right up there, every mouthful was a sheer joy to eat. What else was I tasting? Cloves! Manchester Curry relies heavily on Cloves. I do not even know if Aqeel has been to Manchester or is aware that this is what makes his Karahi stand out in Glasgow? Regardless of this, he has created a blend of Flavours which is distinctive, a stand out among all others, and not the homogenous – Mainstream Curry – that Hector has on his doorstep.
I managed only half of the Naan but cleared my karahi. Marg ate until her Roti was finished, that was her limit. Hector’s lunch is taken care of for tomorrow. Marg was unusually quiet, not in raptures, but not suffering. She declared the Spice Level to be not too demanding. She is well used to Spicy food, but always likes to get her dig in when it goes too far. Still, her verdict is favourable:
Full of flavour and a kick. Enjoyed the meat with my chapatti, bones a bit fiddly, but a lovely overall taste.
Next time, I’ll let Marg choose from the Mainstream Menu and I’ll order the half kilo. I wonder if their DumPukht Gosht at £24.00 a kilo is available by the half?
Some Blog entries are inevitably mundane, today’s has been a labour of love. DumPukht Lahori is back and hopefully here to stay. When Lockdown ends the masses will be in attendance. Kinning Park – Subway Station is around the corner, put on your face mask and go and get what is confirmed as the best addition to the – Glasgow Curry Scene – in years.
And for tomorrow:
Happy Birthday, Dr. Stan. When are we going back to Portland & Seattle?
