Hector has been waiting for this day for some four and a half months. On March 9th, Dr. Stan and Hector visited the newly opened DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG). We shared a kilo of Lamb Lahori Karahi (£20.00), it was truly outstanding. With what became the ill-fated trip to Polska in the days following, I promised to return to Dum Pukht at the end of March with more diners. Then came Lockdown, DumPukht closed, seemingly for good, then opened its doors again towards the end of May. I have had three Takeaways during Lockdown, each confirmed what was apparent from Visit #1 – this is a special place.
I took the Subway from Partick, alighting at Kinning Park. This was a treat in itself. I don’t think I have been aware previously that there actually is a park beside the M8 motorway at Kinning Park.
Five of us were due to assemble at Dum Pukht at 15.00. Marg was elsewhere today, eating Pizza. The Company – were booked in to the Koelschip Yard at 16.15, time felt tight, so I arrived early at Dum Pukht to get the Order underway. First I had to check if – Boneless Lamb – was available today to please John, it wasn’t. Then I checked with Mags that she would be happy to have Karahi Gosht instead of her usual Aloo Gosht. Howard and Tracey had already experienced a Soupcon of DumPukht’s Lamb Lahori Karahi, they were up for it. I ordered two kilos plus three Naan and three Roti.
Fewer tables were in situ this afternoon to comply with the present social distancing requirements. Whilst I waited for the others, I told Aqeel about my tour of places in Northern England in the past week. Aqeel was particularly interested in the Rice and Three as served at Kabana (Manchester). He plans a cheap and simple Buffet as and when things get back to something like normal. Perhaps we will finally see the big copper pots in action?
Howard and Tracey were first to arrive, they were introduced to Aqeel. All were assembled before 15.00. Two chaps came in as Aqeel was about to serve. I never established what they were ordering, it delayed our meal by some ten minutes. Dum Pukht was a one man show this afternoon.
The Naans were served quartered, which for once was the sensible thing to do, five were sharing. Rogni Naan (£1.50), well fired, fresh from the Pizza oven? I explained to those who had not encountered one before that the perforations stop the Bread rising. The Sesame Seeds went down well.
The first of the two flat karahi was placed on the far end of the table near John. Aqeel confirmed that this was one of two. The second was placed between Mags and Hector leaving Howard in no man’s land. Two kilos, I expected the ladies to eat less, John reckoned he could handle one kilo himself at a push. Drinks were offered, Sparkling Water is not available at Dum Pukht, a can or two went to the far end of the table.
Here we go – if you snooze you lose.
Lamb Lahori Karahi
Thick strips of Ginger topped the wondrous sight. Bones stood out, I could only be sure that there was – enough – for everyone once first portions had been taken. I had managed to secure a Sucky Bone. The Masala was suitably Thick, shiny, the peripheral Oil was forming.
Joy of joys, what is the secret to creating such a wonderful Curry? The Spice was at a – sensible – level, two Green Chillies had also found their way on to my plate, so an extra – kick – came courtesy of them. A piece of reverse logic, such was the strength of Flavour, the Seasoning must have been fine.
The taste of Manchester – is what I noted on Visit #1, perhaps less so on subsequent Takeaways. Having just returned from Manchester, I realised all the more that this Karahi has its own unique and distinctive Flavour. I would put this on a par with Yadgar and Karahi Palace, and their respective Karahi are equally dissimilar.
The Meat was Soft, delightfully Tender. There was Meat on-the-bone, Boneless, plus Fatty bits. It all went in, and at this price who can argue? My fellow diners were each making positive noises. Hector was not taking notes, too busy eating. Tracey suggested we should have ordered the third kilo, but soon hit the wall. There was enough, just.
The Roti turned up relatively late. With my last Takeaway, I ordered Chapattis which are not on the Menu. Chapatti John had to ask the difference between a Chapatti and a Roti. The difference usually is that Roti turns to crisp. The Roti presented today were in a league of their own. Again quartered, these had risen to create pockets as in Pitta. It’s uncanny that I wrote this in the description for my Naan at Kabana two days ago. I deduce that these were not made from the Wholemeal Chapatti Flour that I had last time, but a whiter flour. Whatever, the Roti were something else, a new experience, and despite arriving in time for the end game, they were devoured.
There was much wiping of karahis. Not a drop of Masala was left, just one scrap of Rogni Naan.
It was time to record the formal comments:
Tracey – It wasn’t too red in colour (which she hates). I liked the lumps of fat which were melt in the mouth and flavourful.
Chapatti John – No Chapattis? The Rotis were almost a good substitute. I liked the balance of flavours and spice and the extra thick cut ginger.
Mags – The Lamb on-the-bone with fat left on it was full of flavour, very tender. I loved the bread, particularly the Roti … will definitely be back.
And finally, Howard, who has not been quoted in Curry-Heute for far too long:
Both the Lamb and the sauce had flavour. When you got to the bottom of the dish there was a big tomato hit which was wonderful. The Lamb was super-tender, the spice and the seasoning, spot on. As an added bonus, the Bread was a revelation. I particularly enjoyed the Naan which was well done and had the added interest of sesame seeds … absolutely excellent.
Freed from his cooking duties, Aqeel had checked on our progress throughout the meal. He had watched five very contented diners enjoy his Fayre. I had told them – this is a special place.
The Bill
£48.50 Under a tenner a head, unbelievable.
The Aftermath
John had me confirm with Aqeel that a half kilo can be served. It looks like he may be sneaking back.
As we made our way to Koelschip Yard there were many more positive comments. It looks like we shall be returning next week and in even larger numbers. Two tables, how many kilos?
After five first class meals from DumPukht Lahori, not only is this venue added to Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses, but also earns its place in Glasgow’s Top Rated. Long may this business prosper.