Marg and Hector sharing another kilo of Curry on a Saturday afternoon, there are still no hockey balls needing struck presently. Marg has declared in recent weeks that the Lamb Lahori Karahi (£20.00 per kilo) as served at DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG) has become her favourite Curry. Curry-Heute aims to please, and so back we went.
Arriving at 15.30, the door was locked, however, Aqeel heard the rattle, the door was opened in seconds. As we took our usual table, Aqeel predicted – Lamb Karahi – the Bread had to be sorted. Another Rogni Naan (£1.50) would hopefully be accompanied by the distinctive Bread served a couple of visits back. This time I had the correct photo to show. What is it? – I asked. Aqeel replied – I will make it then I’ll tell you. Perhaps Curry-Heute could win an award for suspense?
A solitary diner entered and sat at the far end of the room. Five other chaps arrived moments later and sat at a table for six. I assume they were all brothers, living in the same household. The Covid Inspector, as seen yesterday at Sheerin Palace, would have had a hairy. There was gel at the door, no attempt at recording contact details, and Marg & I were the only people who had entered wearing masks. At least we were suitably distanced from everyone else.
Business clearly continues to blossom at DumPukht. There was a sign on the door advertising for part-time staff. Marg felt sorry for Aqeel having to do everything himself, I suspect he was not stressed by having eight covers mid Saturday afternoon.
A jug of cool tap water was provided, then the plates, cutlery and napkins were brought. Moments after 16.00, the food was assembled on the table.
The Rogni Naan was served whole, hot and soft, a total delight, and a sensible size. The Mystery Bread was served in quarters as Aqeel is prone to do. White, pale, risen and separated a la Pitta.Today’s had not been brushed with Butter, but this was the same Bread which went down so well three visits back.
Khamiri Roti – announced Aqeel, proudly. This was new terminology for Hector. Khamir is – yeast – in Urdu. This Roti had been made with flour, yeast and yoghurt, halfway towards being a Naan then. Standard Rotis tend to crisp as they cool, this remained beautifully Soft. Why am I only discovering this after all these years?
Lamb Lahori Karahi
Topped with Ginger Strips, and Green Chillies, Tomato Pulp was also a prominent feature today. This Karahi was maybe wetter and a bit more Oily than served here previously, and certainly more-so than the wonder Karahi served by Asif at the newly re-branded Spice Haven last week. I point out the difference not as a criticism, it’s just that some cannot tolerate the natural collection of Oil on the karahi.
As Marg took the smallest of portions she must have had a whiff of today’s offering, she was back on form:
I think this may be too spicy for me.
I took enough to cover my plate, no distracting Salad. Bread and Curry, what more does a Hector need?
Never has a Curry tasted so – Meaty! This was quite a departure from what we have enjoyed here previously. The full on Flavour of Lamb was followed by an appreciation of the Seasoning then the Spice. In no way was this Curry Spiced above average. It was safe for Marg to tear in, and so she did. Marg and Hector destroying a kilo of Karahi Gosht between us, yet again.
Marg’s next comment:
Wetter than before, but a strong taste of meat, even from the sauce.
The bone count was significant else this would not have been possible. Ribs and the roundish non-sucky bones featured, lots to pick up. The Meat itself was amazingly Tender. Assuming Aqeel is sourcing his Lamb/Mutton as cheaply as possible, he has done well. The authentic Masala almost had a grey colour beneath the reddish hue which dominated. Blended Tomatoes may be the root of this? So much Flavour, but today not the – Peppery Flavour – of last time, but then we had ordered the alternative – Lamb Peshwari Karahi.
With the ample Bread, there was certainly enough here to feed two hungry diners, three would have been left wanting more. We ate the lot, bones excepted, that the Breads were served at a sensible size made this possible. Marg offered a few more words:
A different, thicker sauce, with a mixture of lamb pieces. Very succulent, and went well with the lovely, hot, freshly made bread.
As ever, Aqeel had checked on our progress, he was given the thumbs up.
The Bill
£22.50 So, £1.00 for the Khamiri Roti.
The Aftermath
In the next couple of weeks, Aqeel plans to change his opening times to accommodate the serving of Lahori/Punjabi Breakfast, as well as European. This unfortunately means he will be closed at 15.00, Hector’s preferred time to eat.
07.00 until 12.00, followed by 16.00 until 22.00 will be the new model.