Glasgow – DumPukht Lahori – Keep Calm & Curry On

Here we go again. On Friday at 18.00, two days from now, licensed premises in Scotland’s Central Belt close for sixteen days. Venues such as DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG) can remain open, but will still be affected by the 18.00 curfew. Where does this leave Takeaways? Logically, there will be far fewer people out after 18.00 anyway. Logic? 20% is the figure presently quoted for the number of Covid-19 cases associated with – hospitality – which means 80% are not. Does this not statistically make pubs safer places to be? Moving abroad for a month or so is increasingly tempting.

Marg has declared the Karahi as served at DumPukht to be her favourite, even though it comes with bones. The Lamb Lahori Karahi 1kg (£20.00) is the standard order. Previously, I believe Marg likes the Lamb Peshwari Karahi 1kg (£20.00) even more. Today we chose the latter with a Rogni Nan (£1.50) and a Roti (£1.00) as accompaniments.

Entering DumPukht around 17.00, we would be the only sit in customers. The phone rang constantly throughout our visit, Takeaway orders presumably.

Hi, boss! – exclaimed Aqeel as we entered and took the usual table. I found myself taking the same photos from the same perspective.

Aqeel set about the task of producing yet another wonderful Karahi Gosht. Given the relatively little time to serve this Curry, it must be prepared in advance.

The Breads at DumPukht are cooked in the Pizza oven. The Rogni Nan had no perforations and so had risen slightly. A sensible size, still it would not be finished. The Roti looked huge in comparison, Marg prefers the – plainness – of a Roti/Chapatti.

Lamb Peshwari Karahi

The abundant Ginger Strips were the only Vegetables, no Green Chillies. The array of – sucky bones – looked so inviting. The Oil was collecting on one side of the flat karahi – gravity. Having taken our first helping, both of us began by dipping some Bread in the half Oil – half Masala residue on the karahi. This is where the Flavour is at its maximum – Wow!

The Seasoning was there, it had to be. Approaching a Namkeen Karahi, this interpretation is all about Salt & Pepper. The distinctive Peppery Flavour, which Marg favours, came across. This Karahi looks so simple, if only it was.

Aqeel joined us, he confirmed the Black Pepper used in the creation of his Peshwari Karahi.

The majority of the Lamb was – melt in the mouth, a few pieces required more chewing. At this price, it all goes in. With the absence of Chillies, the Spice Level was well within Marg’s level of tolerance, still more Spicy than the majority of Dishes had in Europe recently. Tomato Seeds stood out in the Masala, one wonders how much, if any, Onion was present.

Of late, Marg and Hector have had no problem finishing the kilo, not today. A Soupçon would be taken home.

Marg described her joy of having yet another Karahi at DumPukht:

I was more adventurous with the sucky bones, even some marrow. I still prefer the small pieces of meat with the peppery sauce and the ginger strips, – and the Roti. An excellent meal.

The Bill

£22.50    We’ll enjoy these prices whilst we can.

The Aftermath

Aqeel was aware that changes were coming, I updated him based on my understanding of Nicola’s latest – not Lockdown – measures.

Bye, Hector – was the farewell  as we walked back out into the daylight. Going home in the dark, when will we be allowed to?