On consulting a well known and reliable website, as surely everyone does, Hector was reminded that the Fish Curry as served at Lahore Kebab House (2-10 Umberston St., Whitechapel, London, E1 1PY, England) was the required Curry-Heute. One has to wonder why it has taken this long to return to this venerable venue. Yes, Hector is dan sath, in that London, Staycation #1 – 2021.
With Lord Clive of Crawley accompanying, he who had the said Fish Curry on the previous visit, we arrived at Lahore Kebab House just before 14.00. In the next hour it felt like the entire East End was coming here. I stopped counting at fifty customers: families, couples, solo diners.
The table for two under the TV was allocated, no glimpses for us of the last matches of the Premier League. West Ham were securing a place in Europe, not enduring the relegation struggle of yesteryear.
The laminated Menu was brought, prices have increased marginally since the last visit. A Salad and Raita were placed on the table, there had to be a Starter. The Seekh Kebab (£1.50) impressed last time, so one each. The Fish Curry (£9.75) would be accompanied by a Chilli & Coriander Nan (£2.50). I read the Main Dishes to Clive, Keema Curry (£9.75) was his choice. On explaining what a Tawa was, Clive then went for the Tandoori version of the Paratha (£3.00).
Last time, large bottles of water were on each table, the Menu relays the policy: if you drink it, you pay for it. Today, I saw jugs of water aplenty, this should suffice, alas, trying to get one took many attempts.
Our waiter took the Order, but wrote nothing down. Minutes later he turned up with a Keema Curry. This was taken back to the kitchen when I informed him that we hadn’t had our Starters. A notepad was produced, the Order was written down. Back he came again – no Fish – he offered Prawns, no way, Pedro! (sic). Twenty minutes in the East End and Hector was blending in. Still in the mood for – Curry – I changed to one of the – Specials – Lamb Curry (on the bone) (£9.75).
Eventually, a young chap was persuaded to bring us a jug of water.
Seekh Kebab
Two well-fired Kebabs were brought by our waiter who may have been feeling the strain of so many customers. I arranged all the bits for myself and Clive.
Just one? Next time two! So Meaty, Spicy, Tasty, these were a fine example of the genre. The Seasoning was there to complement the Spice. The pleasure was over far too soon. I did see a portion of the Grilled Lamb Chops (5 pcs) (£9.75) pass me by. If they were cooked as well as the Seekh Kebab, they too must be special. Why the odd number? So that one doesn’t have to share!
The Bread at Lahore Kebab House is always served – halved. I can cope with this, it’s the wee slices in a basket that particularly annoy the Hector. The Chilli & Coriander Naan had a buttery sheen, flecks of Green Chilli stood out, this would do. The Paratha was well fired, layered and appeared to be flaky. Clive ate every morsel.
Keema Curry
Topped with a sprinkling of Coriander, a large Potato was almost buried in the centre of the dish, so Aloo Keema then. The Masala was virtual, this was as Dry an interpretation as one gets. No Oil, was visible either. This was how a Keema should be served, one has to think of the abominations that one has experienced.
Very good, the right level of spice, a little kick in it – was Clive’s immediate remark.
At the end of the meal this was revised – Very pleasant, a little bit more kick wouldn’t have harmed it.
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Lamb Curry (on the bone)
Did you want Rice? – was our waiter’s question when he placed the Curry before me. Had I known that a Shorva was headed my way, then most certainly I would have taken that option. The spoon therefore would be put to good use.
Seven large pieces of Meat sat in the Soupy Masala, I found three more pieces of boneless Lamb. Sucky Bones, always appreciated. The Shorva appeared to have been blended.
The Curry was both Hot and Spicy. The Earthy Flavours registered as classic Desi Curry, a step back in time. Curry in Mainstream restaurants just doesn’t taste like that which lay before me. I dipped the Naan in the Shorva, the Seasoning in the Bread upped the level of the Curry, excellent. I supped the Shorva as I would any Soup, an extra element to the eating today: dipping, tackling the Meat and supping. The Meat was mostly Tender, one or two pieces needed more chewing. Coriander Stems added a crunch to the Shorva. Here it was, a traditional Lamb Curry and served – on-the-bone.
Securing The Bill took a while, our chap was under pressure.
The Bill
£28.00 Similar to the last visit, but this time we avoided paying for water.
The Aftermath
We departed without fuss or ceremony, I may have mentioned how busy the place was. Hopefully, I’ll be back in six weeks or so.
2021 Menu
