The 07.52 from Aberdeen to York got as far as Berwick-upon-Tweed timeously, thereafter, ninety minutes of mayhem. On reaching York I missed a connecting train to Bradford by seconds. By taking a different train, in theory, I should have caught up with the Interchange bound train at Leeds. Again I missed it by seconds. At least Forster Square is nearer the Travelodge. Three keycards later I met Clive downstairs, it was time, finally, to go to Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX). The big hitters in Bradford appear not to be open all day as some once were.
The NHS QR code didn’t work, too old was the reason given by the young girl who would serve us. That was the faded sheet posted on the wall, not her customers, presumably. A mature couple were sat to the left, almost finished. I led Clive to the far right of the restaurant, all felt safe.
Meat Ball Spinach (£8.50) is why Hector was here. As the Full Bhuna was planned for later tonight, Clive accepted the logic in having this lighter Dish as a very late lunch. I read out the various Kofta options. He nearly went for Meat Ball Dansak (£8.50) but decided he might have something similar later. A pity, Kofta Dansak is a Curry I would like to have seen. Meat Ball Mushroom (£8.50) became his choice. In Bradford, Chapattis are either inclusive or very cheap. At Karachi they are inclusive.
A welcomed jug of Tap Water was brought to the table followed soon by a replacement. The Modest Salad and Raita was nibbled on during the short wait. The Raita was remarkably – Creamy.
The Curry arrived along with a basket containing six Chapattis, three each, the Bradford norm.
Meat Ball Spinach
Four large Kofta sat in a Spinach-rich Mash. Topped with Coriander leaves, one knows that in Bradford there is no such thing as too many Herbs. It was in Bradford all those years ago when Methi was first experienced, even though it took years to identify what it was. Each Meat Ball would be quartered or more, so this was quite a portion. Only with Kofta do I enjoy this style of – Saag. With solid Meat the preference is always a Masala with Spinach, not the Green Mash that accompanies Kofta, yet here it decidedly works. Even a Keema Palak in this style would probably not work for me.
The Seasoning was a little below perfection, the Spice built steadily. The Kofta gave off a huge Earthy Blast of Cumin, add to this the Bitterness of the Spinach and here we have two discrete sources of Flavour working in harmony. It works, nay, it’s wonderful. A visit to Karachi for Kofta Palak is becoming part of Hector’s ritual when in Bradford.
Meat Ball Mushroom
Again, topped with Coriander, the four Kofta sat in a lighter Masala. For a moment I wondered if the Meatballs might be different, but why should they be? It’s the Masala which defines the Curry.
The Thick Masala this time had sliced Mushroom added, I probably would have liked this also, Meat and Mushroom being a standard Order for many a year.
That got the juices going – was Clive’s contributory remark.
Both Curry bowls were wiped clean. We only managed five Chapattis between us, a pity.
The Bill
£17.00 Cash Only – the sign is prominent at the counter where we paid. One of the Chefs gave a response which should become immortal when I enquired as to why there was no contactless system in operation.
Proper Curry, proper money.
I hope this quote is a scoop for Curry-Heute.
The Aftermath
Visits here have been too sporadic for Hector to be recognised. The only interaction with the Chefs is in the final moments of a visit. Maybe one day.