No trip to Bradford is complete without a Fish Karahi (£8.50) at The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AG England). I arrived just before 12.30, a mere ten hours since the late night extravaganza at Sheesh Mahal. The chap serving smiled in recognition. Mein Host was behind the counter, no handshake, but a big smile:
Is the sun shining today? – he asked.
I suppose the tinted specs did appear a bit strange for the first few minutes in this basement venue.
The Order was given, Chapattis included. I was then asked about the Spice Level, something that has rarely been mentioned in this trip, but surely should be the norm.
Above medium – I suggested.
Madras – was the reply.
A jug of Tap Water and the usual plate with Salad and Raita was brought also. The wait would not be long, Hector was the lone diner.
Three Chapattis accompanied the Curry, as is the way in the best of Bradford.
Fish Karahi
I have missed this. The mass of Fish sat in the Oily Masala featuring pieces of cooked Tomato. Coriander had been stirred in also. The majority of the Fish was flaked, however, there were ample sized pieces also.
The first dip with the Chapatti revealed the Karahi was decidedly – Hot! The Spice Level was at the top end of the scale, this was going to be one demanding Curry. Madras plus, plus.
The Seasoning was right up there too, guess what? I could taste the Fish!
For those who have been following this trek, today’s Fish Karahi puts in perspective all that was found to be inferior at 7 Spices Balti (Sheffield) last week.
The eyes watered, the tubes were cleared, excruciating pleasure, wonderful.
Having eaten this with Chapattis for years, today I felt that Rice would have been appropriate. Rice would have tempered the Spice Level. The eating was slow, I phoned Clive to inform him I would be late for our rendezvous at the Interchange.
He had eaten his leftover – Omar Kayahm – from the early hours at Sheesh Mahal as a Wrap, in the Keema Naan, for breakfast. He couldn’t finish his leftovers.
That’s the second time I have failed to finish that meal – he realised.
I ate on, slowly, this Curry would be finished, and enjoyed, magnificent. For Hector, one and a half Chapattis is always enough.
Coriander stems and leaves, Tomatoes, Fish in a well Seasoned Masala, this is the classic Bradford-style Fish Karahi.
The Bill
£8.50 One pays for the Curry, the rest is inclusive.
The Aftermath
Clive and I boarded the bus to Halifax. At the top of the hill between Bradford and Halifax lies Queensbury and Sarina’s. One of Bradford’s finest Curry Houses, rebranded as – Sarina’s Curry Kitchen – is presently Takeaway only. I contacted Sarina, she has no plans to reopen for dining in.