Spending a July Saturday afternoon in Glasgow still feels strange. Crossing the Clyde felt even stranger, the new banking complex is certainly – coming on. How many more quiet visits will there be to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) before the hordes discover this humble venue?
Arriving at 14.00, a hungry Hector felt a Chilli and Coriander Naan was due for a change. Karahi Lamb (£9.00) remains the constant, a return to Punjabi Fayre after the less than impressive experiences earlier in the week on the Ayrshire Coast.
A couple of neds were in Hector’s preferred spot, waiting for Takeaway, this meant the table at the door for Hector. For once the open door permitted fresh air and not the midwinter draught.
The new chap took the Order. Salad and Sauce were offered, declined, a jug of Water secured. Chef Rashid set about working his magic.
Neds? Well that’s how I shall describe yoofs (sic) who spill the contents of their Kebap on the floor, then scoop them up and walk on as if this was the norm.
Ayaz, Mein Host invited me to take my usual table, Hector was settled. Two couples entered, sat at the window table and consulted the Menu. Moments later they departed. I had to ask the waiter why they had just walked out of one of Glasgow’s finest Curry Houses. Vegetarians, they were at the wrong movie.
The Wrong Naan
I could have sent it back, but why erode the margins of profit for a business at this difficult time? The Naan was dripping in Butter, there was no sign of the Chillies. Hector had been give the more common Garlic & Coriander Naan. With perforations, it had been prevented from rising in the centre. Knowing that I would manage about half, the puffy, well fired rim, would become my area of enjoyment.
Karahi Lamb
Ah, the Toppings! It’s easy to take these for granted, but when there’s no – foliage – one is missing out on that which gives a Karahi that extra something. Ginger Strips, Coriander, and Green Chillies sliced lengthwise, Mmmmm.
The Meat was piled high, there’s no need to count, the portion is always substantial. I dug through the Thick Masala Mash to find the Oil which had collected on the base of the karahi. The first dip of Naan was a fine example of the self-fulfilling prophecy. Garlic, the Garlic from the Naan dominated, it distorted the anticipated Flavours, so it goes. This is why I believe that Garlic Naan is best avoided, unless, this is the Flavour one seeks. At Karahi Palace there is so much more, by carefully selecting my Bread, I got back on course. Rashid knows I like – extra Seasoning – today was a test, this Karahi was high on the Erlangen Scale. For those who need a prompt to understand this reference, click on this link.
Sucky Bones, and so, so Tender Meat, joy of joys, once more. How I have enjoyed this on so many visits, for further confirmation read here, here, and here.
The Bill
£12.00 It looks as though there has been a price increase.
The Aftermath
You’re on your own today – observed the waiter.
He’s new, he’ll become used to it.