Curry-Heute was due to report from Köln. Instead, Hector and Marg are in the Curry Capital for two nights. Just how much Curry can Hector manage? Gone are the days of three visits to the same restaurant in one day. And with a greater knowledge of the venues, the number of favoured haunts to be visited has increased.
Having checked in t’Travelodge at 15.00 we made our way across the square to Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX). It was dusk as we approached Karachi, the third day of winter, maximum darkness looms.
Hector was back for the Meat Ball Spinach (£8.50) with three inclusive Chapattis. Today I decided to up it to – Madras – for an extra 50p. Marg decided it was too early for dinner, why did she think we would be eating again later? Samosa (£1.00) evolved into Mix Starter (£5.00). Having shown her a photo on a well known and reliable Curry Blog, Marg knew what to expect.
The waiter presented two Modest Salads before returning to take the Order. I should have asked what Yoghurt they used for the Raita, this was the Creamiest Raita, ever. Marg would retain hers as accompaniment for her plateful of variety.
Whilst we waited, a mature chap entered, not one of what would be twelve fellow diners. As he approached the kitchen he acknowledged us. Later, I spotted his photo on the wall in the company of Rick Stein, that was a while back.
Mix Starter
Marg was taken aback by the sheer quantity of food on her plate. The largest Samosa ever seen contained Meat, when this Dish was last seen, it was a Vegetable Samosa which came. The Samosa disappeared in a flash. Assistance was required, Hector was on board, Vegetable Pakora, suitably Spiced, not bad at all. Beneath the mass of Pakora lay a Shamee Kebab, most of this was crossing the table. The Shamee was well fired, moist, with finely chopped Onion in there too, Umami! Excellent. This was markedly different from the Shami Kebabs served in Glasgow where they are decidedly – mushy. I could have eaten a few of these.
Marg took care of the 
Chicken Pakora, but left one Mushroom. Fish apart, I’m not a huge fan of so-called Pakora where one item is deep fried in batter. The big Mushroom was moist, unnaturally so, not the best way to serve this delicate Vegetable.
Too much – was Marg’s first comment – I enjoyed the Chicken Pakora and the large meat-filled Samosa. I’m not used to Mushroom Pakora, it was different. They were hot and filling.
Meat Ball Spinach – Madras
Four large Kofta sat in a Dark, Thick Masala. No Coriander garnish today. After the abundance of – foliage – at Kabana (Manchester) yesterday, this was Naked Curry.
The three Chapattis were classic examples of the genre. I would manage two, which was quite an achievement given the supplementary nibbles from across the table.
Big disappointment!
There was way less Spice than the standard version enjoyed previously. I had presumed Chef would have upped the Spice in the Masala, not the case. The Kofta was the only source of anything resembling a – kick. I reported back in June that the Seasoning in this Curry could be more, today’s was even less. As a consequence, the big – Palak hit – was not forthcoming. Good as the Kofta were, the Shamee Kebab had a much more intense Flavour.
This creates a dilemma. When next I return to Karachi, what do I have? Perhaps it’s time to try Kofta Palak elsewhere?
The Bill
£14.00 Cash only.
The Aftermath
I phoned the relocated Sultan premises in Frizinghall which now appears on Google maps. There was an answer – open tomorrow from 14.00 until 20.30. Sadly, this does not fit in with our plans. I’ll try again next month hopefully.