Yesterday, Curryspondent Archie sent me the photo above right:
Recognise this place?
Will be there tomorrow – was the reply. I went on to establish that Chef Rashid was on duty and all was well. Archie sent me a photo of his meal – Karahi Lamb – (£9.00). Who takes a photo of their dinner and sends it to a friend? How jejune!
Outrageously spectacular! – was Archie’s verdict. When we last dined here together for – Karahi Palace #100 – Archie had Palak Gosht. Maybe he has come to accept that the Karahi Gosht is the signature Curry. Perhaps it is Hector who is stuck in a rut? One day the dishes on display may tempt me to have something else.
Other distractions, including a weekend in Bradford for Curry, prevented my December visit to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ). Today, being the last Saturday in the month, I was determined not to miss out again.
Arriving at 15.20, Ayaz, Mein Host, was in Rashid’s spot, he would be Chef for the day. Shery was front of house as has become the norm, he calls everyone – Boss. On taking the seat adjacent to that which Archie occupied yesterday, Shery came over to take the Order. I decided to keep things simple and have my usual Chapatti (£0.80) as accompaniment, though leaving half a Naan had gone through my mind on the journey here. A jug of tap water was brought to the table. What was this strange vessel, containing a white powder, sat before me?
Karahi Lamb
Still sizzling in the black karahi, I knew care would have to be taken. Hot food is what I seek, it can only cool. Tepid food never warms. The wholemeal Chapatti was just what I needed, enough to act as conveyor of Meat and Masala, I would eat all but a scrap.
Behold the – foliage triumvirate! Ginger Strips, Coriander Leaves & Stems plus sliced Green Chillies, sat on top of the Tomato-rich Masala. Whole Green Chillies were embedded, that the Spice Level would satisfy was never in doubt. At Karahi Palace, they know about the importance of Seasoning. With Spice and Seasoning pitched perfectly, the cooling Karahi was there to be devoured.
One can see the Tomato pulp in the Masala, how this Texture is achieved is still beyond me. Proud as I am of my own – Lahori Karahi – creation earlier this week, today’s was in a different league. The hot Oil was just enough, acceptable, wonderful for dipping. The Meat was remarkably Tender. I found a Sucky Bone, all my boxes were being ticked. Only three more pieces of bone were unearthed, plenty of Lamb in this Karahi.
I upped my notes on the Spice Level to – intense. This was never in detriment to the distinctive – Karahi Palace Taste – that permeated this Curry. The delivery chap was popping in and out, he sought a – thumbs up – to confirm my enjoyment. Enjoyment? This was pleasure in the extreme, maybe that’s why I don’t come here every week. It is always tempting to do so.
The Bill
£9.80 We appear to have settled on this price.
The Aftermath
The delivery chap had taken the table opposite, he was tucking in. He was keen to show me his Curry. As he found the words for sheep and feet, I interjected with – Paya. He asked if I’d had it.
I’m not a fan of – Trotters, and I prefer a Thick Masala to Shorva.
Undeterred, he was keen that I should be having this Dish. He made a gesture which I shall not describe but understood, apparently Paya is an aphrodisiac. So it goes.