When Hector and Marg arrived at Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) late August and found the place closed, there was real concern. As we learned during Lockdown, it’s far easier to close than it is to open again. Qaiser, a former employee, was initially my only contact, he assured me they would be back. It took longer than was first broadcast on this Blog, however, Ayaz, Mein Host, texted me last Saturday: Karahi Palace is open!
The trip to Crawley ended this afternoon, 19.30, was the soonest I could get here, darkness, unusual. Shery and Ayaz gave a warmer greeting than the norm, I applauded as I entered and took my favourite spot. I did stop at the counter to study the ready fayre, one day I’ll have something different.
The usual?
It had to be, the thought of never having Karahi Lamb (£12.00) at Karahi Palace, ever again could be put to the back of the mind. Karahi Palace and Yadgar are Glasgow’s finest sources of Desi Curry as the number of visits shown on the right should convince the reader.
Prices have increased, they had to. My Chapatti would cost a whole £1.00, still an honest and sensible price. I did my best to record the new prices displayed on the wall, the light was against me. A kilo of Karahi Lamb is now £32.00 which is the going rate (£18.00 for the half kilo). I’m waiting for Howard, Alan or Chapatti John to suggest we come and – do the kilo – for old time’s sake.
Shery brought a jug of Tap Water, glasses have been restored. The water on Glasgow’s Southside still tastes of bleach. Am I the only person who either notices this, or is bothered?
A couple of Takeaway customers came in whilst I waited. Karahi Palace is on a main bus route, others must be aware. Whilst Ayaz worked his magic, Shery told me sad news about Chef #1 – Rashid. I hope he recovers and is able to return to work soonest.
Karahi Lamb
It never looked so appealing. The India Club (London) served worthy Curry to Hector last Sunday, nothing since has come close to the – Wow! – though Curry Kitchen (East Grinstead) did surprise me with an effort that was totally wrong, but still tasted – damn good.
This is a Lahori Karahi, the Tomato-based Masala, minimal, but in the correct ratio to the Meat. In my most recent visits here I have tipped the contents of the karahi on to the plate just to marvel at the sight of the Desi Masala. Tonight, it was back to how I’ve always done it – eat straight from the karahi, that is, when the food had cooled sufficiently.
Nobody serves hotter food than Karahi Palace, the joy of the Curry Cafe, the food being brought the instant it’s ready. I mixed the Coriander and Ginger Strips into the Mash, they would cook in the Oil. Oh to see the Oil collect on the periphery of the karahi once more. Mix it up, get the full taste experience.
The Meat was sublime, nothing false here, as authentic as a Karahi can be, giving of Flavour. Green Chillies had been cooked into the Tomato-rich Masala, Ayaz and Rashid both know my tweaks, extra Methi, a bit more Salt. The Seasoning tonight was perfection, and so all the Flavours were released, crucial.
No Sucky Bones tonight, the bone count was minimal, as if Ayaz would spoil the moment. Spoil the moment? This was a moment to savour. The well worn cliché about not knowing what you’ve lost until after it’s gone, rubbish! Other venues may serve something similar, there is a distinctive Karahi Palace Taste which sets this above its rivals. Every morsel was eaten, one Chapatti still enough. One and a half has yet to be invented.
Towards the end of my meal a chap came in and basically repeated my Order. He was waiting for a friend to share – the half kilo? Come on!
He too is a Karahi Palace stalwart, and was visibly excited to find the place open again. Once I had finished we chatted – Curry Houses. Hopefully I have given him new places to try, but we both know why we come here.
The Bill
£13.20 20p for the Hector tweaks? This I certainly do not mind.
The Aftermath
Ayaz sincerely thanked me for all that I have done to promote Karahi Palace through the years, and for my recent concern. An emotional moment. I promised to return on Saturday with more customers.
The Curry-Heute #100 certificate is no longer on display.