Having spent five nights with Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley, it was decided, that was not enough. As Hector flew north on Thursday, they took the train. A visit to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was already foremost in Hector’s mind for today, that I would now be joined by three more diners was better still. Mags was not missing out. And for those who get confused with Marg/Mags/Maggie, Marg is in South Africa at the Hockey Masters World Cup, to date Scotland remain undefeated.
The rendezvous was at 14.00, complicated by yet another train strike. Everyone knows the railway workers are due an appropriate increase except the British Government, it appears. Clive, Maggie and Hector were in situ just before 14.00, this was when things became further complicated.
Hector was not having his usual Karahi Lamb (£12.00) and a Chapatti (£1.00), Clive was. I could also order Mags’ Aloo Gosht (£11.00) and Chapatti. Maggie had no idea, so stood at the menu posted on the wall, discussing her options with Shery.
The Man from Bradford tried the Spicy Lamb Korma (£10.00) when he was last up in the erstwhile Curry Capital, it were pronounced – areet. Hector had planned to have this on the ill-fated late August visit, finally an opperchancity. To accompany, Mushroom Rice (£5.00), a hefty price, but if one is to avoid simple Meat & Masala, maybe worth the investment. Maggie somehow came up with Spinach Chicken (Boneless) (£8.00) and Fried Rice (£3.00). So, why £2.00 for Mushrooms?
The Order was nearly sorted, Clive then asked for a Keema Naan, not available. Alternatives were discussed – Garlic, Chilli, Coriander Naan (£4.00) replaced one of the Chapattis. Shery came to finalise the order on paper, Ayaz had lost a Curry. Oh, and Mags had arrived, so the Aloo Gosht may have been the missing piece in the jigsaw.
Shery brought a jug of water, a Modest Salad and a Raita. Those who wished, nibbled on the Salad. Patience! A few Takeaway customers entered during our visit, in time we were joined by another sit-in customer.
Karahi Lamb
A meal I have eaten here many times before. Today’s had something extra excellent. – said Clive.
Hector has no more to say here.
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The Chapatti was of the usual Wholemeal variety, served in two pieces.
If one looks carefully, the Garlic Chilli, Coriander Naan was served in four pieces, and was substantial. The portion of Fried Rice was more than Maggie would manage. Cumin Seeds were mixed through. Then there was the Mushroom Rice. It became immediately obvious why this cost a fiver. A mountain of what was in effect a Biryani was served up to the Hector. The Pilau was enhanced by the presence of Cloves, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom and even Lemon rind. A couple of stray pieces of Capsicum were unearthed also – oops – I’ll have a word next time I order this. With abundant fresh Mushrooms this was nearly a meal in itself. Great Flavours here, I shall certainly be having this again – when I have someone to share it with.
Spicy Lamb Korma
Karahi Palace may call it it thus, Hector shall insist, this was a Lamb Desi Korma.
Lamb Desi Korma, first experienced at The Village a few blocks to the west, is the Curry that awoke Hector to the world of – Desi. The Yoghurt saturated Masala was similar to that which Mother experimented with back in the mid 1960s. The Citrus Blast complementing the rich flavour, something Hector could not have enough of.
A Curry served in a bowl, not what Hector is used to at Karahi Palace. The extraordinarily large pieces of Meat were arranged on top of the Mushroom Rice. One Sucky Bone, yay! The Yoghurt-rich, blended Masala had Herbs mixed through also. The Seasoning was tremendous and therefore the Flavours were not hiding. There was a big Spicy Blast as I started eating. I was wondering if the oh so familiar Desi Korma taste would be experienced, however, the penny dropped. 
The Village have their distinctive Flavours, as does Karahi Palace, it was therefore the latter which came across. The Lamb was playing its part here, everything was coming together, Rice, Mushrooms, Meat and Masala. There was an air of familiarity, eventually the blast of Citrus hit the palate, this was the manifestation of the anticipated moment. This was a magnificent Curry, now Hector has a dilemma, what to have in future. Perhaps I shall have to increase the frequency of my visits to Karahi Palace such that I can alternate between Spicy Lamb Curry and Karahi Lamb.
Aloo Gosht
Why Mags has this with Bread often puzzles, surely the nature of the Masala commands Rice? However, the intensity of Flavour from the Shorva-esque Masala may be absorbed. Mags’ choice, she must know what she’s doing.
It’s been a while – Mags reported – love the flavours, spicing. It’s still the best Aloo Gosht. Thank (insert deity) Karahi Palace is open again.
Boneless Spinach Chicken
One takes a notion for Spinach, else it is avoided. This gives the appearance of being a Masala with Spinach, as Hector likes it. However, as the bowl was emptied, so a Spinach Mash was revealed.
Maggie immediately praised the Chicken, this was at the standard she expects and a vast improvement over that which she endured a few nights ago at Curry Kitchen (East Grinstead). Even Maggie was amused by the noises she was making whilst she ate. Evidently, she was thoroughly enjoying her Curry:
From the first mouthful I was making noises like food sex. No comparison to East Grinstead. The Rice was lovely, tasty.
The Bill
£56.30 Let’s fill the coffers at Karahi Palace.
The Aftermath
Ayaz came out to chat, quite unusual. He acknowledged that Mags always makes such favourable comments about her Aloo Gosht. I told him that this was the first time I had Rice at Karahi Palace. He confirmed that the Mushroom Rice was indeed in the style of a Biryani. He added to my future dilemma by suggesting I try their Nihari. Maybe, one day, but the thin Masala is not how I prefer my Curry. But then there’s Kofta, which I see is on the board. Coming soon, apparently.
I walked along Nelson Street with the taste of Citrus prominent on the palate, mission accomplished.