Not for the first time has Hector returned from a trip and headed across the River Clyde at the first opperchancity to have Karahi Lamb at Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ). In August, Karahi Palace was closed – temporarily, The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was the fallback. Karahi Palace did reopen eventually, so imagine the shock at finding the shutters down this Saturday afternoon. Hopefully, someone will tell me soon what is happening there.
And so, to The Village it was. Karahi Lamb had evolved into Achari Gosht (£12.95) with Mushroom Rice (£3.50) as I walked back along Nelson Street. It was a surprise to find twenty five fellow diners at The Village at 15.00 on a Saturday afternoon, especially on a day with a restricted train service. Hector’s optimal eating time is perhaps beginning to be appreciated?
As I checked the menu had not changed since my last visit, so the Order did. Lamb On Bone Lahori Karahi (£12.95) is what I had planned to eat on leaving the house, so why not? To accompany, Nan Bread (£2.95) and a jug of Tap Water.
Great choice – declared the waiter when I said – Lahori Karahi on-the-bone.
The TV was showing the penultimate match in the World Cup: Hrvatska v Maroc, the game no team, Scotland apart, ever wants to play in.
The Manager, who must work the longest hours, came over for a chat. Having spotted the Persian Grill (£44.95) in The Village Menu, a veritable Meat Feast, I could not help mentioning my Persian experience in Köln two days previously. He described such fayre as – bland – and suggested that Turkish is far better. He admitted that the Persian Grill served here has an Indian twist. Good to know, but I’m unlikely ever to order this platter. Hector does Curry.
The Naan was served in quarters, I never remember to ask for – whole Naan. It was too peely wally for Hector’s liking, no burnt blisters, but soft in parts. I was later advised that I should ask for – well done. In all my years of ordering Naan, the existence of this as an option has never been discussed.
Lamb On Bone Lahori Karahi
This is the portion, not the half kilo, which is becoming astronomical. Normally, I eat directly from the karahi, the waitress had brought a timeous warm plate and so decanting tempted. The full quality of the authentic Masala could then be revealed.
I counted the Meat into double figures, I’ve had – so called – half kilos with less. A magnificent Sucky Bone would have to be dealt with in the proper manner.
The Tomato-rich Masala gave off a big kick, no extra Chillies required here, however, the Ginger Strips added extra bite. The Flavours were familiar with no obvious Spice in the blend. With Herbs strewn through the Masala, I hoped for the Methi blast I would experience along the road, alas, no. At Karahi Palace: extra Salt, extra Methi – is understood. At The Village, I don’t think I have ever asked for tweaks.
The Meat was soft, truly so, but was not giving back as much Flavour as was coming from the Masala. The Masala had a sharp taste, the Tomatoes dominating, definitely in the Lahori style and may I dare go as far as writing – Charsi.
This was a suitable – welcome home Karahi – but without the – wow. Outstanding Curry is what brought me to The Village in the early noughties. The portion aside, Karahi, in quantity, has become a major investment. Maybe it’s safer sticking to Curry.
The Bill
£15.90 Tap Water kept the total down, and it didn’t taste of bleach.
The Aftermath
There was further discourse with The Manager, I really should get his name.
Back along Nelson Street, such a sad sight. Glasgow cannot afford to lose these chaps.