Happy New Year to all readers of Curry-Heute which will soon be entering its fourteenth year, a lot of Curry, a lot of writing. A special mention to Curryspondents who were in touch: Doug, Archie, Ayaz, Zaheer and Tom, plus continuing thanks to Neil who proof reads these pages.
With Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley resident, there would be Curry-Heute. Having not been to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) since last year, where else would Hector celebrate Curry-2023#1? Marg drove us to Tradeston, carefully avoiding the football traffic. (What were those Subs all about?) We arrived at 15.20, and being a public holiday, parked right outside Karahi Palace.
We took the window table such that a fan heater was able to do the necessary. Having spotted Marg’s photo on a certain social medium, Ayaz, Mein Host, referred to this as we exchanged season’s greetings. For those who missed it, here’s your opperchancity. Hector has a new camera, cheap as chips, we’ll see how it fares.
A quick glance at the ready Curry, Chicken Keema stood out. Ayaz confirmed that the (Lamb) Keema Mutter was not ready. My fellow diners took the Mince option: Spicy – Chicken Keema (£8.50) for Clive, less so, for Maggie, and for Marg, Mince Poori (£7.00).
Having had the Karahi Lamb (£12.00) here a mere three days ago, it was time for the grand alternative: Spicy Lamb Korma (£10.50). With the Mushroom Rice (£5.00), this has once again become Hector’s favourite Glasgow Curry. There is a differentiation between Curry and Karahi, fear not, mountains of Lamb in Minimal Masala should hopefully continue to appear aplenty in these pages.
The Mushroom Rice portion is way too large for one, Maggie was keen to share. Two Chapattis (£1.00) completed the order. One was really enough, one and a half would be ideal. Will 2023 be the year of – the half Chapatti?
Ayaz brought a jug of tap water. Last week I didn’t touch this, today, I can report no chemical taste. Glasgow tap water should be tasteless.
Ayaz and his new assistant got to work. After an appropriate time, what must be the hottest food served in the city was brought to the table. Here is the joy of this humble establishment, cooking food to order and nothing is left to sit, waiting for the other components to get ready. Teamwork.
Two substantial Chapattis, halved, were presented. Last Friday I marvelled once more at the quality of Chapatti served here. Today, I had a half, to wipe my bowl essentially. The Mushroom Rice was the focus of the accompaniments. With fresh Mushrooms, this is Biryani quality, tasty in its own right. Maggie was well taken by it also.
Spicy Lamb Korma
Served with a comparatively Soupy Masala, this needs Rice. The ratio of Masala to the half portion of Mushroom Rice worked perfectly. Moist Rice throughout, even allowing for my dipping with Chapatti.
Once the nine pieces of Meat were arranged on the Rice, so I then spread the Masala. The mindset had to be switched to – Curry.
Magnificent Lamb, served on-the-bone, as is the only way at Karahi Palace, and with a sufficiency of sliced Green Chillies, the Spice Level was right up there. The Seasoning was perfection, as a consequence the full Desi Flavours flooded across the tongue, the Citrus was there, what a Masala.
Peppercorns were in the mix, from the Masala or Mushroom Rice, hard to tell once all was on the plate. The Rice truly plays it part in this royal combination, the Mushrooms add Diversity, for Hector, this is Curry Heaven.
I suppose diners could take half the Mushroom Rice away if dining alone. This is not to be missed.
Mince Poori
This creation makes its first appearance in Curry-Heute. The quantity of filling far surpasses the Chicken Tikka Puri previously posted. This Chicken Keema Puri was a meal, and one which I suspect Marg will have again. A Puri is surely so much more than a Chapatti, her customary accompaniment, and sweeter, Marg does – sweet.
First Curry of the year, Marg’s initial reaction maintains: this is Spicy!
It was larger than expected a full portion of Keema with a side Salad.
Two Dips had also made their way to the table.
A good flavour with a wee kick. The Bread was fluffy and went well with the meat.
Chicken Keema
Meanwhile, across the table, Maggie was questioning – medium Spice. Clive’s Keema had added sliced Green Chillies, presumably Maggie’s was as on display. Whilst the Mushroom Rice did temper the Spice in the lesser Keema, Yoghurt was called for, a Mint Raita was presented. All was well.
My first ever Chicken Keema – began Clive – very happy. Asked for Spicy, not unbearable, at the right level for me. The quantity was right, had it been three times as much, I would have eaten it.
Once Maggie had recovered:
The Mushroom Rice was tasty with whole Mushrooms in a big portion. The Chicken Mince, lots of, loads of, flavour. The Chicken Mince was both hot and spicy for a medium, hence yoghurt was requested and delivered, I ate too much.
And she didn’t order a Starter!
Lord Clive and Lady Maggie never leave Glasgow feeling hungry.
The Bill
£41.50 Four fed, for a tenner a head.
The Aftermath
Hector hates selfies, Marg loves them. For the sake of harmony, here we go…
