The first/only Bradford Curry of the day was at 23.00? Back in the day, this could well have been the third. The distraction was Sunday lunch at Old Gate in Hebden Bridge, there the roast beef dinner is to be recommended. A worthy plateful, featuring Yorkshire pudding, of course, lashings of gravy, plus mash, roast potatoes, mashed turnip, sage&onion, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli and mange tout. Hector will admit to having none of the latter, Marg ate it all.
An afternoon enjoying the delights of Halifax followed, thereafter a train back to Bradford. From Bradford Interchange, it was 
straight to International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA). For a significant time, we were the only customers. What has happened in this city? As midnight approached, two groups of diners arrived, more like it.
The lack of custom meant a lot of staff not doing very much. Quasim would look after us. A bit like last night at Sheesh Mahal where Hector had but a Starter, Marg was only hungry enough for something similar, not a main course. Lamb Chops (£6.95) and a Mango Lassi (£2.75) would be her limit. The Lassi was justified thus:
I’ve got to watch you eat a whole Curry. I’ve got to make it enjoyable as I can.
For the record, a small bottle of Sparkling Water is £2.50, so one may as well indulge in Lassi.
Hector required a Curry which ticked all the boxes. This could well be my last opperchancity on this trip to have the full bhuna. A well known and reliable Curry Blog led me back to Lamb Nawabi Khan (£12.95), tried and tested.
I did briefly consider the Desi Lamb (on-the-bone) option, but a half kilo at £17.95 could prove to be too much Curry. I do congratulate International for holding the full kilo to £27.95, it’s a fiver more than this anywhere I have encountered in recent times.
To complete the Order, a Garlic Coriander Naan (£3.50), Tap Water was also promised.
We played the Poppadom game.
Are you giving or selling?
The result no Poppadoms. Under the previous management, Complimentary – everything – was the norm, inclusive Chapattis/Naan/Rice also. One could go across the street to The Kashmir Restaurant where these traditions have been maintained. Perhaps that’s where the rest of Bradford was this evening? I have not had an evening Curry at Kashmir since I taught A-Level Geography. Bradford was en route, my choice, to the locus of the in-service days held near York. That was some twenty five years ago.
We had asked for all the food to arrive simultaneously, inevitably, the Lamb Chops arrived first.
Lamb Chops
Five! Sensational value. And they were nearly cremated. In a moment of sensibility, I declined a Lamb Chop, unheard of. Who wants to become Mr. Creosote? This meant five Lamb Chops for Marg, which must be discouraged, however, the precedent has been set.
Five, succulent Chops, with carbon-infused bones. I thoroughly enjoyed gnawing my way through the meat and bone.
I also enjoyed the Garlic & Coriander Naan accompaniment.
Yes Hector’s Curry and Naan had arrived. I invited Marg to help herself to some Naan, I didn’t think I would have to claim dibs on the final scraps. The Naan was a decent size, or so I originally thought. The burnt blisters were present. It had risen a bit but not enough to put Marg off. There was no Garlic saturation which is what I fear.
At this point, Quasim noticed we had no Water on the table and that the Mango Lassi had not appeared. Cancel the Lassi, Water was quickly provided.
Lamb Nawabi Khana
The Coriander Topping was but a threat. The karahi was filled to the brim with an inestimable quantity of Bradford-sized Meat. With just enough Masala to make this a – Curry – I emphasise that there was a lot of Meat here. Who needs a half kilo on-the-bone?
Cough! This hit the spot. With sliced Green Chillies cooked in, there was no denying, this was – Spicy! The distinctive Bradford Curry Taste was there, Methi is the ingredient which is believed to be responsible.
Two small slices of Lemon had also been added, these were squeezed on to the minimal Masala. A bit of Lemon can add even more of a thrill to the Flavours hitting the palate.
Tender Meat, it is written oft, this was something else. I gave Marg a piece for confirmation. The Lamb was super-soft yet far from being pulp. Each piece retained the integrity of its shape, yet … one could have sucked this rather than chew. Squeezing between tongue and top palate was quite sufficient, mastication hardly required. Now add the appreciation that this Meat was permeable and had soaked in the Flavours from the Masala. This is what people who order a Chicken Curry can never experience. The properties of this Curry made it stand out way above that which is served in Mainstream Restaurants.
Whilst this Curry was truly outstanding, my only regret is that, in time, the Chillies eventually numbed the palate. Subtle, this Curry was not. Prior to this, however, it was as if the individual Spice powders were shouting – here I am!
If one seeks a blunderbuss of Flavour and Spice, the Lamb Nawabi Khan has to be tried.
Quasim was back once more checking on our progress/enjoyment. I described the eating of the Meat. The conversation developed, no this was not our first visit etc.
That I do not give marks out of ten for either a Curry or a Curry House was finally accepted. Where is the best in Bradford? Well probably still not here, though once upon a time Hector had a near orgasmic moment in these very premises, ergo the best Curry I’ve ever had. I introduced myself, and mentioned the halcyon days of Khalid and Ali.
International was closed for some months in 2018. I made it clear that when The Next Generation took over, the quality of the Fayre nosedived. Standards have improved markedly in recent visits, though not always the service, as recorded last visit. There are some Dishes that are missed. We had just discovered Shahi Kofta when International closed. Scroll through the photographic record of all consumed here.
The Bill
£23.40 No Lassi, no tip.
The Aftermath
I believe the word had got round that a food blogger was present, smiles aplenty. I did insist that there was a photo with Quasim. It is time to record The Next Generation making their mark.
There is now a second International, but not within walking distance of the city centre.