On Saturday, Hector arrived at Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) to find the shutters half down, a continuation of the situation when I departed on my last visit. I was here to have Lamb Karahi (£12.00) and celebrate – the thirteenth birthday of Curry-Heute!
A chap pulled up outside and brought in supplies. He informed me that Karahi Palace was closed, they had an order for a hundred people later that night. Same as my last visit then, Ramadan continues.
Believing Ayaz to be on the premises, I felt he would hardly turn me away.
Ayaz has gone already – was the next piece of information. The heart missed a beat.
I could have had Curry elsewhere, however the ongoing events a kilometre or so to the East killed the appetite. Of course, VAR, as operated in Scotland, may say I did have Curry on Saturday when clearly I didn’t.
Arriving today at 13.50, all looked well on the outside. The – Old Timer – who has been standing in for Chef Rashid (as I see it) was alone behind the counter.
Ayaz is on holiday – was more comforting news, however, it’s not that long since he was away.
I placed the Order, today a Naan (£1.50) instead of the customary Chapatti (£1.00), was this a moment of intuition? On taking my favourite spot in the empty dining area, I was asked – Spicy?
Desi – was the reply, he appeared happy with this.
A Modest Salad and Raita soon arrived, the jug of Tap Water soon after. The Water had no taste, yay, the Raita did. The Salad was a momentary distraction until the main event.
The Naan, unusually round for Karahi Palace, was scored into four pieces. The blisters immediately impressed, this was a risen Naan, I never understand the need for perforations and – Rogni Naan – served at southern venues. With thicker edges, this was a Naan to behold. The blisters did turn crispy in time, however, the edges remained light and fluffy. Can Chef repeat this next visit?
Karahi Lamb
The – killer aroma – defined the moment. With sliced Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Coriander atop the thickest of Masalas seen here in a while, all was set. The copious Meat was on-the-bone as all Lamb is served at Karahi Palace, how many bones?
The Masala was top notch, Tomato-based, with skins left on, so much for my attempts at removing them in my recent home-cooked efforts. There was a sense of burnt bits on the base of the karahi, this added another dimension to the level of pleasure that was already being realised.
The Lamb was sensational, big pieces, eaten with the fingers, beautifully Tender, and giving so much Flavour plus the associated – kick. The Spice Level was where one wants it, the Seasoning a bit below. This Chef does not know the Hector Tweaks.
Same taste ? – asked Chef from behind the counter.
Wonderful – was the reply.
The Naan and Masala combination was a step above my usual Chapatti accompaniment. What a Masala, and only a trace of Oil collecting at the base of the karahi. Given what follows below, this may be a crucial marking of the expected standard of Karahi Gosht served at Karahi Palace.
The quantity of Karahi was manageable, only three quarters of the Naan was consumed. The bone count = one, unusual.
One bone is not – un oeuf, c’est un os!
The Bill
£13.50 Cash, the system is not yet set up for card payments, a situation that revealed all.
The Aftermath
Meet the new boss, Ali, I have seen him here previously. Ali recognised me both on Saturday and today, he has acknowledged seeing me and my dining companions, but only here? Ali must be associated with other venues.
I asked after Azaz – gone to work in a burger and kebap shop in Edinburgh. Chicken Club (46 S. Clerk Street, Edinburgh ???) is what shows when one pays by card at Karahi Palace. Hector Holmes is on the case. Maybe Ayaz will get in touch?
Hector now has a dilemma. Is this still Karahi Palace, or the start of a new business?
Back in 2012 when the Akash (Helensburgh) changed hands, I had no choice but to declare – New-co – a term in vogue that year, and start the count again. Chef Rashid may return to Scotland next month, time will tell if he returns to Karahi Palace. Was today Visit #143, or Visit #1?
Update – May 2023
In Blogging, one always has the benefit of hindsight, changes can be made.
After the events of this weekend, Hector has declared Karahi Palace to be a – New-co – and therefore the counter has been reset. This post becomes New-co #1.