Glasgow – DumPukht Lahori – Hector Meets The Dignitaries

Rather pay the extortionate fee to enter Glasgow Airport, Marg agreed to pick up Hector outside Green Gates (Renfrew). This was the fallback if DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG) was not yet open. The delayed flight from Gatwick ensured Plan A maintained.

It was 18.45 when Marg and Hector entered a sun-drenched DumPukht Lahori. There was no sign of Aqeel, Mein Host. His current assistant, Waqas, unknowingly showed us to what has become our usual table. En route, I passed a chap who recognised me. Curryspondent – Councillor Jon, he who first sent me to Cafe Reeshah, a decade ago! It was good to establish that he still follows these pages. On the far side of the room was a mature chap having an extended Coffee. I noted the coffee machine has pride of place in the room, the vessels have gone. It is seventeen months since Hector was last at DumPukht, the later opening time does not suit.

After copious Charsi Karahi last week in Lisboa and on Monday at Dawat (Tooting), Hector desired something less Tomatoey, a classic Lahori Karahi is what was desired, a kilo of course! We had both starved ourselves today to make this possible.

Lamb Lahori Karahi (£34.99) would be accompanied by a Roti (£1.50) and a Till Naan (£2.99). Waqas was not having this, the half kilo (£17.99) should surely suffice? It had to be made clear: I’m a Hector and I’m having my kilo!

Prices have increased significantly at DumPukht Lahori, they had to. At the time of opening, Aqeel was not charging enough, even though he was using lesser cuts of Meat. With rampant inflation, he could not have survived otherwise.

Waqas went to relay the Order. This prompted Aqeel to come from the kitchen for verification. There was a hug. It has been a long time, and he knows why, however, an 02.00 closing time is not commensurate with an early start, except Sundays for – Nashta. Aqeel was determined that after we had eaten, we should meet his Coffee Customer, a legend, apparently. How many – Legends – are there in Glasgow?

Tap Water appeared to suffice, then Marg decided a Mango Lassi (£4.99) was required. Starting with Dessert, why not?

Prior to this she had considered a Starter. Hunger?

Such was the size of the Lassi, Marg had to share. Sharing? A rarity in this Blog.

We had a good chat with Jon before his departure, consequently, our wait for the Karahi passed in no time. The sun was in our eyes, but this would lead to some interesting photos.

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The puffy Chapatti was substantial, Wholemeal has become the norm in Glasgow. Whatever happened to the traditional thin Chapattis? Over the years, I can refer to DumPukht thus, Aqeel has presented some excellent Bread. My preference is risen and puffy, today’s was well risen. Records show the Til Naan in various guises, the surface of tonight’s was so again, the interior, wonderful. We left no Bread. Waqas also brought Raita and a Modest Salad, these would subsequently work their way on to the dinner plate.

Lamb Lahori Karahi

This kilo looked a lot bigger than my last kilo in Tooting. Suitably dressed with Ginger Strips and Finger Chillies cut lengthwise, this was a full kilo of Hector’s desire. With two diners, there’s no need to count, two large portions of Karahi were coming Hector’s way, Marg had all she required. After Lisboa, Marg did not make her usual starting cry re the Spice Level. The Spice Level was ecumenical, the Chillies were for as and when. Still, it’s all about the Flavour and that is Seasoning dependent. Perfection – was noted, hence the full Flavour of the Spices emerged, including the hoped for Pepperiness, the distinctive Flavour of Mutton, wonderful. It was all happening here.

Aqeel came out to check all was well, receive the thumbs up from Hector, take his bow, and hear Marg express her appreciation. Marg too was thoroughly enjoying her Karahi.

The Meat was glorious, no sign of lesser cuts this evening. With both Meat and Masala giving off Flavour, this was a manifestation of the joy of eating. At no point did the kilo feel extravagant. Having tread carefully in the last couple of years, maybe the pre-Covid appetite has returned?

The Bill

£45.50   Is the end of the penny?

The Aftermath

And so Captain Fareed came over to join us. I have seen him at Ambala, a member of the group of chaps oft  sat at the first window table. Touring the Desi Houses of the Southside, this is what he does. In addition to praising Aqeel’s culinary skills, he spontaneously derided all Curry featuring Chicken, even Vegetables. Lamb is what it’s all about! I had to mention Fish Karahi, this too he appreciates. Not that this is easy to come by. No Chicken Curry! A man after Hector’s heart.

We were joined by Saad Sikander who had been chatting outside. In addition to his main activity which benefits the community, he has the BBQ Hut Peri Peri on Kilbowie Rd. (Clydebank), not far from Hector’s House. I had to describe how every Curry served in Clydebank tastes the same. He explained this in terms of the Base Masala, however I was hoping he had a deeper insight, as in – it’s a Base Masala from the same kitchen. A wild theory, but empirical.

There was an appreciation that Marg and I have been to India and Sri Lanka. Visiting Pakistan is presently off the agenda, they admitted.

Contact details were exchanged, hopefully something will develop from this.