A timeous return to a favourite Curry Cafe was required. Marg and Hector arrived at DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG) at 17.25, Aqeel, Mein Host greeted with:
Hi, Hector!
Six chaps were feasting at our usual spot, the far corner became ours. Aqeel started to recite our Order as he approached the table, however, I was keen to confirm the menu had not changed in the last six months. It hadn’t.
A kilo of Lamb Lahori Karahi (£34.99) it would be. A Roti (£1.50) for Marg, a Till Nan (£2.99) for Hector. For reasons not fully explained, Til Naan was not available, Aqueel promised – something.
Salad was mentioned and declined before Marg had her say. Aqeel was on his own, why waste his time with the frivolous? The six chaps were still receiving top-ups, I can state with confidence that they had not shared three kilos.
Hot plates were provided, just as well there was no Salad. It took Aqeel thirty minutes to work his magic.
The Roti was pale, standard for Glasgow’s Southside. Hector’s Bread was half Naan half Roti. Hot and glistening, this proved to be a soft, worthy Bread. More than the norm would be consumed.
Lamb Lahori Karahi
Glorious! The mass of Lamb on-the-bone was shrouded in a pulp-like pale Masala, no – Red – here. Coriander Leaves, Green Chillies cut lengthwise, and Ginger Strips were abundant on top. Actual liquid was at an absolute minimum, once settled there proved to be no Oil slick.
Let’s get tore in!
Peppery! This was as close to Namkeen Karahi as one could find without ordering it as such. The Seasoning was astonishing, right up there – brave. Salt and Pepper the fundamental ingredients of this simple Karahi. Simple? I’ve tried, this takes a special skill. Some Green Chillies were consumed, many were abandoned, there was no need to change the nature of what lay before us.
No Sucky Bones, no ribs, from where this Meat came I know not. There was something with the appearance of a Lamb Chop in there. It was evident earlier this year that the actual quality of the cuts has improved since the early days of DumPukht. Nothing – offal – here. Beautiful Lamb, giving back so much, the antithesis of Mainstream Curry.
The Masala was so pale a brown it was grey, pulped Tomato, I assume. The ratio of Masala to Meat was spot on. This Karahi was giving as much pleasure as could be hoped for, yet there was still no – wow – moment. Maybe this Karahi was very much as expected. Aqeel can cook.
When Marg’s Roti was finished, she stopped eating Curry. Whereas, Hector stopped eating Bread to ensure the completion of the Curry.
It became apparent that we would manage the kilo without Takeaway. As I savoured the final mouthfuls, so Marg was considering Dessert, no ice-cream on the menu.
Marg declared that after Keema, this style of Curry is her favourite. So much for my varied – Home-cooked – efforts. Looks like I’ll have to have another go.
Having gone up to enquire about Dessert, Marg returned to the table with the promise of Chai which Aqeel was preparing for – the six.
Milk with Tea and Sugar (sic), not for Hector.
Aqeel’s lady helper arrived around 18.00. On seeing Marg’s empty plate and Bread basket she was keen to clear up. Hector had to stop her in her tracks, ritual photos required.
I could make out enough of her subsequent Farsi(?) conversation with Aqeel to confirm that she was reporting back.
You like your food – was her observation when the table was finally cleared.
The Bill
£38.50 Complimentary Chai.
The Aftermath
Hector is famous – Aqeel informed his assistant – not a new customer.
Well, maybe here. Hector was here in March 2020 a few weeks after DumPukht opened. We all know what happened thereafter.