Bradford, still the UK Curry Capital, though I believe Glasgow’s Curry can be as good and offers more diversity in styles. I like to be here when I can. In such a brief visit, the temptation to revisit favourite venues is strong, though the Hector is always on the lookout for new places.
Having become used to heading out to Frizinghall, such a new/different venue stood out. On our arrival at the desired locus, the business had changed hands. Desi Chaska was no more, instead JDC Grill & Chill (308 Keighley Rd., Frizinghall, Bradford BD9 4EY, England) was in situ. Appearing to be yet another Grill House, it was Marg who spotted the photos of Curry posted on the window. The Hector was already considering yet another visit to nearby Sultans Restaurant (204-206 Keighley Rd., Frizinghall, Bradford BD9 4JZ England) which originally brought us out to Frizinghall.
With only two tables inside, accommodating around ten in total, the staff were occupying one, a meeting? The smaller window table became ours. A young girl brought the large laminated menu. Bradford Curry Houses are dominated by males, this in itself was quite unusual.
It was the desire to have Lamb on-the-bone which brought the Hector to this location,. Fortunately, Lamb Curry On The Bone was available in medium (£10.50) and large (£16.99) portions. With Marg eschewing Curry-Heute, – medium – would do.
Marg had Lamb Karahi yesterday at Kabana (Manchester), Hector had the Fish.
At this point I’ll mention the Drinks on offer: cans (£1.00) and 1.5l bottles (£2.50). So when Marg declared a Fish Wrap – solo (£3.50) – or meal (£4.99) – the latter included a drink. Assuming Salad/Chips with the – meal, good value. We would ask.
Our waitress came to take the Order. Firstly, Chapatti (£0.70) was not inclusive as is often the Bradford way. I ordered two with the knowledge that I never manage three.
Marg made it clear that she didn’t want Chips but Salad instead. She already had her eyes on the Green Salad (£2.99).
Spice Level was then raised. Marg asked for – medium – Hector’s – medium-plus – drew a blank. Spicy, not crazy – appeared to be better understood.
We settled down for the wait. A chap did sit at the adjacent table and had Burger and Chips. Takeaway customers also passed through. We secured paper cups for our drinks. What on earth was Hector doing with Cola?
In time, I spotted in the open kitchen that it was a lady cooking the Curry whilst a chap prepared the Fish Wrap. A Lady Chef in Bradford? The Rickmeister, aka – The Man From Bradford – introduced us to Sarina’s Curry Kitchen out in Queensbury back in 2015, the first female run Bradford Curry House. This became a must visit venue, alas Covid took its toll on that operation. We miss Sarina/Dawn.
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It took a good thirty minutes for the food to appear, a positive sign. This would not be Curry from The Big Pot. As the Chapattis were cooked so I saw the outcome. These were not the classic thin Bradford Chapattis, but the huge Wholemeal style which the Hector is less happy with. Already it was accepted, one would have been enough. Should I add – ban Wholemeal Flour – to The Curry-Heute Campaign?
A splendid, nay glorious, mulit-layered Salad, far from just being – Green – was presented. Nibbles.
With Marg’s Wrap on the table, two Handis were then presented.
Why do we have two portions of Curry? – had to be asked.
The chap assured us it was – one Curry, one mild and one spicy.
Too much Curry, never a bad thing, Marg might help out, however, with her substantial Wrap and the Salad, the Hector was left with a challenge.
Fish Wrap
Pieces of a white Fish were mixed through Salad and Mayonnaise. Marg made a point of telling me that she didn’t have to add any Mayonnaise to the plate of Salad, such was the quantity in the Wrap.
Full of Fried Fish, with Salad and sauces, I added most of the Side Salad and enjoyed a full meal with Salad, Fish and Pitta wrap.
A delightful change, it was the Salad that made it.
Lamb Curry On The Bone
Two Handis, both had a threat of Coriander and Ginger Strips atop, one had sliced Bullet Chillies. Differentiation.
What to do, eat one then the other, or decant? Decant.
All of the – mild – was decanted, plus half of the – Spicy.
With more than a plateful of Curry, I studied the Masala from the – mild. With Tomato Seeds to the fore, and a Texture the Hector could only dream about in his own home-cooking, this was clearly a Masala to appreciate.
The Meat was in large pieces, six came from the first Handi, Lamb Chops and other cuts. Quality Lamb.
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One knows a Bradford Curry when the blast of Methi attacks the palate, it wasn’t happening here. Instead, a mellow sense of home-cooking, Earthy. Expectations had to be adjusted, this was what it was.
The Tender Lamb was gnawed from the bones, fun. The Masala scooped in the Chapatti was so rewarding. This was something different, but what was it?
On the far side of the plate was the – other Curry. The difference was remarkable, approaching a – Wow! – moment. Extra heat of course but so much more Flavour. After Manchester’s Cloves, here was a sense of Cinnamon. An aromatic Curry, closer to Sarina’s Curry Kitchen than the Bradford norm. Was it any good? Damn right it was! Marg was dipping pieces of Bread in the Masala, she too savoured the moment.
Serendipity, a word that crops up in these pages. What were the chances of discovering this new source of authentic Desi Cuisine in Bradford in a passing visit?
Our Chef, Hostess, approached the table as the Hector was nearing the endgame. The customary question was asked. And so the Calling Card was presented and introductions made. Khola, from Lahore, confirmed the presence of Lamb Chops and other cuts in the mix. Cinnamon? Mixed Spice – was her concession in the reply.
The conversation developed, JDC is her first business. JDC? Khola mentioned – caste – I had to admit I had little experience of this.
At the time of writing, research reveals that JDC is an NGO whose model is to ensure that all the people in Karachi are fed. Honourable, and takes us back to our own experience in India.
That this Blog would be posted triggered a mention of YouTube. Curry-Heute has limited contributions in that medium, JDC – does. Under the moniker – Husband Wife In UK – Hector and Marg found themselves being interviewed on camera, live, unscripted, unrehearsed. A first.
The Bill
£24.50 One suspects rounding down.
The Aftermath
Having met – Wife – I had to meet – Husband. And so there were photos of Iffy, Khola and Hector. We should all recognise each other next time.
Next time? Further examination of the menu revealed – JDC Lamb Curry Black Paper (£18.00 / £11.00) – surely a version of the wonderful – Namkeen – which has been celebrated in these pages. Next time.
Khola had not heard of – Sarina’s – hopefully this post shall rectify that. Bradford again has a source of genuine Desi Cuisine, hopefully The Rickmeister and Sarina/Dawn will be here soon to introduce themselves.
There’s more. A nearby tea-shop, across from Sultan’s, had been spotted en route. This was investigated, my lady was impressed. Next time in Bradford, I can guarantee Marg will be asking:
When are we going to Frizinghall?
2024 Menu
