Warning, there’s going to be a lot of Curry consumed in the next few days, when the Hector is in Bradford followed by Manchester, it is written, or shall be soon. Prior research had revealed a new venue in the heart of Bradford – Chaskah – one for later. Lahori Butt Karahi was first spotted last summer on Cheetham Hill Rd. (Manchester) and marked then as one for the future. Lahore Butt Karahi Bradford on Listerhills Road is also presumably new. It was there Marg and Hector headed after a journey to Bradford which seemed to take all day. Alas, with scaffolding outside, Lahore Butt Karahi was found to be closed. No Butt.
The adjacent Punjab’s (122-126 Listerhills Road, Bradford, BD7 1JR England) was a worthy fallback. A re-branded venue, Hector had not been to Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre for six years. I had heard reports that it had gone, probably in the aftermath of that event from a couple of years back.
Entering Punjab’s at 17.45, nothing appeared to be different except – Punjab’s – is now inscribed on the waterfall. Greeted by a young boy, he had to refer to his seniors to allocate a table.
We were sat adjacent to a window water feature in the heart of the room along with other diners.
Some were sat in the rear room, this would empty. Needless to say the Hector soon found himself a metre from an occupied high chair, well within screeching range.
The menu provided, there were decisions to be made. Would Marg share a kilo, or stick to her standard Karahi Keema (£10.95)? She chose the latter. This left Hector with the choice of the large Karahi Gosht (£13.95) or the half kilo of Handi Gosht (£14.95). The Handi is on-the-bone, and where else but Bradford is one going to get a stand alone half kilo for this amount? Sorted.
Few places maintain the Bradford tradition of inclusive Bread, three Roti (£1.20) seemed enough. One of the two more senior young chaps took the Order. Spice Level was discussed. Medium – for Marg, – above medium – for Hector.
Spicy – was the response.
Medium plus.
Spicy is between medium and hot.
Three more Spice Levels beyond – hot – were then quoted. Excellent, charm, personality, knowledge. It’s so much better being served by a male, but then in Bradford, being served by a female is a rarity.
Raita and Chilli Sauce were brought to the table. A Salad would arrive with the mains, I let Marg deal with it, Hector literally would have enough on his plate.
The Roti were huge. Made from Wholemeal Flour, not Hector’s favourite, but Marg prefers these. We would manage two and a bit. No crisping, decent Bread.
Handi Gosht
Served in a large karahi, not a handi, there was a mass of Curry here. There was no need to count, this was the veritable half kilo by any means of measurement, and I’ve seen a few miserly ones.
The smooth, possibly blended, Tomato-rich Masala oozed quality. The Oil was separating, this looked to be the real deal. The food was hot, as in beware. Sliced Green Chillies had been mixed through, there were no Whole Spices.
Super-soft meat, not too many bones, and one – Sucky – featured. Excellent, this was going to be fun, and a test of stamina. The Spice Level was exactly what was sought. The Seasoning was decidedly lower than Hector’s preference. Consequently, the intensity of Flavour, one felt, was being restricted. The Bradford Curry Taste was there, but was subdued to an extent. Still, a glorious meal, satisfying would be an understatement.
Karahi Keema
The portion looked significantly smaller, but matched what Marg normally manages. No Peas or Potato, this was a straight karahi-full of Mince. No needless Masala, the Oil was collecting on the base of the dish as is expected.
A good portion of Keema in the karahi dish. A rich flavour with a hint of Coriander throughout. (No Methi?) Oily residue in the dish but overall a very tasty meal with the Roti.
The other chap asked – Can I get you anything?
You can answer a question.
Despite his young age and not having been here that long, he was able to tell us that Punjab’s had changed hands a few times in recent years, but the Chefs have been here fifteen to twenty years. Punjab Sweet House remains next door.
The Bill
£29.50 A lot of Curry for the Pound.
The Aftermath
Punjab Sweet House is Takeaway only. Maybe someone can explain the separation?
2024 Menu
