A Sunday brunch in Bradford, for a change, today’s chosen venue, the oldest Curry House in this favoured city: Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX England).
Entering at 13.15 on this fine day which resembles summer, a chap to our left was finishing his meal. The serving Doris was sat on the far side. We sat mid-room. A chap from the kitchen approached the counter and acknowledged our arrival. There was no sign of the mature gentlemen who provided the immortal phrase regarding the continuing acceptance of – cash only.
Proper Curry, proper money.
Do you need menu – was the greeting as two token Salads with Raita, followed by a giraffe (sic) of chilled tap water were presented.
The Hector did need the menu even though Meat Ball Spinach (£10.50) was always going to be the choice. Being nearly three years since the last visit, Curry-Heute needed to be updated. Prices have understandably increased by 50% in this period. Two Chapattis (£0.50) would accompany.
With another Curry a possibility this evening, Marg restricted her intake to two Samosas (£1.50). The menu did not state Meat or Vegetable, no clarification.
Exactly ten minutes after we had taken our seats, the food arrived.
Two Chapattis, a sensible size, a sensible thickness. Not quite the plain ones I particularly enjoy, there was a hint of – Wholemeal – in there. The Hector would manage only one and a half Chapattis.
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Samosa
The Rickmeister has told of the Samosas in Bradford being produced by the ladies of the city, in bulk, at one of their homes. Marg believes there was Meat in there. Two decent sized Samosas, with the Raita from both plates at her disposal, and all but the Onions on my Salad, this created a worthwhile snack.
I think there was meat in them, Keema.
Spicy and filling. A good filling with Peas, Potatoes and Herbs. I’m glad we had the Raita.
Meat Ball Spinach
Kofta Palak, one takes a notion for this intense Curry. Four large Meatballs were sat in a karahi, shrouded by a Dark, Thick, Herb-rich Masala. Hot food, care had to be taken until the extreme heat abated.
The Spice built quickly, the Herb blast was unforgiving. This was the full on Saag/Palak experience. The Seasoning was quite a bit below the Hector idyll, but the potent Herbs compensated. Antiseptic – was noted as Marg took a Soupçon and pronounced the Masala to be – Sweet. We all see colours differently, do tastes register on our plates differently also?
There was no doubting these Kofta were made from Lamb Mince. Spicy, rich, earthy, as good as they get, Methi and Cumin Powder were sensed, before the inevitable Cumin Seed found its way into a gap in the upper set.
Pieces of Tomato were revealed as I ate. The surplus Onions added crunch, Diversity. Whatever the notion, it had been well sated.
I should try other Dishes at Karachi.
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The Bill
£13.50 The Chapattis were inclusive, as is the traditional Bradford way.
The Aftermath
The plan for this evening’s Curry was abandoned when Marg declared her sudden hunger, and the Hector succumbed to sharing the food peeps are seemingly expected to eat across the planet.