On the return from Huddersfield, the Hector had to show reasoned restraint not to alight at Wakefield. Maybe December will present another opperchancity. Back in Bradford the Münchener Okotoberfestbier was duly tackled.
As the time to leave The Lord Clyde approached, so the munchies had taken hold. Could I face another Curry-Heute? It has been some time since this level of madness has been reported in these pages. Maybe just some Lamb Chops?
International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA) was due to close at 01.00, gone are the days of all night Curry. I arrived at midnight, the waiters were sitting in a group near the door. One sprang into action and would look after me for the duration of my stay. It’s possible we have crossed paths here previously.
Poppadoms were mooted, declined. Back in the days of Khalid and Ali, they would simply have arrived. A giraffe (sic) of chilled water was presented.
What to have? A revamped menu, still no sign of the Shahi Kofta which became a favourite under the old regime. Lots of choice, I was determined not to again have Meat Nawabi Khana (£13.95) which reached – Wow! – status on my last two visits. Fish Karahi (£14.95), but that is pencilled in for Sunday morning. Sunday morning? We’ll see. There it was, something not had here before: Meat and Ginger Karahi (£13.95). Above medium – Spice Level was agreed. I would have been happy to pay for two Chapattis (£1.00), but was reminded that International still provide three Chapattis, two Roti, Plain Rice or Plain Naan as part of the package.
The great Bradford tradition: only International, Kashmir and Karachi restaurants maintain this, so The Rickmeister assures me.
A group of chaps to my left finished their meal and departed, I was the only customer. The staff wiped down surfaces, then were down on the floor cleaning the table supports. Thorough, having failed the hygiene inspection back in 2018, taking no chances.
A hot plate was brought from the kitchen then soon after, the food arrived. Three Chapattis, and as earlier in the day at Kashmir, proper Chapattis, no Wholemeal Flour. Two is my limit. These Chapattis were – hot!
*
*
Meat and Ginger Karahi
The Toppings of Coriander and cooked in Tomato looked oh so familiar. The abundant Meat seemed to be protruding from the karahi, loads. Bradford Curry, I could smell it. This Curry was not about to disappoint. Small cut Meat, tiny Meat, Bradford-small Meat, just enough Masala with traces of peripheral Oil.
That first moment when all is revealed, the sudden blast of Flavour hitting the palate. Methi, The Bradford Curry Taste, here it was, in abundance. Why I was here, why was I here? The Seasoning, right up there, get this right, everything falls into place. The Spice Level felt above medium to start, then kept growing. Vindaloo strength left far behind. Chef had made his mark. I could handle this even the Bullet Chilli which revealed itself. All this heat and yet the Flavours had not been compromised, skill. The Ginger Strips gave their crunch, and more Flavour, there must have been Ginger cooked in also, not dominant, but I was made aware.
Tomato Seeds in the Masala, quality, then there was the pieces of Tomato themselves. These had retained their heat, another explosion in the mouth. Citrus, from where? I love this in a Curry, that which makes a true Desi Korma. Tender to firm, then I realised the Chapattis needed more chewing effort than the Meat. Meat giving of Spice, Flavours, this Curry had it all. Bradford Curry, the – Wow! – attained. This was as good as it gets. And I had nearly ordered Chops.
With the staff dressed to go home, bar my chap, I had to form my own escape plan. Pack what was left? No fridge. Keep eating, another twenty minutes possibly. Not fair. How the gut might feel at 04.00 came to mind. Late night eating, madness. Sense prevailed, stop, abandon the wonder that sat before me. So it goes.
The Bill
£13.95
The Aftermath
Do you need more water?
I was not being rushed out. Having not touched the water initially, now was the time.
04.00, what a thirst.
After their hiatus, International is back. I still wish they opened at lunchtime.