Kabul Restaurant (46 Tradeston Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow G5 8BH), I have been passing this restaurant for the best part of two years. Tradeston has long been a happy hunting ground: The Village Curry House maintains, Karahi Palace will always be missed. I still can’t believe the staff have not popped up somewhere else, in Glasgow, that is.
With nothing much happening in Scotland today, time for an Afghan Karahi.
I did consider Chapli Kebab (£10.95) and a Vegetable Curry, however, the latter is not a major feature at Kabul Restaurant. This is essentially a Grill House with Charsi Karahi (£19.95 /£39.95) and Nihari (£11.95) featuring on the menu, as does Full Chicken Karahi (£17.95). If – full – equals – whole, then one to be investigated later.
Arriving at 14.50, Wasil, Mein Host, was there to greet, along with his latest sidekick who was very much in training, this being his first day at Kabul. Large, boothed seating lined the window side of the restaurant, with four tables mid-room. The cooking area is along the left of the room. I was invited to choose my table in the otherwise empty restaurant.
The menu was brought, I had already decided on the Medium half kilo of Afghan Charsi Karahi (£19.95) with a Tandoori Naan (£1.50) to accompany. After a few moments, Wasil and friend came to take the Order. I was advised that the Naan was included. A Medium-plus Spice Level was agreed however when this was relayed at the counter, I didn’t hear anything above – medium – being reported.
Wasil confirmed that Kabul Restaurant has been here for two years. He also advised that their Karahi is special and should be enjoyed. The assistant brought a large bottle of chilled tap water, which had been in the fridge beside me. I settled down for the wait which turned out to be appropriate. This would not be a Charsi-Ding.
In due course, a tray was brought to the table also featuring Salad and Raita, presumably also inclusive. The Naan was huge, I drew an imaginary line about one fifth from the end, and informed Wasil that I was unlikely to eat more than that.
The Naan had been perforated and so was partially risen. No Butter, therefore it did look to be on the dry side. It turned out to be light, but not fluffy.
MED, 1/2kg: Lamb – Afghan Charsi Karahi
This was only the second time I had seen such a high pile of Meat in a standard karahi. Served on-the-bone, which was just as well, else this could have easily fed two to three people. The Meat to Masala ratio was heavily weighted towards the former. Correspondingly the Masala seemed minimal in the karahi. I am usually put off Charsi Karahi because of the thinness of the tomatoey, watery Masala, today’s was markedly thicker.
I managed to find a spot in the karahi in which to dip the Bread. The Seasoning was a definite plus. The Spice would build, but never to a testing level. With no Whole Spice, or added Chillies, only the Ginger Strips and the threat of Coriander would vary the flavour of the Masala. This exposed the downside of ordering such a mass of Karahi, it can become monotonous. I did use the Raita-soaked Salad to break up the meal. Hot food, and I haven’t written this for a while, was another positive.
The Meat varied in quality, some was decidedly Tender, most required way more chewing than I would expect. As I expressed above, I was happy to see the quantity of bones, however, I quickly realised the end game was rapidly approaching. When I was down to my last fourteen pieces of Meat I had to devise an exit strategy. Fourteen! I have no idea what I had started with, double that, possibly. With ten pieces left, and enough Bread to feed my household, I invited Wasil to pack the remnants for Takeaway.
It’s usually for two – Wasil advised.
Once upon a time, I could manage a half kilo with little difficulty. One Wednesday, Marg and Hector did the kilo at nearby DumPukht Lahori. Here, no chance. What this says about the value at Kabul Restaurant needs no further comment. That the Hector has an ongoing problem eating Lamb in quantity, continues.
The Bill
£19.95 Whilst still eating, I had considered that I had been served the full kilo, as happened some time back at a previous incarnation of Khyber Pass Restaurant.
Evidently, not the case.
The Aftermath
I introduced Curry-Heute and presented the new Calling Card.
Wasil asked how many countries I had visited, my answer impressed.
Have you been to Afghanistan?
No, I was not in the army.
This raised a puzzled expression. Perhaps Wasil considers Afghanistan to be a destination for tourists. He mentioned Greece, having lived there for some years. Cue the opperchancity to present the list of places visited in Athena. Having lived and worked on an island, he was not familiar with the wonderful Curry found between Psiri and Omonia. Wasil said he missed the climate of Greece, as we looked out to see the low clouds on this cool and windy, Glasgow Saturday afternoon.
As the storm subsides, there is a small matter of attaining the calm before watching Scotland play Haiti in the coming small hours.
What could possibly go wrong?
All eyes now on Boston MA.
Horrible to watch, but who didn’t want the three points?
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