Karachi Restaurant (15 Neal St., Bradford BD5 0BX), tried and tested, visited oft, cash only, though a bank transfer is also possible, same prices as my last visit in October 2025.
It was 17.55 when Hector, The Rickmeister, Dr. Stan, Josh and Doug entered this famous venue. Three inclusive Chapattis remain part of the deal, the tradition of Bradford Curry Houses. This would be Josh’s first Bradford Curry.
Five modest Salads were brought to the table along with a jug of water which was quickly replenished. Just 31ºC this afternoon in Yorkshire.
With Poppadoms (£0.90) evidently at an attractive price, Doug ordered two. Josh was the only diner to consider a proper Starter, the rest of us know our limits. Josh, who was at Kabana (Manchester) earlier today, ordered Mushroom Pakora (£4.00).
For Hector, the main course had to be Meat Ball Spinach (£10.50) which, in the past, has been found to have even more intense Herb Flavours, than its more famous counterpart – Meat Spinach Karahi (£11.50). Dr. Stan and Josh went down the Rick Stein route.
Chicken Karahi (£10.00) was Doug’s choice. Ricky went slightly off menu and ordered Keema Spinach (£9.50).
There’s a Curry on Karachi’s menu that has never been considered. Anything with Chicken has always been ignored. Currently, I’ll have a look. Chicken Tikka Korma (£11.00), could that be the elusive Desi Qorma?
Chapattis for all completed the Order. In theory, this could mean fifteen Chapattis. How much would that cost in Aberdoom?
The chaps in the kitchen got to work. More customers arrived. There was little to no interaction with the staff. Hector is not known here, Ricky is certainly a regular, but keeps telling us he doesn’t get out much.
Mushroom Pakora
Eight large Mushrooms in a Spiced Batter, accompanied by a sliver of Tomato and more Raita. I didn’t get to sample this, but the value was clearly outstanding. Josh:
It’s been a while, alright actually. Tender, wasn’t overdone, disappointed it came as an actual starter, my fault for not saying I wanted it with my curry.
Indeed, sharing a portion could be a thought for the future.
The total number of Chapattis remains an unknown, but we appeared to consume two each, Hector’s limit. Proper Chapattis, the thin ones made from White Chapatti Flour, not Wholemeal, which sadly is becoming more popular across the land, Scotland certainly. Perhaps it s time for the Hector to add – let’s maintain traditional Chapattis – to The Curry-Heute Campaign.
Meat Ball Spinach
Hot food, something that should surely not have to be remarked upon, but the Hector is well aware that some venues cannot manage to have five Dishes arrive simultaneously, and all piping hot.
Four large Kofta sat in a Thick Masala Mash which was closer to the version still eschewed by Hector. This was clearly more Herb than Masala.
Big Spice, not so obvious Seasoning, but this has been found to be of lesser importance in a Saag/Palak.
The Kofta were somewhat dry, earthy, Herb-rich. Again the Seasoning here could have been more. This is when the Hector has to admit to having raised his hopes. The last Curry-Heute review was of Akbar’s (Glasgow), part of the Bradford Curry chain. Then, both Methi and Spinach were to the fore. The sheer joy of that moment was hopefully captured.
Today, there was a momentary hiatus. A piece of something yellow, surely not? Those within sight of what appeared to be the – Dreaded Ballast – assured me it was Tomato.
A second, more reddish piece, confirmed the Texture of Tomato. All was well.
Today’s Meat Ball Spinach was less powerful than on my recent experience at Akbar’s, and probably what I recall when having this here last time.
Meat Spinach Karahi
This creation, ironically, looked to be closer to Hector’s preferred style: Masala with Herbs. Still delightfully Thick, today, this could well have been the better choice.
This has become Dr. Stan’s go-to Curry, particularly when dining at Akbar’s (Glasgow).
Dr. Stan: It was an excellent curry, with some beautiful spices, a nice, rich spinach sauce.
Josh: For a man who had never had spinach before, delicious. Soft to the palate, not overpowering. The Chapattis, just enough to dunk. Quite light.
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Chicken Karahi – Chicken Spinach
When the waiter placed a karahi on the table and announced – Chicken Spinach – there were a few double takes. Nobody had ordered this. Doug did the honourable thing and accepted it. He was the only person who had ordered a Chicken Curry, and as I cannot see this on the menu, a bonus for Curry-Heute.
The discrete strands of Spinach put this in the Saag/Palak category of Masala with Herb. I liked the look of this, especially with the Chicken served on-the-bone. This is something to look for, actually, I fancy trying to cook this myself. The Palak Gosht recipe above will be even simpler with Chicken.
Doug: It was better last week without the spinach in, makes it milder, bulks it up.
Keema Palak – Karahi
The perspective of the first photo is a hoot, it had to be posted. Either The Rickmeister has the largest hands on the planet, else this was the smallest karahi in the kitchen.
This Curry too had the appearance of Masala with Herb. The Keema added to the viscosity of the Curry. Again, this adds to the coverage of Karachi’s Karahi on Curry-Heute. Ricky had much to say:
Well I ordered Keema Palak but got Keema Palak Karahi which they tried to get £11.50 instead of £9.50 for. We settled on a tenner.
It was excellent, but I genuinely believe the £2 extra is to get it in a wok instead of a dish. Just finished it at half time. Superb, not highly spicy but the spinach just adds that extra texture and flavour. Still get 3 genuine fresh Chapattis and a salad included. Bradford is truly the home of curry.
Ah, but Glasgow has greater diversity!
There’s more!
There was a pile of Chapattis left over, these would not go to waste. Ricky arranged to have them packed for Takeaway.
I have kept back a Ricky quote, from the start of the meal, to insert at this point:
It’s wonderful when you get Chapattis for nought.
Didn’t he do well?
The Bill
£10.50 for Hector. We each paid in cash, separately, at the counter.
The Aftermath
Acknowledgment by the staff, but still a low level of interaction.
And so back to the Rickymobile and the other matters to be attended to.
France 2 v 0 Maroc
Hopefully the French can go all the way.