How can it be that Hector has not set foot in Lahori Dhera (51 – 53 Wicker, Sheffield, S3 8HT, England) before today?
The plan was for Curry-Heute at Lunchtime prior to an afternoon in Leeds. Sheffield City Centre has a dearth of Curry Houses particularly around the Transport Hubs, and still no venue on Kelham Island. As with Halifax, nobody (?) wants to sell Curry at Lunchtime either. Curry was postponed until the return from Leeds, no way The Man From Bradford would forgive a Curry consumed in that City. Hector’s first Yorkshire Curry was consumed in Leeds in 1996, never again. Days later I went to Bradford, that was it. 1998 was the first year of Sheffield Curry, there has never been an Opperchancity to explore thoroughly.
With the entire array of Sheffield Curry Houses to choose from this evening, Lahori Dhera stood out because of its name. The Manchester Namesake is among the Best of UK Curry Houses, was this related? A taxi took Hector and Marg the short hop across the River Don, the driver wanted to recommend a different nearby venue. Wicker has a Cluster of Curry Houses and Kebap Shops, other arterial routes may have similar. This was all new to The Hector who had no T’Internet back in the day to direct The Curry Enthusiast.
The downstairs seating area was empty, we were shown upstairs where a few Diners were located. It was approaching 22.00. Lahori Dhera is a simple Venue, no Pretensions, no Tablecloths, just the preferred Curry Cafe style. The Prices were also right.
Nehari, Paya, for those who wish them. Karahi and Balti available by the Half Kilo! This is my sort of place. Chapattis (50p) may not be free, Parathas one pays the going rate. What to choose?
A Curryspondent has encouraged The Hector to stop messing about and just ask. I do when I sense the Venue can cope. There was no worry tonight, the most welcomed words on any Menu were written.
The Waitress who had shown us to our table returned to take the order, Doris #1. Marg surprised me by ordering Kofta (£7.50) and her usual Chapatti. I may have planted Kofta in her mind by suggesting our first Bradford Curry of 2016 should be at Karachi where this Dish first appeared in the Curry Capital. It was now time for The Hector to order. I pointed to the Blue Banner at the end of The Menu – I’ll have this one!
Lamb, on-the-bone, Thick, Dry Masala, Methi…. at this point Doris #1 stopped – I’ll have to get someone else. Welcome, Doris #2.
Lamb, on-the-bone, Thick, Dry Masala, Methi and Coriander added towards serving, and No Capsicum! This was not a problem. Two Chapattis to accompany. (In Bradford, what we ordered would rated six inclusive Chapattis.)
During our wait there was communication from Lord Clive and Lady Maggie from Crawley, two of the three members of The Company not to have had a Sheffield Curry yesterday. They would join us. A taxi had brought them to Wicker last night for a Kebap, how can you compete with a Late Night Kebap?
Maggie ordered Chicken Seekh Kebabs, who knows what Clive ordered?
The Kofta were smothered in a Masala which did look Excessive but at least had Substance.
Too spicy – was Marg’s first reaction to the Kofta. She ate on regardless, the occasional Fresh Green Chilies came Hector’s way. I think my body got used to that – she surmised as she cleared the plate. Success.
Behold – The Hector Curry!
First Impressions? Perfect!
The Masala was a Tomato and Onion Mash of the standard set by Glasgow’s New Karahi Palace. The Fresh Green Chilies stood out Visually, they would do their job. The Lamb was as Tender as Lamb can be. A Variety of Bones included the welcomed Sucky Bones, the Marrow adding to the Overall Flavour. The Flavour was nothing like anything Hector has experienced, this was not a Glasgow Curry or a Bradford Curry, if there is better in Sheffield I hope a Curryspondent informs me, soon. This has set the mark for Sheffield Curry. Beautiful.
I took my time, to enjoy, digest. The Chapattis were disappearing rapidly so I stopped eating and order another Chapatti.
Two Rounds of Chicken Seekh Kebab, four in all, were served on a Platter, Maggie tore in. Whatever had been ordered in the name of Clive sat before him. It wasn’t much, it disappeared.
Time to resume The Hector Curry. The Third Chapatti was one beyond Hector’s normal limit. Such was the quantity of Curry served it was necessary. The appetite was waning. The Hector was sated, the Limits of Pleasure attained. The only way to ensure total enjoyment of this Dish was to give the remnants to Clive.
The Bill
Food – £24.70. We’ll never discover what Clive ordered or the price of The Hector Curry. The Bill did establish that Lahori Dhera is open from 18.00 everyday, until 02.00 Sunday to Thursday, and 03.00 Friday and Saturday. No Lunchtime Curry in Sheffield?
The Aftermath
Doris #2 was given The Calling Card, she took it downstairs to her Boss, Mein Host. To say it was gratefully received would be an understatement. Despite being clearly busy, Mein Host took time to tell me that the place is called Chaman Lahori Dhera, his Father took it on some thirty years ago. A Photo was highlighted. The walls had photos of the Celebrities who have visited, Amir Kahn and Ronnie O’Sullivan. The Archives were produced, I hope the Photos do them justice. What a welcome this was.
I saw Doris #2 once more and gave her another Calling Card. She was delighted.
Finally, I acknowledged The Chefs, after all, they had cooked The Hector Curry, it was Magnificent.
Maggie and Clive were still hungry. Maggie headed across the street to their Kebap House from last night. Wicker is on our radar. We know where to come next time. For Hector, next time is March, a four night stay. How many visits to Lahori Dhera? Meanwhile, it goes straight on to the list of Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses. Outstanding!
It is a day such as this which makes the exploration of Curry Houses far and wide, worthwhile. Welcome to Curry-Heute.