On the way back from Leeds, a City from where most likely no Curry-Heute Reviews will ever appear, Hector took the notion to re-visit one of the first Bradford Curry Houses ever encountered, Rawal (3 Wilton St., Bradford, BD5 0AX). Twenty years ago, in another life, Bradford was slowly revealing itself. This was the most basic venue I had ever encountered. It is never open in the daytime, tonight it was closed.
Howard had sneaked off to The International last night hence the suggestion of a different venue, The International it would be. Mr. Bashir, Mein Host was back in his spot behind the counter. Khalid was on duty too, no sign tonight of Ali. A Young Waiter I did not recognise offered me his hand, he had recognised me.
Poppadoms and Dips appeared in an instant, time to peruse the doubled sided large laminated Menu. One has to choose with care. Curry here can be Ordinary by Bradford standards, Marg also witnessed me enjoy the Best Curry I have ever been served. The word in Bradford is that The International may not be living up to Expectations.
Khalid came over to take the order. Lamb Desi (£10.00) on-the-bone – Regular – with Chapattis. One could choose to go – Large. Howard surprised me – Krahi Fish and Potatoes (£8.50). Hotter than Medium – was agreed for both Dishes.
Sometimes the Curry comes too quickly, then one worries. This was the case when Craig and Yvonne were here a couple of weeks ago. Tonight there was a respectable wait.
Two Karahi were brought, one much Larger than the other. Both ended up on my side of the table. The Fish Krahi was passed over to Howard, the Larger Karahi stayed with me. Lamb Desi, this is what Howard had last night, so why present the different sizes? A lot of Curry. Five Chapattis sat mid-table. Five?
Everything was Hotter than Everything Else, when the Chapatti was finally dipped – FFS! This had a Kick, and some. This Level of Spice tends to compromise the overall flavour, it can be very demanding also. This was demanding. Fresh Green Chillies, the Large ones, were mixed through, perhaps a bit of separation had to be done. This was OTT. Pleasant? In a masochistic way, like a visit to Nandos.
Howard’s Fish Krahi was also Super-spiced. He kept a bit aside for me to sample, this was declined. It is four years since I had the Fish and Potato Krahi at The International, This is worth another try. Tonight I had the Battle of the Lamb to deal with. Instead, some of my Karahi went Howard’s Way, he confirmed the Fish Krahi to be even more Spicy.
I’m slightly stunned for words. (That’s a first for Howard.) Flavoursome, hotter than expected, serious cooking and very good.
Marg phoned, the possibility of staying on an extra day was mooted. Financially it would not be crippling.
By the time I had finished my Lamb Desi I knew I had met my match.
I’m Bradforded out….
The Bill
£19.40. The £1.50 charge is a mystery, not for the Poppadoms and Dips? But then, the Fish Krahi is down at a lower price than I noted on the Menu.
The Aftermath
Back to the Travelodge by which time I had resolved to go home tomorrow.
Macaroni and Cheese, Mmmmmm.
