A Tale of Three Curry Houses
John contacted Hector earlier in the week to ask when the next visit to Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) would be. His introduction to Curry-Heute’s – Glasgow’s Top Rated – Curry Houses should continue.
Hector arranged to meet John at 20.15 after a day with – The Company – at the Drover’s Rest (Monkhill, Cumbria), Mags was not missing out on the opperchancity for an Aloo Gosht (£6.90).
This morning, en route to Central Station, I passed the premises which were once Shahed’s (City Centre). Rebranded as KoolBa Union Street (78 Union St, Glasgow G1 3QS), this I presumed to be the sister shop to the venue in Candleriggs, Merchant City. On the return to Glasgow this evening I could not resist popping in to investigate.
Calling Card in hand, I was quickly introduced to Fattah, Mein Host, who recognised the – Hector – moniker. KoolBa have been following Hector on Twitter for many years, not that there is much input from @curry_heute via that medium. I was keen to establish if this truly was a stand alone Restaurant, or if they would be following the unsavoury practice of – Chains – cooking their Base Curry centrally then shipping it out. I was assured all would be in order here, and was even invited to ask for anything and they would prepare it for me. Karahi Gosht on-the-bone, Desi-style, without the Ballast? Look below, this is the objective! We exchanged numbers, direct contact is now possible. With KoolBa Union Street open from 11.00 daily (12.00 – Sunday), this could be a very useful addition to the City Centre Curry scene.
Ayaz and Chef Rashid acknowledged Hector and Mags entering Karahi Palace. John texted to confirm he was on his way. The Order was placed, I was confident that John was coming for the Karahi Gosht (£7.90). How many Chapattis (£0.70)? I ordered four initially, Chapattis at Karahi Palace are more Substantial than the norm. I have seen John devour five Chapattis at a sitting. I very much doubted if that would be the case here.
John arrived by 20.30, took in the surroundings and ordered another Chapatti.
The upstairs was empty, a fact that continues to puzzle.
Aloo Gosht
I am convinced this Dish has evolved in the last year. The almost – Soupy – Masala has become much Thicker, the portion size seems larger on every visit. They are feeding Mags. As ever, Mags reminded us that this is the – Best Aloo Gosht served anywhere.
Hector might even try it some day.
*
Karahi Gosht
Topped with Fresh Coriander, Ginger Strips and Chopped Green Chillies, this was another – Meisterwerk – from Chef Rashid. The food was served – Hot – straight from the kitchen to the table, no dithering. The Meat was a combination of Lamb Chops and Ribs, as Tender as Lamb can be. There was enough Masala-mash to call this a – Curry, no more required.
Having endlessly praised the wonder of this Karahi Gosht, I shall leave it to John to describe his first enounter at Karahi Palace:
Equally the best to date, flavoursome, loved the sauce, and the ginger and coriander toppings.
The sauce had just the right consistency.
The large Chapattis were top notch. Large Chapattis have a better circumference to make cones.
For the record, John only managed two and a half Chapattis.
The Bill
£26.50
The Aftermath
There was further Curry business to be done tonight. The Carnoustie Two are visiting tomorrow, Yadgar Kebab House and Karahi Palace have been enjoyed, Namak Mandi was chosen as the next venue to impress. A few blocks from the Karahi Palace, this venue too will surely benefit when Barclay’s Bank comes to Tradeston.
On entering I was surprised to see Namak Mandi not stowed, then I noticed the new extension. They have knocked through to the premises on the north side giving oodles more space.
I remarked to Mein Host that he will become rich and famous, that went down well. The order for two kilos of Namkeen Karahi was placed for tomorrow evening at 20.00. I also checked that they would be happy to have a Guide Dog in training on their premises, sorted.