A few visits back to Lahore Karahi (145 King St, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE), Hector was served a Fish Curry (£9.50) with Methi, it was – Wonderful, truly – Outstanding. Chef had stirred some Methi in towards serving, it worked a treat. On my last visit I hoped to repeat the experience, sadly, Chef simply took some Fish and threw a handful of Herbs at it. There was no Masala to speak of, a disappointment. This evening Hector was determined to have his Fish Curry with Methi the way it was served first time.
The rendezvous with Euan and Graeme was for 18.30. Arriving first, a Menu was provided, shiny and new, but the prices remain the same. The Bread prices are possibly the most favourable in Aberdeen. In terms of Rice, anything above basic Boiled Rice (£2.00) is relatively hefty. Beware of the Chana Pilau (£5.25). When Euan arrived, more menus were provided. As soon as Graeme took his seat, the young waiter was over to take the Order. A bit previous.
When we were ready I beckoned to the waiter. Achari Chicken (£7.95) for Euan, Achari Gosht (£8.50) for Graeme. In their last visits here together, Euan and Graeme have shared Rice and a Peshwari Naan (£2.75). On both occasions they found it to be too – Sweet. I thought it was worth reminding them of this. Tonight, they would share a Tandoori Naan (£1.60) and Pilau Rice (£3.00). For Hector, a Tandoori Paratha (£2.75).
I relayed the saga of the Fish Curry with Methi to the young waiter, he hadn’t a clue what I was talking about. I summoned the chap who was the manager this evening. A Fish Curry with Methi and Masala was agreed upon, however, it was still the young waiter who recorded the Order.
Euan took advantage of the BYOB and brought a couple of bottles of Bier. Neither seemed an ideal accompaniment for Curry, Hector passed. Lahore Karahi still don’t sell Sparkling Water, I should remember to bring my own.
The Paratha was Layered and Flaky but turned Crispy very quickly. There was no sign of it ever having been buttered in the preparation. Not the best. The Plain Naan is very plain – remarked Euan. Looking at the photos, it is difficult to distinguish between the Naan and the Paratha.
The Rice was enough to share. A Complimentary Salad was brought after everything else had been assembled on the table, a bit late. We could have been nibbling on that whilst we waited for the Mains. In the end, Graeme was the only person to touch the Salad
Achari Gosht
The Garnish of Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander was decidedly – Minimal. The Lamb was presented in large pieces in a blended Masala. This was nearly my choice this evening.
Graeme’s verdict:
It was tasty, but could have been spicier. The Lamb was very well cooked.
Achari Chicken
Those who order a Curry with Chicken still baffle me.
Euan’s verdict:
I really enjoyed it. I don’t get out much. It wasn’t spicy. This place is as good as any Indian restaurant I have been to in Aberdeen.
Hector actually believes Lahore Karahi to be one of the top two Curry venues in Aberdeen, though after tonight and following on from my last visit, perhaps this will have to be re-evaluated.
Fish Curry with Methi
Again topped with minimal Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander, the heart sank as soon as this Curry was placed on the table. There was no Masala, this was identical to the disappointing Fish Curry that was brought last time. Again, Hector had a plate of Fish and Herbs. Serve me this in München at Indian Mango and I wax lyrically, their Fish Chettinad is in a league of its own.
The Fish Curry was well Spiced and very well Seasoned. I prefer Dry Curry, and this most certainly was. The Flavours were very good indeed, the Fish, the Herbs. I was caught in two minds: simply enjoy what lay before me, or recall just how Wonderful this Curry could have been.
When a customer makes a specific request, then surely it should be heeded?
Whilst we ate, neither the waiter or manager approached us to ask the customary question. By the time our Order was presented, we were the only Diners at Lahore Karahi. The serving staff were conspicuous therefore by their absence. This takes me right back to my first visits to Lahore Karahi when I sensed there was the potential to serve Excellent Curry but the staff were more of a hindrance than a help. We had to wait until the staff were ready to secure – The Bill.
The Bill
£33.30. There cannot be many venues in Aberdeen where three people can eat for this.
The Aftermath
The staff had to be told:
There was no Masala. You gave me the opposite of what I asked for, you didn’t listen, your colleague didn’t listen, Chef didn’t listen.
Sorry – was the reply.
Ambal’s Restaurant has closed, again. This a considerable loss to the Aberdeen Curry scene. I particularly liked their Fayre, the people were also very accommodating.
Two venues have popped up on the Curry-Heute radar. I visited Heat and Dust (13 Crown St, Aberdeen AB11 6HA) en route to Lahore Karahi this evening. They only serve Buffet which is quite restricting, however, I saw enough to tempt. They had Fish Curry.
The Blue Elephant (299-303 George St, Aberdeen AB25 1EP) originally opened as a Takeaway and then evolved into a Restaurant. Their Menu is extensive and hopefully accurate. The prices are the lowest I have ever encountered Aberdeen, so it will be interesting to see the portion size. Bread prices, Chapatti and Roti excepted, are also better than most Aberdeen venues.