July 15, 2020, finally, the good people of Scotland can eat out once again. Hector phoned Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) yesterday to confirm that they would be ready to receive dine-in customers. It was already known that Yadgar will take another week or so. With a seat at a table in the 3 Judges booked for 16.00, 14.00 was an ideal time to eat. The State Bar and the nearby Laurieston remain closed, strange times continue.
Mags texted to say that she had to go the long way round in the Subway, Hector was also delayed by a ridiculously long queue to buy tickets at Glasgow Central. Did nobody think the masses would want to get out today?
Qaiser was manning the shop. Only two tables were available, I last sat here on the fourth of March. Two Karahi Palace Takeaways have been enjoyed in the interim. The Order was not placed until Mags arrived, however, Qaiser knew full well what was required.
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For Hector the customary Karahi Lamb (£7.90) with the special tweaks. A Naan (£1.50) would accompany, for a change. According to Mags, Karahi Palace serve the best Aloo Gosht (£6.90) anywhere. Mags should know as she rarely deviates from this Curry. A Chapatti (£0.70) completed the Order.
No Salad, no Water, we could have asked if desperate, but this was a reminder, if required, that Karahi Palace have yet to take the big step up to providing a – restaurant service – proper. The Barclay’s building is coming along. Tradeston will be transformed in a year or so. I still fear what may become of this venue when thousands more become aware of its existence.
Two Chapattis arrived, not the end of the World at these prices. The well-fired Naan was round with puffy/fluffy edges. This would do very nicely. One day I shall master the skill in making Naan, though my Parathas are close to how I want them.
Karahi Lamb
In a Takeaway, the Toppings become lost. Today, the Coriander Ginger Strips and sliced Green Chillies were here, in their rightful place. The Oil sizzled as it separated from the Masala Mash.
Hot-Hot-Hot
I nearly burned the roof of my mouth. Had I forgotten just how hot the food is served at Karahi Palace? Take your time, Hector, there’s no rush.
As ever, I started with a scoop of the Masala in a piece of Bread. Wow!
Extra Seasoning, extra Methi is Hector’s well established requirement. Qaiser has been taught well by the Maestro – Chef Rashid. Months of waiting for this moment, here it was, the Tomato-rich Masala bursting with Flavour.
Then there was the Meat.
Chops and a Sucky Bone were present, quality Lamb, tender, of course. The quantity was deceptive, how have I ever managed the half kilo version? Take your time, Hector, savour the moment.
Only a scrap of Naan was left when I finally scraped the karahi clean. Karahi Lamb at Karahi Palace, one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Meanwhile, across the table, Mags was making similar noises about the quality of her Aloo Gosht.
Aloo Gosht
Always served in a bowl, Aloo Gosht is not a Karahi, the same toppings were present. Mags too had Lamb Chops in her mix. She was finished long before me, maybe Potatoes are easier to digest than Meat?
Marvellous, still the number one.
The Bill
£10.40 This was for the Karahi Lamb and Naan only, We paid separately by card, the cashless society takes one step closer.
The Aftermath
There was time to walk to the West End, today’s exercise. The Riverside walk was such pleasure, the thought of Lockdown returning, unbearable. The Nightingale Hospital at the SEC had many medical vehicles parked outside, but no activity otherwise. Long may that continue.
The flavours from Karahi Lamb lingered long on the palate, the Seasoning still registering. Just how good was this Curry? The draught Strongbow hardly touched the sides.