Having regularly promoted the wonder that is the Lamb Lahori Karahi served at DumPukht Lahori (39-41 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow G51 1LG) throughout 2020, evidently, Hector was long overdue a return. The mid-afternoon closure has not fitted in with Hector’s usual dining patterns, however, letting a whole year pass without a visit to DumPukht, was not to be.
A Takeaway on Hogmanay was my final order of last year. The last sit-in Curry was October 7, two days before what was announced to be a – sixteen day Lockdown. Here we are in December 2021, who knows what restrictions are about to be declared in the next few days?
Saturday’s spurious – Desi Curry – in Dumbarton pushed Hector all the more towards a bona fide Karahi Gosht. With no hockey commitment this evening, Marg was happy to come out and eat mid-afternoon. Having not driven along Paisley Rd. West for some time, was DumPukht still open, and what chance a 15.00 Curry?
Half of the shutters were down, the door was locked. A note on the door was advertising for staff. There was a sign of life, the business maintains. As I returned to the car I heard my name being called. Aqeel, Mein Host, had just arrived to prepare for the now 16.00 opening. Waiting in the car, Marg spotted my about turn and so joined us.
We took our usual spot. Aqeel updated us on all things DumPukht. The breakfast to lunchtime opening has been dropped, Aqeel needs time with his family. Gone too is the – Tiffin Express – online ordering for Mainstream Curry. Aqeel told us that at times, he has been turning sit-in customers away, such is the demand for his – Desi Cuisine. His current plan is to expand the seating area, install another toilet, and effectively double the seating capacity all-round (sorry).
The new Menu was brought, prices have increased significantly since last year. Formerly they were too low, Curry-Heute had encouraged people to enjoy these prices whilst available. The Order was placed, a kilo of Lamb Lahori Karahi (£26.99) with a Roti (£1.20) for Marg and the – half Naan, half Roti – (£1.50) which has been enjoyed here previously.
I remain uncertain as to the correct name, however, it is close to the Bread which I enjoy in the Athens Curry Cafes. I showed a photo in order to secure the correct Bread.
The wait was considerable, Marg had her book. Chopping sounds came from the kitchen. Eventually a Salad and Raita (£2.00) was presented. At DumPukht one pays for everything. The Cumin in the Raita came across strongly, unlike the scenario in – Mainstream – venues, it was good to be able to pinpoint a particular Flavour/Ingredient.
At 16.00, Aqeel’s front of house colleague arrived, the food was presented soon after. It is approaching six months since Hector sat down to share a kilo, the hour’s wait today was not a problem.
Lamb Lahori Karahi
A sprinkling of Coriander sat amongst a mass of Ginger Strips and Green Chillies, that the latter were cut lengthways made them stand out even more. The photo may be misleading in terms of the amount of liquid. The Oil started to collect at one side of the karahi, the volume was appropriate, not excessive. As we made progress, so the Oil seemed to move away from the Meat and Masala. Sucky Bones stood out, as did a Lamb Chop which was definitely coming Hector’s way. The – Desi – nature of the Masala was apparent, a consistency that is not achieved by fully blended Masalas. Cooked Tomatoes, which had not totally decomposed, were a prominent feature of this Masala, Tomato-rich, a classic.
This had everything, the Steaming Hot Karahi would be decanted to hot plates.
For those who have been following the ongoing debate regarding the difference between Chapattis and Rotis, Marg’s Bread was definitely a Roti. Wholemeal, an air pocket, so partially risen. The Chapattis served in Bradford the week before last, do not have these properties.
*
Hector’s Bread was as requested. White Flour, again an air pocket and correspondingly risen, closer to Pitta, but well fired. Could this be the Roti equivalent of the White Naan which is also my preference? This style of Bread remains my preferred Bread accompaniment, lighter than a Naan, more girth than a Chapatti.
Last year, when this Karahi was the cheapest kilo in Glasgow, the Meat was Lamb plus stray attachments. Today, the quality of the Meat was in a different league, no cheap cuts here. Tasty and Tender, the anticipated Flavours from the Lamb emerged. Marg was already commenting on the Spice Level as is her wont. As is mine, I declared – we have Seasoning! Consider the hundreds of reviews in Curry-Heute where the Meat has been described as being a late addition, basically, a passenger, a parasite to the Masala. To get this much Flavour into the Lamb requires skill, patience. Beautiful. The Lamb Chop was an extra bonus.
Then there was the Masala itself. Scooped with the Bread, again full on Flavours. I have previously described the Karahi at DumPukht being closer to the Flavours of Manchester than those of Glasgow or Bradford. Manchester Curry tends to be Clove-rich, we found no Cloves here. What is Aqeel’s secret? Perhaps they were blended in?
The Meat, Masala and the Bread, outstanding, Aqeel was over twice to check on our progress. His colleague, keeping a watchful eye, offered more Bread. Our pleasure was conveyed throughout the twenty minutes or so it took us to destroy this kilo, we ate the lot. As usual, Marg’s bone count was appreciably below mine. She took the remnants of the Salad along with her Curry. Marg’s verdict:
A lovely fresh salad with a cumin raita, complemented the hot, spicy and tender lamb dish. My Roti allowed a hot and cold effect which enhanced the experience.
The karahi was wiped, the plates wiped also, only a tiny scrap of Bread was left over. Total enjoyment.
The Bill
£31.70 My Bread was charged as a Naan (£1.50).
The Aftermath
Aqeel made it clear he was keen to keep in touch. He has my number, I wonder what awaits?