Dr. Bernard stated on December 31st last year – Your blog is not complete without reference to SW17. Today, Lord Clive of Crawley accompanied Hector on a first ever visit to Tooting, a popular front for Curry in the Borough of Wandsworth. South of Tooting Broadway tube station lie five Curry outlets; heading northwards towards Tooting Bec, a mere twelve more. (see the foot of this post) Where to start?
The very beginning – allegedly, is – a very good place to start. Lahore Karahi (1Tooting High Street, Wandsworth, London SW17 0SN England) appeared to fit the bill. Actually having studied the online menus for quite a few venues, this would have been my first choice, regardless of Lahore Karahi being the first venue encountered.
Note, all venues appear to open at noon, daily, making Tooting a candidate for Curry Heaven. We could smell the wonderful aroma of – Spice – as soon as we exited Tooting Broadway. 12.30 may be early for Hector to be out for Curry, especially on a Sunday, however, having taken an early flight to Gatwick this morning, there was certainly an appetite.
Lahore Karahi, established 1995, was stowed. A cross section of society was represented here, perhaps with an Asian bias. Approaching the counter, where many Dishes were on display, the chap who greeted passed us on to another for seating. An empty table for six was adjusted creating a table for two. Strangely, a sole diner who followed had the table for four. We had limited space. This was the classic Curry Cafe which the Hector seeks, people here for the food, not elaborate décor.
The Menu was provided, I quickly read it through to Clive, his customary Mutton Dhansak (£11.95) would be passed up, he would follow my lead. Meat Karahi (£11.95) it had to be. There was no mention of – on-the-bone – that I could see on the menu. Perhaps the Lamb Charsi Karahi (£14.95/£21.95) would be served – authentically. Note, Hector was also eschewing Fish Masala Karahi (£11.95) in favour of – Lamb.
A return visit was already being formulated, and this was just Tooting Curry #1.
A Butter Naan (£1.50) and a Keema Naan (£4.95) completed the Order. No way was Clive not having his Keema Naan.
A jug of Tap Water was eventually secured, despite the local geology, no nasty tastes here.
I had to bide my time to get any photos of the room. Observing the Fayre being presented, all were having the food of the Indian Subcontinent. Unlike comparable establishments in Glasgow, Burgers and Pizza are not on the menu. How would my Glasgow Brothers cope?
I watched people eat methodically with their – right hand. Hector is ambidextrous, forked food with the right, Bread etc. conveyed with the left. No formalities here, hopefully.
There’s a BYOB policy in operation, £2.00 per person, which certainly favours Bier, unlike their namesake in Aberdoom where there is a comparable charge per bottle. The seemingly large number of staff, on both sides of the counter, were kept busy. The wait was commensurate with the food being properly prepared, and the number of people dining.
The Butter Naan proved to be the perfect Naan. Risen, puffy, burnt blisters and served whole, I would eat the lot, just. The Keema Naan was an eye opener, were these – spirals – a la Paratha? Again served whole, this well-fired Bread was seemingly packed with Mince. I wasn’t for ripping Clive’s Bread apart to fully inspect the Keema, however, it did appear to be properly cooked, no sign of the pink – Donner-like – stuff here. Good Bread.
Meat Karahi
Ginger Strips, and sliced Bullet Chillies had been stirred in at the point of serving. A threat of Coriander topped the mass of Meat and Masala, no microscopic London portions here. Initially I noted the Meat as cut – small – but reviewed this as I made progress. The Texture would vary accordingly, the smallest pieces being super-Tender, the larger requiring more chewing. Well, one would hope so.
The Seasoning was noted as – low – at the outset, the Spice as – OK. As further sliced Chillies were encountered so – OK – was revised upwards, and some. Importantly, the meat was giving a big blast of Spice on every bite. So few venues achieve this. Slivers of Tomato were visible in so authentic Masala. I couldn’t tell if this was Tomato/Onion based, or both.
With no Clove or Cinnamon to the fore, the Hector was trying to pinpoint what made this Masala so recognisable, Cumin, perhaps. Umami! – had to be declared, there was a definite sense of – Savoury Meatiness – and more, from the Meat.
One always hopes for something – magnificent – something that really grabs the palate, this was not to be, no – Wow! – today. I have to make clear: this Karahi bore no resemblance to the continually disappointing nonsense served up in Mainstream Curry Houses across this land, and many more. Authentic Lahori/Punjabi Fayre is what the Hector craves, and here it was.
This Meat Karahi was enjoyable, lacking the full depth of Flavour I seek, perhaps down to the Seasoning, or lack thereof. Other mortals would have added – Salt – the Hector must not. Also, no bones, their presence makes a significant difference. Clive could hardly contain himself:
Absolutely smack full of flavour, not sure at the start, then ten seconds later, it hit you. Not the tenderest meat I’ve eve had, but still OK.
Is it possible that the Keema Naan had enhanced the overall Seasoning and correspondingly, Clive’s experience?
The Calling Card had to be presented, the waiters were too busy to engage. In the meantime, I had spotted the chap who had to be – Mein Host, I would approach him later.
On asking for – The Bill – it was Rizwan, Mein Host, who came over with the card machine.
I see you didn’t like the food – he remarked.
That’s my line when the plates are wiped clean.
Introductions were made and the Calling Card presented, yes, I had just flown down from Glasgow this morning to have Curry in Tooting.
A Curry Blog! – Good to have you.
The Bill
£30.25 – spontaneously reduced to £20.35.
Such gestures are always appreciated but not always accepted. Given the number of diners, I doubt that Rizwan will be struggling any time soon.
The Aftermath
Rizwan’s photo was captured, then I felt I could take the photos above of the ready Dishes.
I would certainly return to Lahore Karahi, and expect to pay in full, the aforementioned two Dishes are up my street. With sixteen more Tooting Curry Houses to investigate, more trips to – that – London are required.
Power to the Hector!
2023 Menu
The trek to Tooting Bec…
Dawat, across from Lahore Karahi, opens at 08.00, whereas next door Saravana Bhava opens at 10.00, both remain open all day thereafter.
Hyderabadi Zaiqa and Al Mirage open at noon.
Watan opens at 12.00.
Lahore Spices opens daily at noon, Spice Village similarly, on Fridays at 14.00.
Kolam – South Indian Restaurant, opens at 18.00. Chatkara opens daily at 11.00 and is the only restaurant on this stretch staying open after midnight.
Both Namak Mandi and Royal Mahal open daily at 12.00, (14.00) on Fridays.
