Glasgow – Karahi Palace (New-co #2) – Some Way To Go

The house guests have gone south, Marg has gone north. With the completion of the admittedly contrived objective of awarding Shahi Mahal its due place in – Glasgow’s Top Rated – it was time to resurrect another project. Karahi Palace (New-co #2) (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) has changed hands twice in recent months. Mein Host #3, Moiz, suggested on Visit #1 that – Mehfil – might be the chosen name in the future rebranding. Having today admitted that other names are under consideration, we shall have to wait and see. A new floor is to be installed before the required work on the exterior is undertaken. Maybe the downstairs facility might be given a makeover also?

A hidden gem – was the description given by my first fellow diner as I took my seat late this afternoon at 15.45. Chicken Curry on-the-bone was his choice, clearly a guilty pleasure he has been enjoying here for some time. I don’t think he had observed the changes.

Determined not to have Karahi Lamb (£12.00), choices were few today. Daal and Palak were not calling the Hector, this left Chicken Keema (£8.00) and a Chapatti (£1.00) as Hector’s Order.

Moiz, resplendent in his new businessman’s outfit, brought a bottle of chilled tap water, plate, cutlery and napkins. He does appear to have a new, young, lady assistant. I couldn’t establish if today’s Chef was the same young chap as Visit #1, however, the Keema would have been prepared well in advance, so the person doing the reheat may or may not have been he.

The Chapatti was back in familiar territory. A Wholemeal Chapatti, cooked on the Tawa, I conclude after the Tandoori one served last time. I still prefer White Chapatti Flour to the Wholemeal that prevails in Glasgow, but remains the standard in Bradford.

Smaller in size than previously served on these premises, two might be required in future.

Keema Mutter

The Chicken Mince and Peas was served in a karahi. I had to ask Moiz if this was therefore Keema Mutter Karahi? Alas, having read my comment on serving Karahi Lamb in a bowl last time, today’s was all about presentation.

The sliced Bullet Chillies and Ginger Strips enhanced the appearance. The Chicken Mince did look peely wally compared to my favoured Lamb Mince. I tend to praise Dry Keema. This was certainly – moist – but far from being wet, or worse – Soupy, as some venues mistakenly serve this Curry.

There was a definite – kick – to this Curry, as I made progress, so cooked in Green Chillies were unearthed. The Seasoning seemed to be well below that which I seek, Herbs were lacking also. The Peas were abundant, their Texture and Flavour did add Diversity. In fact, the Peas made the Dish.

There was nothing standing out in terms of being able to identify a particular Spice. In time, the Seasoning did register, all was not lost. A decent Curry, well short of being outstanding. More Methi, more Salt! – the Hector mantra.

An aside. Having suffered in recent weeks from unruly/noisy weans, the heart sank once more when a family of two adults, baby in pram, plus a toddler, took the table opposite. This was after the male had communicated his Order with Moiz. What language was being used was beyond me. The poor chap was a sad example of de-evolution. The baby slept throughout, the toddler was awake for ten seconds, battering anything within his grasp before blacking out again. Drugs? The father(?) was not of this world.

As a dear friend mused oft decades ago: the more you see of your fellow man, the more you like your wee dug. Hector has been home too long.

Moiz brought Complimentary Green Tea as on Visit #1. I took the opperchancity to change the spelling of his name which I did have correct on Darbar Grill posts.

The Bill

£9.00   Prices might be reduced in future, see below.

The Aftermath

The Hector is determined that the quality of the Fayre at Karahi Palace will be maintained, even though it has to be accepted that the phenomenal Karahi Lamb I have previously enjoyed is no more. Mags has agreed to accompany me here on Saturday, I shall put their Karahi Gosht to the test once more: More Methi, More Salt! If Aloo Gosht is available, then Mags will have much to say. Karahi Palace did serve – the best served  anywhere!

A board outside advertises special offers for taxi drivers and students. There is now a £5.00 Lunch Menu, available seven days: 12-3pm. Note, Friday prayers may delay opening. Personally, nothing on the list which is not Curry attracts. However, this could be aimed at attracting custom from the nearby Barclays complex.

I did point out that – Any Curry with Two Roti – could be interpreted as written. The intention is for this to be the ready Curry on display, not a choice from the main menu. Be careful, Moiz.

Moiz told me he intends to adjust some of the prices, especially the Chicken dishes which are only £6.00 at Darbar Grill, the mother shop. I raised the question of the price of Fish. Why is it that across Europe, Fish Curry is always cheaper than Meat, but never in the UK? Fresh Fish landed at Peterhead may well be more expensive than frozen Fish imported to the EU from Asia, but why? Thank you, Boris!  Or, as I feel, are we generally being ripped off in the UK?

Fish Karahi, I had to get this into the conversation. The challenge was issued. Moiz reckons he may have to practise. Get this right, and Curry-Heute will heavily promote Karahi Palace (New-co #2), or whatever they may be called by then.  There may be some way to go before this venue appears once more in – Glasgow’s Top Rated.

Lunch Menu