Glasgow – Karahi Palace (New-co #2) – Visit #5 – My Favourite Curry?

Moiz has now been in charge at Karahi Palace (New-co #2) (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) for three months. The Karahi Lamb (£12.00) has been restored to something resembling the wonder that has been served on these premises for many years. Visit #5 in Curry-Heute is customarily when venues gain entry to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – and locally to – Glasgow’s Top Rated. Today’s visit proved to be something special, the revised status more than justified.

I had already informed Moiz that I would be coming at 14.00 today. Having kept count, he was aware of the significance of this visit. Last night Moiz contacted me to advise that having prepared Lamb Desi Korma for a catering contract, he could keep me a portion. This was an opperchancity not to be missed, even though I have one planned elsewhere for Monday.

Since establishing the extreme pleasure that was the Lamb Spicy Korma (£10.00) as served at the original Karahi Palace, I have usually had Mushroom Rice (£5.00) as the accompaniment. Moiz convinced me I should have Bread. A Chilli and Coriander Naan was agreed.

I took my usual spot, the table was being wiped clean as I entered. Behold the new black covering which is due to be rolled out across the ground floor tables.

Sparkling Water? Finally, at last, Hector’s preferred tipple is being stocked. Shkoor (Yadgar) are you reading this?

All was set.

I watched the final minutes of the football in Dingwall, a comparatively easy victory. I didn’t know then that the day was about to get even better.

The round Naan was served whole! In addition to the Coriander, both red and green sliced Chillies were embedded. These appear to have restricted the rising in the centre of the Naan, the periphery was suitably light and fluffy. A sensible size, I would manage all but a scrap, most unusual.

Lamb Desi Korma

The metal pot was a first. Bullet Chillies had been cut lengthways, no shortage of Chillies then. The thin, blended Masala contained the telltale white flecks, Yoghurt, not Cream. And no Coconut, Desi Korma bears little resemblance to that served in the Mainstream Curry Houses. I counted eight pieces of Meat featuring one Sucky Bone and two pieces of sinew. Had I stuck to my guns and ordered Rice, the Masala would have disappeared. Today, the Naan proved to be the ideal accompaniment.  More Masala required?

Hot food, always appreciated. The first intake revealed a big blast of Spice. The Seasoning was spot on. The distinctive Desi Korma Flavour was present, almost Citrus. Perhaps serving this Curry with sliced Lemon would accentuate the Flavour further? Pepperiness was coming across, a touch of Namkeen also? This Curry was already impressing, then there was the Lamb, wtf?

I write too often about Meat not giving back enough Flavour. This Lamb had clearly sat overnight in the Masala. The Spice given back was a veritable explosion on the palate. This super-soft Lamb was Super Spicy! On a scale of one to ten, this was – eleven! With Chillies everywhere, I had considered avoiding the Bullets, these were tame once I had started on the Meat.

Tears in the eyes, runny nose, there are no photos, just as well. This Curry was – the full works. Magnificent, all a Desi Korma can be. It was finished all too soon, the Hector wanted more! This was always the case when this was my favourite Curry as served along the street at The Village. They don’t do it as well as they used to.

Anything else? – asked Moiz.

Next time, keep me a half-kilo!

Moiz announced that he could cook a Desi Korma at any time, though admitted that it is better done in batches. Maybe I’ll find someone to share the kilo? (Curryspondent Derek?)

At the end, with a mouth on fire, the Sparkling Water was thoroughly appreciated. Bubbles too. Green Tea was then offered, and graciously accepted. Tea does highlight the Spice before tempering the palate.

Moiz bade farewell, he was off for supplies. I was told his colleague would handle the payment.

The Bill

Unknown. I was advised that I could pay next time. I shall insist.

The Aftermath

The rain had stopped, momentarily.

On Monday, Lamb Desi Korma, with Rice! And Marg will be there to witness the moment.