Brunch in Bradford, for decades this has meant a visit to The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AG England), always reliable, always open, well from 11.00.
Josh was waiting for Hector in the hotel lobby, isn’t he keen. We entered Kashmir at 11.10, Jan as always was there to greet.
It is hot – observed Jan, 28ºC, with more to come later.
We sat upstairs, the downstairs dining area is no longer being used. Jan suggested that the street level dining area is more spacious, and presumably has a better ambience. We were the only diners until two ladies arrived towards the end of our meal.
Prices remain the same as last year.
A Modest Salad with pot of Raita was brought to the table, along with a carafe of chilled water. A rehydration break duly followed.
Josh was keen to join me me in having Fish Karahi (£11.90), alas after a quick consult in the kitchen, Jan admitted that there was no Fish today. And neither of us were flying, start again.
Josh had planted Mushrooms in Hector’s brain yesterday at Karachi Restaurant, and so Keema Mushroom Masala (£9.50) became Hector’s choice. This Dish makes its first appearance in the Curry-Heute coverage of The Kashmir Restaurant. Josh surprised me by ordering Karela Gosht (£10.90). This was his first experience of the bitter gourd. The inclusive Chapattis would accompany.
We nibbled on the Salad, the Raita remained untouched. Some of the raw Onion would later find its way on to Hector’s Curry
As with yesterday at Karachi, a large pile of Chapattis was provided, six between the two of us. As is the tradition here, proper Chapattis, not the Wholemeal Flour variety which Hector is coming to abhor.
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Keema Mushroom Masala
A manageable plate of Mince with more Masala than expected. Spot the Mushrooms. Once uncovered, they were not abundant, and could well have been tinned.
With the first intake of Keema in a Chapatti pocket, the Methi blast was instantaneous Once again Hector knew he was in Bradford. The Spice Level built slowly. The Mushrooms themselves were giving off Spice. This was surprising when so much Meat does not.
A bit short of the – wow! – level, but a Bradford Curry, thoroughly enjoyed. In time, the plate was wiped clean.
Karela Gosht
Last seen here in February 2012 when the Hector was going through his phase of Karela obsession, this this was a classic Dry – Bradford Curry. The Meat looked to be abundant, but was not cut as small as at at other Bradford venues. The Karela itself was hard to spot. Perhaps Josh was being spared an ordeal here. Surprisingly, he did not comment on its bitterness, the word sweet was even uttered. Josh:
I found it quite sweet in taste. The meat was beautifully diced and chewy, not sure if that’s good or bad, but certainly enjoyed it.
The Chapattis were a joy to have with it, and mop up after the bits. Very different to the Naan Bread of other places.
Another different type of Curry checked off the list.
Josh took this Curry in his stride. Yesterday, Spinach for the first time, today, Karela, what next?
As with Hector, Josh only managed two of the three Chapattis provided in his quota.
A relatively gentle start to the day, who knows what madness might occur later.
The Bill
£20.40 We paid cash, even though the sign requesting this has gone.
The Aftermath
Farewell, until next time. One cannot go to Bradford and not visit The Kashmir Restaurant, it is written.