Any sensible road journey between Sheffield and Glasgow commands a visit to Bradford en route. The journey South was via the M61 and M62, a tedious drive, most of the kilometres in the wrong direction. The A65 at least goes in the right direction, why England does not have a northern Motorway going NW to SE still baffles, the A65 could at least be upgraded to Dual Carriageway. Meanwhile the West Coast Rail Line is closed, until February,…wtf?
The Man from Bradford texted in the small hours declaring his intention to join Hector, Marg, Craig and Yvonne for lunch. The Karachi Social Club (15/17 Neal St, Bradford, BD5 0BX), Bradford’s oldest Curry House, was the agreed venue. It has been a while. A visit was attempted a few months ago, however, they were not open at 11.00 as their published hours claim.
13.00 was the agreed rendezvous time, we arrived at 13.15. Just how many kilometres of our motorway network were stuck on 50mph this holiday period whilst no roadworks were active? Ricky was in situ, he had a special guest today – his Mum!
The Mother of The Rickmeister had been denied her weekly visit to Sarina’s on Thursday, time to make amends.
Three portions of a most Modest Salad-Raita were already on the table. Time to negotiate with the Chap who who would be our Waiter. Where did they find him?
Richard, as his Mother calls him, and Marg both selected Meat Ball Spinach (£6.50). Karachi was the First Bradford Curry House to introduce Kofta I am reliably informed. For Marg it was fifteen hours since her last Kofta. For Hector it would take something totally remarkable to compete with the Wondrous Curry that was served last evening in Sheffield at the Lahori Dhera.
A Fish Curry would be something completely different – Fish Karahi (£7.50) it would be. Craig was on board with this. Yvonne was in the mood for Prawns – King Prawn Karahi (£8.00) with Rice was her choice. Richard’s Mother was set on Keema Spinach Korma (£5.50). There was some doubt as to whether Our Waiter had taken careful note.
As is the Bradford way, all of the above Main Courses come with three Chapattis or Rice.
On arrival, two other diners were present. It was amazing how many more arrived this Sunday Lunchtime. The good people of Bradford must share the Curry-Heute philosophy – Everyday is a Good Day to Eat Curry!
With Chapatti in hand the Fish Karahi was tackled. Wetter than would be served down the road at Kashmir, this version was a wee bit under-seasoned which is unusual for a Fish Curry. The Spice Level was most acceptable, the Masala had a Slight Sweetness. Not an Earth Shatteringly Wonderful Curry, well what could follow last night? However, Most Pleasing, Very Enjoyable.
Fish Karahi
Craig and Yvonne thoroughly enjoyed their first Karachi Experience.
Excellent – was their common verdict. This was despite the non-arrival of the Rice. There seemed little point in addressing this, our Waiter had not filled us with confidence.
Smaller balls (last night) but more numerous – (Ooh err, Missus) was the Marg comment. No need to ask Ricky, he has had this hundreds of times, it must be good. Oh, this is what Hector had on the first visit to Karachi. Is Marg entering her Kofta Phase?
Meat Ball Spinach
The Keema Spinach Korma did look – Soupy. I doubt if Ricky or Hector would ever order this Dish, but it is available for those who desire it. Ricky’s Mum polished it off. She was intent on comparing it to Sarina’s but I never did catch the the outcome.
Keema Spinach Korma
The Bill
£44.50. Six Diners. No Frills.
The Aftermath
The Chef acknowledged us as we departed. No need to give the Calling Card. More famous people than Hector have visited Karachi, indeed there are Rick Stein Specials on the Menu.
Menu? Ricky recalls the days when Karachi had no Menu.
The Waitress who had shown us to our table returned to take the order, Doris #1. Marg surprised me by ordering Kofta (£7.50) and her usual Chapatti. I may have planted Kofta in her mind by suggesting our first Bradford Curry of 2016 should be at Karachi where this Dish first appeared in the Curry Capital. It was now time for The Hector to order. I pointed to the Blue Banner at the end of The Menu – I’ll have this one!
Lamb, on-the-bone, Thick, Dry Masala, Methi…. at this point Doris #1 stopped – I’ll have to get someone else. Welcome, Doris #2.
First Impressions? Perfect!
I took my time, to enjoy, digest. The Chapattis were disappearing rapidly so I stopped eating and order another Chapatti.
Finally, I acknowledged The Chefs, after all, they had cooked The Hector Curry, it was Magnificent.
Maggie and Clive were still hungry. Maggie headed across the street to their Kebap House from last night. Wicker is on our radar. We know where to come next time. For Hector, next time is March, a four night stay. How many visits to 
New Year was brought in at the Shakespeare, Sheffield. The advantage of being outside our native Scotland is that in the daylight part of Ne’er Day the Pubs are open! The Kelham Island Tavern was where The Company re-assembled after the excesses of the night before. This evening we found ourselves back at the Shakespeare, Craig and Yvonne were heading for Curry-Heute at the 7 Spices Balti (Mayfair Court, 120 Gibraltar St, Sheffield S3 8PP). Mags and Dr. Stan accompanied. Some twenty minutes later Howard and Tracey joined Marg and Hector to complete another table for four. Jonathan arrived thereafter, three of The Company did not have Curry-Heute, to their sorrow. Kebap.
Hector first set foot in Sheffield twenty years ago and by 1998 was a regular visitor, especially to The Fat Cat. Pale Rider was the King of Ales, the Floods of 2007 saw the end of that. Thornbridge’s Jaipur took over the mantle of Best Ale, ever, we were here regularly. Jaipur lost its Mojo and so the quality of Sheffield Pubs is what maintains. During the Halcyon Days there was Curry taken in Sheffield, all pre-Curry-Heute. Sahib was the stand out, plus a Comedy Curry House (they once tried to serve our Mains before the Starter) at the base of a hotel which was being demolished, imminently. It may well still stand. The site of Sahib was passed by last night, venue not seen. Bradford is the Curry Mecca, as a consequence the coverage of Curry this far south in Yorkshire has been neglected, but no more.
The Mains
Tracey’s Chicken Masala (?) looked tempting. Yes, Hector has written these words. It is years since the fabled Chicken Tikka Masala has crossed my lips, this looked worthy. Tracey’ verdict:
Howard had a few well chosen words to say about his Balti Lamb Aloo.
In his younger days he worked in Mayfair and served many a Celebrity. Telly Savalas and his Brother with their entire Cohort. Larry Hagman (I Dream of Jeannie) gave a $100 tip, good until he noticed it had JR as The Featured Photo. However, one name impressed more than any other – William Shatner – aka Captain James Tiberius Kirk. #Denny Crane.
The White Board listed today’s Menu. For £5.95 one could choose any Curry with two included Chapattis or Rice (or Chips!). Knowing that Curry would feature again on this trip, Marg chose an alternative a – Chicken and Spinach Wrap (£3.20). As soon as Achari was spotted this was enough for Hector. A Meat Achari for Hector and Meat Spinach for Ricky. Craig and Yvonne both chose Chicken Bhuna. Craig took the Pilau Rice option, Seven Chapatis to accompany for the rest, Ricky needed his Third Chapatti incurring a further charge of 50p. Not the £1.95 for a Chapatti in Aberdeen.
When Craig decanted his Chicken Bhuna on top of the Rice, the Portion was Substantial. Ricky and Hector both ate from the Bowl. The Lamb was cut Bradford Small. The Grey-Green Masala was Thinner than that associated with the Classic Bradford Curry Houses, however – The Flavour! I have been trying to secure an Achari of note for weeks. 
This was it, an amazing Blast of Pickle. This is what The Hector Palate required to kick-start the day. Excellent Curry.
The Chicken Bhunas looked Decent, for Chicken Curry. Delicious– said Craig of his specially prepared Mild Curry. Just the right heat, medium to hot – said Yvonne. Where’s my calendar? – asked Ricky.
New Year will be brought in at Sheffield, Bradford lies en route, Curry at the 
The Man from Bradford then thought about informing us that he wished to join us. Too late, our Poppadoms, Modest Salad and Dips were on the table, we were dining.
Chapattis would accompany both Dishes, three each, included in the price. This is The Bradford Way, the Antithesis of Aberdeen.
From the first dip of the Chapatti Hector knew he was in Bradford. There is nothing like the Flavour that the Chefs of this City create. A Tad Under-seasoned would be the only criticism, but with The Bradford Curry Taste in the face there could be no complaint. This is Wonderful Curry. With almost every piece of meat on-the-bone, this Dish was not wolfed down, great care, protect the gnashers, especially as The Dentist of Hector now reads these pages.
Marg had Six Chops in her Lamb Chops Tikka Balti. She missed the burnt bits, these may have been smothered by the Masala. As with Hector’s Balti, the Masala was as Thick as Masala can be. Two Baltis, demolished.
emmy has joined The Immortals! Unbelievably, four years have past since I last saw the Man. 
The Poppadoms were warm when the Young Chap behind the counter stepped out to deliver. Marg remarked on the Spiciness of the Onions. The clue was in the name. Very Modest Portions, the 80p for each was hardly justified.
The Methi Gosht was a Disappointment. This was not what was expected and not what was served on the first visit to 
Still, the Spice and Seasoning were spot on, the Lamb was amazingly Tender, right on the edge. How to cook Lamb to the limits before pulping, skill. Marg asked how many pieces of Meat – Nine. Not the Largest of Portions, again when compared to the boast of our first visit about the ampleness of the Portion. I asked Marg how many Peas there were in her Keema Mutter. No reply.
Hector arrived early at 
Lamb Chettinad (£12.95) the Classic South Indian Curry was tempting, however, the expectation would be a Shorva Accompaniment, again as 
Despite the warning, Sandy chose Rogan Josh with a Plain Naan. Graeme nearly went for the Madurai Meen Kuzhambu but wondered why Cod had to be brought to Aberdeen. He would replicate The Hector Curry. Graeme 2 considered something different(for him) Nalli Nihari (£16.95). When he ordered this I could not hear the first word, was it Haleem? If so, well, regrets he may have a few… Boiled Rice to accompany.
A Chap who would later be revealed as Mein Host brought two Pairs of Pani Puri to the table and a jug. He introduced the Pre-starter and invited us to swallow in a oner. This was necessary once he had filled the Puri with the Tamarind Based Sauce. Tangy, Excellent. This was the first time The Other Chaps had encountered Pani Puri. Hector was introduced to Pani Puri in 
With three Curry Houses in Bridge St. alone, 
The Waiter returned armed with Curry. The Bhuna with Methi was placed before The Hector – Gosh! If 
The Rogan Josh had the Mainstream Masala, Thin an Onion-based, Soupy Masala. The Nalli Nihari was the expected Lamb Shank served in Shorva. I never got close enough to determine if this was the same Masala as in the Rogan Josh. The photos will not clarify this either. The camera has been taking over exposed photos of late. Euan, who we met up with later, reset the Lumix, after today, normal standards of photography should be restored.
This was an Excellent Curry, easily the Best I’ve had outside of Glasgow/Bradford in some time, perhaps years. The Lamb Portion was Sufficient, the Meat was Tender and there was a hint of it actually giving rather than simply taking Flavour. I was too busy enjoying the Curry to count The Bits. Thick with Methi, the Herb Experience was to the fore.
Madras is where the staff at 
Hector spotted Cumin Tandoori (401-405 Union St., Aberdeen, AB11 6BX) during the last visit to Aberdeen in the summer, why has nobody thought of this name before? Clever. Other Sources have Cumin Tandoori as a worthwhile venue. When mentioned in passing today to a niece who is an Aberdeen Resident, Marg and Hector were informed that it’s always quiet. That suits us, it is the eve of the first part of this Season’s Madness.
Marg immediately commented on the healthy Mushroom content of the Rice. Taking her share there was plenty leftover. Even after The Hector Plate was covered there remained Rice that was never consumed. Still, a far cry from the Bayern Rice Wastage of 2015.
Foostie, was the first Taste to be encountered. From where? I never did identify the source, it may have been the Lamb or the Mushrooms, there was no way I could source the Occasional Blast of Foostiness. That it disappeared in a flash meant I could eat on. The Lamb was Seriously Tender but gave off no Spice or Flavour. The Dish did seem to be Under-seasoned, however, I had just finished making the Soup for tomorrow, Hector’s Soup is Well-seasoned. Marg thought my Palate may be confused. With a Fresh Coriander Topping I wondered if I should have asked for Methi to be stirred in too? It took a few moments for the sense of Pickle to manifest itself. The Pickle Add-in looked different from the norm. It could actually be eaten. This was quite an impressive Curry, with an Ample, Excellent Paratha and Fresh Mushrooms in the Rice for a change.
This was a Most Satisfying Meal.
Unsurprisingly, Hector managed to Dip some Paratha into Marg’s Masala. This was a much Thinner affair and similar to the Classic Thin Onion-based Masala that is served Ubiquitously, even in Germany as encountered last weekend. There was a decidedly greater Kick in this Masala. As for the Chicken, time to let The Lady do the talking.
The Chapatti had to be dismissed halfway through the eating, too crisp. Fortunately there was plenty of Paratha to go round. Marg knows better than to rave about Chicken (to me) but anticipated that a Butter Balti could only work with this Meat.
er favourite – Baileys. With the newly enforced strict regulations, this left Hector to finish the Sparkling Water.
Update December 2017
Lunch in Freising, late afternoon Sustenance at Kloster Andechs. 
The MVV Day Ticket is also valid on the RE trains to Freising, much faster than the S Bahn, and so this was Hector’s mode of transport. Rain, haven’t seen that since I touched down on Friday afternoon. It was a dreich walk through Freising, firstly to Bombay on the Main Street, then back through Marienplatz and up the hill to the Freising Brauhaus. In the gloom the lights were on at the New Indian Palace, a welcome sight.
The Menu had been studied on-line well in advance of the visit, whilst Fish was an option, it looked as if Lamb would be the choice. A full range of Lamb Dishes was available, the Menu was set aside.
A Poppadom with the embedded Cumin Seeds was brought with the Classic Three Dips. The Cumin Blast was Wonderful. This was the first thing to hit The Hector Palate with any distinctive Force of Pleasure in my four Curry Outings on this trip.
The request for Minimal Sauce had been ignored, at least it had an Onion-based consistency. Topped with Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips, there were Green Specks in the Masala, the Methi?
The Lamb pieces were Large and in double figures. The first few were Very Tender, some required more chewing. There was a lot of Food in front of me. Pity so much Rice would be wasted.
I would not class this Curry as being Outstanding in the Spectrum of Curry-Heute, however, I have had much worse, especially in the last few days. This was a Most Enjoyable Curry, well worth the trip.
By now the family had gone and a late arrival’s order had been taken. Time to introduce myself formally. The Calling Card was handed over and the Curry-Heute Website shown. I concentrated on the München entries. 
With an appetite larger than it should have been, Hector headed out to locate Nigin – Afghanisches Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, Cocktail Bar (Neuheuser Strasse 15, 80331, 
Hector’s dinner was sitting on the table in front of him! Wtf? I have waited longer in a Hamburger Joint, well longer in a Kebap Shop. I don’t think this did the credibility of Nigin any favours. They could at least have pretended it had not just been scraped out of a pot.
earlier at Indisches Fast Food Imbiss, I was taken by surprise.
The Lamb was Beautiful, don’t think I’ve posted this before. Very, Very Tender. As the Large Pieces were broken up, so the plate was filled with an almost Substantial Portion of Meat. The Waiter had provided three Dips, one was Scharf. Careful, too many of us have been caught out here. Some was stirred in, nothing, try again, nothing, Scharf? Do they know what this word means?