Whilst April this year may be the exception, the rule is that a trip to the Staggs in Musselburgh is always followed by Curry @21.00 at the New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ). Qaser was Duty Waiter, Chef Rashid was in his spot. Happy New Year!
It is January, Winter in the West of Scotland, Dark and Dreich, Ganz Normal. The fan heater was on somewhere around ankle level, not that Hector could feel much of the warm air. Mags and Yvonne may have benefited more, The Chaps had to grin and bear it. Does Craig ever feel cold?
Hector was attempting to attain – full flow – Lamb Karahi on-the-bone Extra… No… – when Qaser gestured towards Rashid in the open kitchen – He knows. Similarly, for Mags it would be Aloo Gosht, her Favourite Curry, anywhere, though she was distracted last week in Sheffield. Yvonne surprised us by ordering the same. Craig has thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Karahi served on these premises, he asked for – Mild.
Lamb Chops
We had to. Two Portions between four. I asked Qaser to ensure an even number would be served. Nine came, but one was definitely a runt.
Two Lamb Chops each, three would have been better, four a feast.. but one must do justice to what follows. The Chops took a while to arrive but were worth the wait. Succulent, Burny Bits, and larger than those served in the aforementioned Sheffield establishment. 
How does one eat Lamb Chops? Only those brought up in The East would use a knife and fork. Craig finally succumbed. Hector was permitted to tackle the runt. Gone in a nibble.
Lamb Karahi
In the earliest visits to the New Karahi Palace, the Menu was explored. Karela Gosht was discovered here. Through time, and with the help of Rashid, the Perfect Hector Curry is now a matter of course. Sizzling for an age on the metal platter, one feels that Cecil B DeMille could have made made an epic watching this Sublime Dish.
The first dip of the Superb Chapatti into the Oily Mash, if this is how one likes one’s Curry, then this is it… The Toppings of Fresh Green Chilies, Coriander and Ginger Strips add The Flourish. The Seasoning was on the limit, the Methi was to the fore, the Spice added to the overall Intensity. Just how I was attempting to order it. For Hector, the Tender Lamb this evening was all Lamb Chops, same as The Starter? No way. An entirely different affair, these had never seen the Tandoor. The Dark Green/Black Methi Bits, the Mash of Onion and Tomato was – oh so perfect.
Meanwhile across the table – I’m not impressed.
Aloo Gosht
Yvonne was collecting a pile of bones on the edge of her plate. Both she and Craig had ordered Rice as accompaniment. When the first plate arrived, Craig thought it was to share, not so. How much Rice can people be expected to eat? Yvonne prefers Boneless Lamb, this was The Full Bhuna. Actually, had this been to served to Hector I would have made comment on the Thinness of the Masala, and Old Fashioned Blended Onion – Soupy/Oily Masala.
This must be how Mags loves it. We were both enjoying our Respective Creations – Divine – was how the moment was summarised. Meanwhile, across the table, Craig was in pain…
Chicken Karahi
Craig has been in raptures, almost, hence the frequency of visits of late. Tonight the request for Mild had been lost. Craig will never be defeated by Spice, he struggled on, it was a contest – Craig v Spice. He ate the lot, well not all the copious Rice. He can sit at The Big Boys’ Table anytime.
Too hot for me, if it was mild it would have been fine. The Chops were fine.
Fine? We encourage – Fine. That – other word – never appears in this Blog. The same Mash and Methi as in the Lamb Karahi were there. Fine? It was Chicken.
The Bill
£46.40 Four Diners, sharing Starters.
The Aftermath
One suspects that The Four could be The Two next month.
New Kismet Tandoori (311 Drumry Rd, Drumchapel, Glasgow, G15 8PA) is Hector’s local Takeaway, visits appear to be on the increase from the decidedly sporadic. Mein Host has become more familiar such that I dare ask for a photo. He is well aware of this Blog so care is taken in the preparation of the order. No Peppers – was repeated twice when it came time to create The Hector Curry.
The Taste of the Lamb was the first thing to hit home, I love this! The standard background Flavour of the House Masala was next to register, then the Methi Blast hit home. The Seasoning and Spice Levels were Fine. The Masala was far from – Soup, but more excessive than is my preference. Still, Most Satisfying. This is Hector’s First Glasgow Curry of 2016, Bradford and Sheffield have just been visited, the highest of Standards. No way was this Curry as Wonderful as what was served in Yorkshire, however, it packed a Suitable Punch, Flavoursome for a Mainstream Takeaway Outlet, better even.
Marg dined out wi’ her pals, but not before the photo captured The Moment.
The Pakora did suffer as a result of the reheating, the Gram Flour went a bit firm. I can make my own and if the
With Chapatti in hand the Fish Karahi was tackled. Wetter than would be served down the road at 
Craig and Yvonne thoroughly enjoyed their first Karachi Experience.
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 
The Chef acknowledged us as we departed. No need to give the Calling Card. More famous people than Hector have visited 
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