Bradford, The Curry Capital – The International Curry#2 : Curry for Breakfast

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Hector

Robin and Hector joined ?Stan! for breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. Coffee and Juice is all I was interested in. Hector had other plans. The rest of group were heading through to Leeds for the first part of our Bier-Travelling. Hector had a Curry on his mind at The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD 1BA).

Hector passed the premises at 11.40, the door was closed. I walked on by and took out the HTC. ‘When do you open?’ I asked knowing full well the official time was noon. ‘We are open now.’ By the time I put my phone away the door was open and Hector was the first customer of the day shift. The Chap I assume is the owner took my order. He may have remembered me. The Fish Karahi would be the perfect start to this day, light on the stomach and hopefully as full of flavour as the Lamb counterpart.

Once again the Complementary Poppadom and Dips were placed before me, once again I did not touch them. It takes no time at all to cook Fish and so it was no surprise when the meal arrived within minutes.

 Breakfast of Champions

The three Chapattis might prove too much for Hector at this time of day. They were magnificently warm as I tore off a strip and grabbed some Fish. Superb!

Some pieces of the evil Green Capsicum had been included. I even ate a couple of these as I thought the crunch would add to the soft texture of the Fish and the Masala. This was lovely dish. If I am ever lucky enough to be here for breakfast again, this will be the ritual order.

 The Bill

£7.50. This now has a familiar ring to it. Great value, great Curry.

 The Aftermath

Robin was waiting for me at Bradford Interchange. And so we sped off to The Hop to sample Ossett’s Excelsior and join the rest of The Chaps.

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Bradford, The International, Curry#1 : It may have taken ages to get here, but I made it…

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Hector

After the pleasant but brief visit to the Saltaire Brewery, ?Stan! kidnapped us before we had a chance to check-in at The Holiday Inn Express in the fair city of Bradford. It was well after midnight when we finally took the elevator to the second floor where reception is located. On presenting our bookings, the Chaps announced that Expedia had not transferred the payment to them, there was problem with my credit card, and that we would have to pay again. There was also the matter of a US address on the form they wanted us to sign. By the time we got hold of a rep at Expedia and the confusion was all sorted, it was 01.30.

At 01.45 Hector sat down at his table for one in The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1BA). The welcome was appreciated, I have been here a few times this year. The Complimentary Poppadom and Dips were set on the table and the main Chap came to take the order. The Lamb Karahi Methi had put me in an ecstatic place on the last visit in September. This had to be the Curry-Heute. ‘Rice or Chapattis.’ This wonderful Bradford tradition of including Rice and Chapattis in the quoted price for a dish makes a mockery of places trying to charge £1.80 for a single Chapatti.

At the adjacent table four chaps were finishing their meal. One appeared to be be a Curry Guru, a couple of his mates were not necessarily sharing his enthusiasm. Maybe they were tired.

As I shared my happy situation vie the HTC, I was ignoring the Poppadom. The meal was brought. The warm plate was set aside. The cutlery wrapped in a serviette was set aside too. With three Chapattis as my tools and the hot Karahi pot itself, nothing else required.

02.00 on a Saturday morning. What dafter time is there to eat a Curry? I could not let a Friday night in Bradford pass without a Curry, it was now clearly Saturday morning. There were nods of approval given to each member of staff who passed by. They could see that I was in that special Bradford Curry Zone. There really is nothing like this. The Masala, what there is of it, clings to the Lamb. The Lamb itself is not served as soft as it can be in Glasgow. This is not melt in the mouth, decidedly more chewy. The flavours are indescribable. If Hector knew how to describe flavours this website would take on a whole new level of writing. This is Bradford Curry at its absolute best.

The staff showed an appreciation of my appreciation. The Curry Guru had become intrigued at my photographing the food. He took my card. We both knew that what we had eaten was spectacular.

 The Bill

£7.50. For an outstanding Curry and of course three Chapattis included.

The Aftermath

Mein Host asked how long I was down for. He knows I am from Glasgow, he used to deliver to the House of Shah and ate at The Village. Yadgar he knows too. I told him I would visit more often if they were open earlier. 16.00 is the norm. He assured me they would be open at Noon. I as given a card and told to phone any-time after 11.30, I would be let in.

We discussed other Curry options. The Fish is something I have never tried here. Then I spotted, tucked away on the far right of the laminated menu: Lamb Karela.

There would have to be two more visits to The International, today.

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The Village for Thursday lunch, how extraordinary

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Hector

Hector had a training day today.    The new continental approach is to end the meeting at 13.30, in this way the organisers do not have to feed the delegates.  One does not hold the meeting in Robertson St., adjacent to the Squiggly Bridge and not expect Hector to start salivating as the morning goes on.  ‘Tis but a  two and a half block walk across the Clyde to The Village (129Nelson St, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), I was there at 13.35.

Sixteen other diners were taking advantage no doubt of the lunchtime menu offer.  Hector declined this, a Village small portion is not what I seek.  I asked for the Full Bhoona.  Today this meant the classic Village Lamb Desi Korma (Hot) with Vegetable Rice.

There was time to share my sheer delight at having a Curry-Heute experience on a workday at this time.  The text replies came back, being the ultimate professional, I took these in my stride.

The new Lunchtime Doris (so when was I last here at this time of day?) brought me my meal before the four Chaps sitting opposite.  How people must hate this.  The camera did not attract any attention despite being in a house full of staff I for once did not recognise.

The dish was full, of Masala.  The Lamb count was not high, eight pieces, maybe a pulped ninth.  For a moment I wondered if this was the lunchtime mini portion until the Chaps received their modicum of food.  The Rice was back to its old self, none of this upturned bowl serving nonsense.

I piled on the Lamb and went for it..

Oily Soup with Yoghurt, anyone?

The place has lost nothing in terms of flavour.  This Curry assaults the taste buds.  It is almost the old 1960s classic taste of Oily Red Sauce with Meat, but the Yoghurt gives it a new dimension.  Is this Shorbva with Yoghurt?  The Citrus then hits the back palate and one instinctively knows that this is a Village Curry.  Give me a blindfold, I will pass the test.  But will the Chef on a Wednesday night?

 The Bill

£10.95.  This included the Sparkling Water.  One assumes the Lunchtime Deal would have been less.

 The Aftermath

There was a demonstration on the north side of the Squiggly Bridge.  Hector was told there are plans to build a two storey building (a restaurant?) on the Broomielaw effectively blocking the riverside walkway.  What will the Planners get up to next?  Back to work, today’s shift ends at 20.00.

Tomorrow is a Bradford Curry Day!

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Glasgow – Balbir’s in Partick, a very ordinary experience

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Hector

Hector and Marg ate at Balbir’s (7 Church St., Glasgow, G11 5JP) some years ago. The fact that such a time has passed before our return may speak volumes. This was not our intended venue, however, Mother India’s Cafe was queued out the door.

This is a cavernous Curry House, with a bar area at the entrance selling Pilsner Urquell.  One knows that this is not the usual Curry Cafe that Hector now prefers. With classic wallpaper, drapes and tablecloths one instantly knows the prices will be higher than average. Marg likes this ambience.

Despite the place being less than half full there was a stutter in our table allocation. We were given the last of what appeared to be the tables for two. The venue is set up for larger groups and they were decidedly in the majority.

The menu was minimal compared to many outlets in the city. We gave the Fish a glance and disregarded it, way over-priced.  Marg chose the Lamb Mince Palak and Hector chose the Lamb Ginger Bhoona (Hot). A Garlic and Coriander Nan, not specifically mentioned on the menu and a Mushroom Rice were our traditional Accompaniments.  Two Chapattis tend to be our norm, but not at £1.80 each.  This is a nonsensical price for this modest Bread.  In the Curry Capital of Britain, Chapattis are free and come in threes.

The wait was not a long one. This raised Hector’s suspicions. Just how much tweaking was necessary in their Curry pot to produce these dishes?

Ginger Bhoona
The Ginger Bhoona had a thick-ish Masala, it looked the part. The Nan was dry and thin, nay tired. On dipping the pre-sliced bread into the Masala there was little impression. The shared Rice had Onion and Mushroom. Marg was impressed by this. On spooning the melange of Curry and Rice still nothing. The Lamb was very tender but there was absolutely no flavour coming from it. None.  There was no kick either.  So much for Hot.

I could only shake my head. Actually I did find some taste, from the three slivers of Fresh Ginger that topped the dish. Is this what made it a Ginger Bhoona?

Lamb Mince Palak

Marg’s take on her meal is an entirely different report. She enjoyed her creation. Again when I sampled it nothing came to the fore, and this had Spinach.  How is this possible? I remarked that my dish needed a Clove, a piece of Cinnamon, something to give it an edge. Ironically, Marg’s plate now had two Black Cardamom Pods and a sliver of Cinnamon set aside.

*

*

 The Bill

£33.60. This was with no Starters, shared Sides, and two soft drinks. It could have been worse. I gave my Calling Card in exchange for their takeaway menu. I was asked how I had found my meal.

Ordinary – was my reply.

The Aftermath

Whilst walking around to The University Cafe for Dessert – a full flavoured Italian Ice-Cream, we debated the situation. Marg enjoys these venues, she thinks the setting is as important as the food. I disagree entirely. I cannot understand why people go out to eat Curry and choose a venue where the food is this ordinary. Go for a real Curry!

Update 2022

Balbir’s in Partick closed on august 28

Balbir’s Route 77 has re-opened.

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A late night Curry-Heute, the return to Papa Gill’s

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Hector

Long, long ago, well until about three years ago, Jonathan and Hector used to slope off for a late night Curry.  Papa Gill’s (337 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow, G11 6AL) was a regular haunt.  Jonathan is well known in this establishment, Hector is only known as a Friend of Jonathan, quite a turnaround.

Realising the insanity we had started, the daytime pre-Bier rendezvous took over.  This evolved into the Saturday afternoon Curry Club, or the meetings of The Friend’s of Hector.  Today had been spent in Mussleburgh at The Staggs.  Yvonne had mustered us for the 11.00 to Waverley, there are no Curry Houses reportedly open at lunchtime on a Saturday according to the information I could find.  As we were on a group ticket, yes group travel is possible in this country (!), we had to return en masse.  For some it was time for bed, for the two intrepid eaters a nostalgic return to Papa Gill’s was long overdue.

Marg and Hector have also frequented the Papa Gill’s outlet in Yoker; these are traditional Glasgow Curry Houses, not the sort of place I normally seek these days.

Binder Gill, Mein Host greeted us on entry, he and Jonathan caught up with the events of recent times.  The minimalist laminated menu was still in vogue.  The traditional dishes of the past fifty years are still available with some of the more contemporary evolutions e.g. Butter Chicken.  In the past the regular waiter had been challenged to make me something in the Bradford style and a decent attempt was forthcoming.  This new chap tonight did not know us from Adam and so the choice had to be made from the menu.

We both selected the Garam Masala  – Cooked dry using spring onions, garlic and coriander leaves sprinkled with garam masala, with a real Punjabi taste. For an extra bite ask for green chillies to be added, we did.  Jonathan asked for a Garlic Nan which became a Garlic and Coriander Nan at the waiter’s suggestion.  I opted for the Special Fried Rice in the hope that Vegetables would be to the fore.  Jonathan ordered Pakora too.

The single non-complimentary Poppadom was presented.  We immediately asked for another. The accompanying Onion Chutney had a dark red covering, it looked superb.  It was certainly one of the best Onion Chutney’s ever set before Hector.

There was further chat with Mein Host and the meals arrived.  He had been in attendance at the Curry Awards earlier this year: my existence was unknown to him.

Garam Masala

The plate was filled with large pieces of Lamb, the portions here are always generous.  The Masala was thick and certainly headed towards dry, but not Bradford-dry.  The dish looked wonderful.  There was a modicum of flavour but it lacked the Salt to bring out the full flavour of the contents – not Karrah, therefore.  The consistency of the Masala was identical to that served in a Palak dish.  I realised that with Spinach this could have been a truly great Curry.  I did mention this at the end of the meal and was told to ask for Spinach to be added next time.  I shall.

The Special Fried Rice came in a sensible quantity.  It would be possible to clear the plate.  Slices of Onion was the added Vegetable, maybe a wee bit more imagination here would have made this more memorable.  The combined Curry portion and Rice portion were perfect.  When Hector leaves a plate with not a single grain of Rice this says it all.  Satisfaction has been achieved.

There was in depth discussion with Jonathan at the end of the meal:

Yes, that was good.

The Bill

£31.25.  This included two pints of Soda.  Well, they did not have American IPA on draught.

The Aftermath

Jonathan retired, Hector moseyed along to the Three Judges to meet up with ?Stan! who may have eaten today.  I was rescued by Marg long before I could finish the final and least memorable pint of the day…

Posted in [Papa Gill's (Partick)] | 1 Comment

The Village, post München

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Hector

There was the delay due to fog at München Flughafen.  Then the drive back along the M8 was not a pleasant one. We were caught in the rush hour.  The new M73/M74 route home was reportedly slower today than the traditional M8 route back to Glasgow.

Marg had by now accepted that cooking tea was not on.  The Village (129 Nelson St, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), in particular the Lamb Laal Lahori had had become fixed in Hector’s mind.  The Village would be quick, the portions not excessive, the unknown level of appetite after a flight would not be over-tested.

Well that was the plan

Marg ordered a Lamb Tawa (medium hot).  Hector the Lamb Laal Lahori (hot), both off the bone.  (On-the-bone is 45p dearer and I am convinced one receives significantly less meat).  As the venue has been skimping on the Rice of late too I thought the large Vegetable Rice would be the safer bet.  Two Chapattis to accompany these.

The place was quiet.  It was a Monday night, only we were on holiday today.  The food was brought to the table.  The Large Rice portion was about the same as one would receive for a single portion at Yadgar or the New Karahi Palace along the road.  There was enough to share.  What was impressive this evening was the volume of the Curry.

Has someone at The Village been reading the comments of Hector?

I have received almost half of the portion I was given tonight in recent visits.  I have previously written that I wold be happy to pay more and maintain the portion size of a year ago.  Instead, they put up the prices and kept the portion size small.  But not tonight!  This was impressive.  In fact, Marg was caught out and half her meal became a Takeaway.  It was also hotter than she had ordered.

The Laal Lahori

This is on the Desi section of the menu.  It is Tomato rich and comes in a thick Masala.  Not in any way as thick as a Bradford Curry, but way better than the standard fare served in normal Curry Houses.  The food at The Village rarely disappoints (just the volume!).

The Bill

£22.50.  This included two soft drinks.  Given that Hector paid €21+ for his main course in the Pschorr House in  München two nights previously, for two diners this is excellent value and certainly more rewarding than Schnitzel.

The Aftermath

Master Baig was Mein Host at the till.  I made sure he knew that I was impressed by the portion size this evening.  In fact I may be inspired to write to Daddy once again.

The update on the works across the street is that they remain optimistic that the new premises will be open before the end of the year.  I assume he meant 2011.  The original upstairs venue will be abandoned, this is a pity, as is written in the stand alone page for this venue, it had genuine ambience.

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More Indian Mango in München

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Hector

Hector had guided the Ladies this morning down to the Englischer Garten by U Bahn.  A welcoming Gluhwein at the Chineser Turm acted as the Hair of the Dog.  Hector was back in the land of the living.  No word from The Chaps.

There was a time slot written into the Tin-Tinerary that permitted the intake of Curry-Heute.  Marg, the ever dutiful wife, agreed to come and watch Hector have his fix.  She had enjoyed the full Breakfast on offer the Hotel Royal, that was at a time which was far to early for Hector’s digestive system to be open for business.   The dinner at Pschorr last night was not cheap and so Eleanor decided her pocket had been hit hard enough and resisted more Curry.  Perhaps she does not eat as much Curry as Hector.

Hector’s navigational skills took us with great efficiency back to the Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstr. 15, 80331 München).  We discovered a Goan outlet around the corner as we turned left at Isartor.

A new Waiter was there to greet us but our Young Host emerged from the back room and came over to acknowledge us.

Lamb Chettinad, well what did you expect?  Now I have discovered something.  This dish is not as good as the Fisch version.  My own website highlights other Lamb dishes from my first recorded visits last year.  The Lamb was on the tough side, it could have done with an extra half hour.  The flavour of the Chettinad remains wondrous so this is still an outstanding Curry.  Maybe the other Lamb dishes will temp me next time.

Marg watched my ritual eating with a bemused expression.  She likes cake, biscuits, sweets; Hector never eats these.  Hector eats Curry.

 The Bill

€15.90.  This was the meal price, no soft drink required today.

The Aftermath

The staff present today were delighted to have their photograph taken.  Sadly, Mr Kunjappu was away and so was not seen on this trip.  The next visit will probably not be until July.

And so day trip to Kloster Andechs ensued, here the Spezial Hell is available.  The full report appears in Bier-Traveller.

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München – Indian Mango

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Hector

It is almost two years since the Lady Eleanor joined our fairly frequent trips to Munchen. On the last occasion the Indian Mango (Zweibruckenstrasse 15,  80331, München) was closed over the New Year period. She was the only person to join Hector for Curry-Heute.  I told our young host in October that I would be back in four weeks, I was.

The Fisch Chettinad is possibly the finest Fish Curry I have ever experienced, so this was Hector’s selection.  Eleanor who probably eats as mush Curry as Hector opted for the Lamb Chettinad.  Hopefully her days of Chicken are being left behind.

We were the first diners of the day, one of the young twin chefs had smiled in recognition as we we entered.  Our Host came back to the table to verify that we did wish our meals to be Spicy.

The wait was not a long one.  The inclusive Boiled Basmati was brought to the table along with the Curry.  Eleanor had suggested that we might share our meals so that she could enjoy the best of both worlds.  Hector does not eat this way, if I order a meal I expect to eat all of it.

I certainly do not mind hoovering up any leftovers.  Today there were none, all the bowls were scraped clean.

I was later asked what type of Fisch I had eaten.  Fish was my reply.  It was white and light.  The crunchiness of the accompanying herbs and Vegetables create a perfect texture.  The slivers of Fresh Ginger are commonplace in the better outlets these days.  Marg must include the magic device that creates these in the xmas stocking this year.

Eleanor was of course impressed by the wonderful experience that is Indian Mango.  Hector cannot deny that a visit here is as important as the other great  München attractions.  I could easily have come back here for tea, however the Pschorr Haus was already booked.

The Bill

€37.80 including two soft drinks.  The Chettinad dishes are almost twice the price of the standard Curry served at Mango.

The Aftermath

Having walked last month up and down the long stairs at the Isartor Bahnhof, the climb was woeful, far better to walk down to Isartor than face this again.  Ironically, the escalators are now working; we jumped on the S Bahn  back to Marienplatz.  The sun shone brilliantly in the blue sky, time to enjoy the other charms of this wonderful city.

Posted in [Indian Mango] | 1 Comment

No Crawley Curry-Heute for Hector

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Hector

… but Dom has some Argy Bhaji

Wandering back from the Swan in Crawley, Dom insisted that we go for an Indian Takeaway.  With an early rise, as in really early rise for a ‘plane to  München the thought of Curry sitting in the gut for the next three hours was not appealing.

For once Hector refused a Curry-Heute

The event is posted because I was there.  The Chaps serving had a great sense of humour and most importantly they claimed to hail from Bradford.

Dom took the food back to the hotel and propped it down beside Al.  Alas, what he ordered is unknown and we shall never find out if this particular Curry was of quality or not.  It was never eaten.  Perhaps the locals will give advice, soon?  (Lord Clive?)

 

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München via The New Karahi Palace

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Hector

When Marg suggests we cross the river, Hector always suggests it’s time for Curry-Heute.  The time had come to introduce Marg to the New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street,  Glasgow G5 8DZ)  and the delights of the Karahi Karela Gosht.  We entered @19.30, were acknowledged by the young host and then ascended the stairs to the Ice-Cream Parlour sorry, seating area. Two Chaps were seated at the window; a portable heater was located beside them.  It was an unseasonably mild day in Glasgow today.

The order was verified. An off-the-bone version of what Hector currently considers to be his favourite Glasgow Curry was procured for The Lady.  A single Mushroom Rice and Two Chapattis were the accompaniments.  More than enough Rice.

The Complementary Salad was not so tired looking as it has on previous occasions.  This was definitively not the one I didn’t touch back in June.  For the first time I actually sampled it.  The Raita was not too shabby either.

Mein Host assured Marg that the food would be brought soon.  Marg had been primed that there would be a short wait.  Our suspicions are always raised when the main event is brought within five minutes of ordering.

After the ritual photos, permission was given to eat.  ‘It is salty!’ was Marg’s initial comment.  But this is Karrah, the Salt brings out the flavours of the Herbs and Spices was my answer.  The fact that Marg commented on the Salt content at least three more times suggests that this Curry was indeed salty.  It was, salty as salty as the Erlangen experience.

We assumed the Lamb was the source of this dominant flavour, then I realised it was the Karela itself.  Now I was told on the only occasion I have purchased this Prickly Vegetable that one assaults it then leaves it to sweat, this was indeed sweaty.

Hector ate to his satisfaction.  The portions are more than adequate.  As ever I was able to finish the end of Marg’s boneless version too.  The presence of Bone certainly adds to the overall flavour.  However, this naked Lamb was damn good too; did anyone mention the Salt content?

The Bill

£20.90.  This included one soft drink.

The Aftermath

We retired to Byres Rd and the further treat that is Ice-Cream at the University Café.  Pure decadence.

München?  This should be the next Curry-Heute report, very soon.  It is the November Holiday weekend, good old St Andrew…

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