“Return-worthy despite the misses – A Review of Karahi”
BY BETH KAISERMAN
Karahi
118 Christopher St., between Bedford St. and Bleecker St.
West Village
(212) 965-1515 / karahi.com/
Up until last night, I hadn’t been out in the West Village since the summer, when the sun and humidity dehydrated me and made me sweat.
Last night, the food at Karahi provided a nice amount of heat for an evening out.
Karahi, NYC
I’ve been lucky; I often had delicious Indian food made by my Indian friends for three years in college. (So good that my roommates and I would eat it even if we had just finished our own dinner.) Thus, I always predict to be slightly disappointed by any Indian restaurant I try. But this one offered a nice intimate atmosphere and a good variety of dishes to choose from. The restaurant’s cuisine is “one of “Purifying,” bringing together simplicity and lightness,” according to Karahi’s web site. I agree with that statement; the flavors in the dishes weren’t too complex and were almost refreshing in a way. I love Indian food because it exhilarates the palate.
At first I thought the main dish portions looked tiny; they were served in little dishes with spoons. But about halfway through the dish I was full. I opted for the Murg Mango, a mild dish of chicken cubes in mango sauce. For once I decided against something spicy, and it was a nice switch-up. Also, I’m usually drawn to dishes that include mango. My friend chose the Murg Moiley, which is boneless chicken breast cooked in coconut milk and curry sauce. I should have opted for something with all white meat chicken as well, but didn’t think of it at the time. There were a few fatty dark pieces in my dish that were tough to get through. I actually liked the flavors in her dish better than the Murg Mango.
Overall, my entrée was pretty tasty, but I was disappointed with the naan, an oven-baked flatbread. It wasn’t soft enough, and my favorite thing is to use the naan to soak up whatever sauce I have. It was just too crispy and didn’t have enough blisters, which have an awesome flavor.
The overall experience was enjoyable, but I’d like to go back and try something with more heat – something that will turn my face red and make me sweat. After all, what’s a meal without a little adventure in it?
