With The Hanging Baskets on display, at the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) The Big Red Curry House stands out even more as one gazes across the M8 Motorway from Charing X Station. It was just after the 16.30 opening time when Hector entered to be greeted by Jazzi. The Menu is usually dispensed with, however today I felt like something a bit different. Today I had also had zero food intake, rumble, rumble.
The Chef’s Specialities include Lamb on-the-bone which as regular readers know has been re-defined as Lamb Gurmeet after The Chef. With the Classic Hector-style Curry featuring Extra Methi and Seasoning, this is it. Jazzi confirmed that Hector’s Favourite Chef north of the River Clyde was on duty. Lamb Gurmeet please.
A Side Vegetable Dish felt correct today. At £5.50 for a Full Portion and £4.50 for a Side, logic suggests that if I was not dining alone, the former would have been ideal to share. An Aloo Gobi Side and Chapattis completed the order.
Do you want the Aloo Gobi Desi-style? – asked Jazzi.
Oh yes.
Chapattis are not listed on The Menu. I usually report on the price of a Chapatti since some venues are out of order. Note to self, study The Bill later on.
Poppadoms and Spiced Onion were presented with no fuss. Complimentary, of course. None of this – Would you like Poppadoms nonsense? (and that’ll be a sneaky extra couple of quid on The Bill.) As I marvelled at the Spiced Onion I realised that dining alone, I get to eat all of these delights. The Poppadoms themselves rarely merit a comment, however today these also appeared to be Outstanding. Savoury! First Food of the day.
When the Mains arrived my first observation was the marked difference in the Masalas. The Aloo Gobi had a Thick but Light Coloured Aromatic Masala, whereas the Lamb Gurmeet was Delightfully Dark. Thick with Methi the Lamb dish is Sheer Joy, Umami! The Vegetable Masala had an Earthy Flavour to it. As I alternated between the Dishes the Palate was well tested. I counted Five Pieces of Lamb on-the-bone and lost count of the Boneless pieces. The Tender Lamb still had sufficient resistance to require Chewing, I prefer this to the Pulp served in many places, by far. The Oil slowly collected on the base of the Karahi, another Source of Pleasure. This Portion was substantial. One and a Half Standard Chapattis is my limit. Overall the Quantity matched the Quality.
Jazzi came up to the raised area, Hector’s Spot, to ask about the meal.
Still One of the Best Curry Dishes served in Glasgow!
I should be eating here more often, but these days on alighting at Charing Cross Train Station one tends to walk East. North St is West, well of course it would be.
When Hari arrived just after 17.00, Hector was down to the end game, and so we had the Opperchancity to discuss my favourite topic – Curry. Hari reads this Blog and so knows where I have been, and how long it has been since my last visit here. Hari acknowledged the success of the opening might at Danny Singh’s Gandhi Restaurant on Victoria Rd (Southside). He further recognised the level of competition in Govanhill/Queens Park. The Anarkali was also mentioned, a long standing Curry House on Victoria Rd which I have not been to since 1980. Babu’s Bombay Street Kitchen was also discussed. The re-invention of Bacon and Egg. With Tesco the only other supplier of Lunchtime Snacks on the West Side of Charing Cross, Hari is considering expanding his Lunchtime Fayre. They now order in Twice as much Mince as they did before the introduction of the outrageously wonderful Keema Padora. I suggested they should sell it as a Lunchtime Wrap. Hari went on to describe a possible Baked Beans Wrap. Baked Beans with Jeera (Cumin) Chopped Green Chillies and ….
News – The long established (Modern) Punjabi on Paisley Rd West has now been sublet. The Family now have their efforts focused on the Charing Cross Venue. A big step.
The Bill
£17.45. Chapattis are 75p each.
The Aftermath
I was introduced to Ed, the Delivery Driver. With the Van parked outside, Ed is set to deliver wherever …
Now for some Oakham’s Green Devil…. (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire)
Hi Hector, the mention of The Anarkali reminded me that I recently bought a portion of pakora from Anarkali and there must have been around 30 pieces of pakora in the bag. A work colleague has also been visiting recently and is enjoying the food. Maybe it’s about time you gave it a try…same family that run it now I think.
Hector replies:
OK, I accept the challenge.
Must visit what was the (Ibrox) Punjabi too, meanwhile the Lasanai Grill is my current project. June 7, 15.00 if you’re free.
Sadly the long-established Punjabi name was no long on display at the Ibrox venue when I passed there recently. Still, maybe the new folk will serve up fantastic curry!
Hector replies:
Another new venue to try then.
[Time to put the Ibrox Punjabi in square brackets.]