Chilli Cottage – Glasgow Cessnock

Neil, a Native of Cessnock, advised Hector of a Curry Café on the same block as the Subway. Both he and Mags had observed the display of Sweets in the window in passing, however Curry was reported. The decision to visit today was down to what turned out to be a spoof email inviting Hector to review a Curry Café at an address a few doors along the street. The name of the venue was not given, but in effect I knew where I was heading today but not the venue name.
Approaching from the Ibrox end of Paisley Rd. West, Chilli Cottage/Sabir Sweets (404-406 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow, G51 1BE) came into view. Sabir Sweets was the dominant signage, with Chilli Cottage appearing above the entrance only.

Hector had agreed to meet up with Stewart at 14.00, he may relate why he was late, far be it from me to reveal this. This gave me time to introduce myself and study what was on offer. Parking the jacket at one of the twelve chairs I made it clear I was here to sit and not for a Takeaway. The Chap behind the counter was most helpful in listing all the Curry on display. All the dishes were Chicken Something except the Chana. He was very proud of the Chicken Bhindi but as soon as Keema Karela was mentioned that was it. Hector has not sampled Karela for some time. The Samosas looked huge, tempting. The Chap then said Chef would make me anything I wanted. I had to try what was available, but next time. A challenge for Neil to arrange something. A fellow customer down from Aberdeen pointed at the Chana Curry and told me this is why he was here, the best ever he claimed.

Stewart had still not arrived and so the customer and I chatted all things Curry. He was recently in Pakistan and was describing the fare. When I mentioned White Karahi he mentioned Black Karahi too. He wondered why the Tastes of Pakistan were not being repeated in Scottish Curry Houses.  How good can it be?
When Stewart arrived I had the order in mind but had to wait further to place it. Chilli Cottage is doing great business, we were never alone, the flow of customers was continuous.
Approaching the counter, the Chap started to tell me what he would give me, I had to be insistent in what I was ordering. Two Samosas, Two Portions of Keema Karela, one Portion of Chana Curry and Two Parathas. Two cans of lemonade (no glass/cup) were summoned later. I returned to the table and waited. The wait was longer than expected, the flow of customers continued.
Expecting the Samosas first, it was a bit of a surprise when a solitary plate of Keema Karela was brought. This was joined by the Parathas. No cutlery was provided and so I took two plastic spoons from the counter. This was definitely the cheap and cheerful end of the Curry Market.

What to do?
Stewart and Hector started on the Keema Karela eating from opposite sides of the plate. The Chana Curry was then brought and our Chap suggested we would not need the second portion of Mince. The Samosas came last, he was proved to be right, we had a mass of food but no real means of eating it. Another plate was summoned, and so we were able ot decant the Keema and Chana on to separate plates. This was the business.

The Seasoning was exactly how it should be and so the Flavours from the Keema Karela flooded out. The Karela content was not in one’s face, a bit of subtlety with this most unsubtle of Interesting Vegetables. A small bowl of Lime Pickle was brought, initially I thought this was Karela au naturelle until I turned it over to reveal the shiny skin.
I am not a huge fan of Chickpeas and so the idea of a Side Portion is what I was after. This turned out to be a major discovery. Although Soupy, the Masala packed an Earthy Punch, outstanding. The Keema looked a bit Wet on arrival, compared to the Chana it now looked Dry. The Two Dishes together were immense. The Parathas were Fresh and Flaky, Stewart and Hector were having fun. When it felt time to tackle the Samosa, the Peas spilled out on top of the Mince. Keema Mutter Karela. The Pastry on the Samosa was not far away from the Paratha, most enjoyable.
And so we cleaned the plates with the Takeaway Customers looking on. One wonders how many people do sit in?

Chef came out from the kitchen. I gave the Calling Card, it was received with interest. I had to explain that I was not from an Awards Agency, who wants a Curry Award?

The Bill
After some discussion between Chef and the Chap – £10.00. Not each, between us. Much appreciated.

The Aftermath
Walking past Cessnock Subway Station I went to investigate the premises that will always be The Clachan. Café Sizzler has gone, Café Naseeb is the new branding, but it too was closed. Neil will no doubt keep me informed as to the opening times.