Ranjit’s Kitchen (607 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2QG) it says on the banner, Homemade Punjabi Food is written in smaller letters, this is enough for Hector to make a bee line.
This new venue occupies the premises which was previously the Afghan Village and the Pakistani Café prior to that. Portions in the Pakistani Café were minuscule, the Afghan Village did not sell anything which was true to Afghan Cuisine, it was just another Curry Shop. Punjabi Cuisine? How can this fail?
Ranjit’s Kitchen has Four large tables seating about Twenty Four in total. Three diners were already in situ as Hector entered at 13.30. As I took the last empty table the subsequent customers had to double up. Cosy, and informal, I like this.
The Charming Waitress brought the Menu, a laminated card with Savoury on one side, Drinks and Desserts on the other. Have you been here before? – I was asked.
How long have you been here? Two months.
I was advised what today’s Thali would contain, not my cup of tea. Where was the Karahi? Ah, the Menu contained Snacks only, and it was Vegetarian. No Lamb Karahi for the Hector. I was here for my dinner and so immediately decided that this would be elsewhere. I may as well have a Starter.
Samosa, Paneer Pakora (£4.95), Ranjit’s Punjabi thali (£8.95), Daal of the day served with 2 roti (£3.95) were dismissed. The Lady at the adjacent table had a mountain of Ranjit’s Special Pakora (3.95) containing Cauliflower and Spinach too, unusual. Roti were available at 90p. Paratha were on offer for £1.00 for Plain and £1.25 for Vegetable. The latter was tempting, but then I would not manage a Main Course.
Aloo tikki (£3.95) served with a side salad and chutney won the day. If they were as good as Waris’ these would do fine.
The next arrival sat in front of me and opposite the Lady with the Pakora. I could sense his disappointment when he read the Menu, glancing at both sides as I had done – Where’s the Curry? He stayed.
So, what happened to the Chutney? No show. The Salad was merely Green Leaf, very Modest.
Five Patties were Sufficient. With Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Fresh Coriander, these were Splendid. There was a Wee Kick too. The Chutney had become a Dip, not required.
If one can take Food into the Allison Arms then sourcing a Snack here would be worthwhile, but then Shahed’s is next door. In this part of Strathbungo competition is fierce. I wish them well.
The Bill
£5.45. The Mango Rubicon was £1.50. I know a place nearby where they are inclusive.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was accepted graciously. I could not take any more of the Waitress’ time, four new Diners had just arrived.
The food isn’t just snacks, but is priced cheaply, like tapas prices. It’s all very filling and portions are generous, more so than tapas portions. Diners have a choice of a vast variety of different dishes and the menu is designed to encourage people to try a variety of dishes at the same time. The menu is prepared extremely freshly- on the day, or the night before at the most, and so the menu changes every single day. The food is all vegetarian, and Ranjit’s is not a “curry shop” but a friends-and-family-run Punjabi cafe/restaurant. It’s a shame to see you so dismissive of the food and culture, so unwilling to try and understand it. But if a straight up lamb karahi is what you want, this isn’t your kind of place so that’s fair enough.
Hector replies
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my review. I do not agree that you offer a – vast variety of different dishes – nor do I understand why you write that I was – so dismissive of the food and culture. Did I not begin this review, and many others, by stating that Punjabi Cuisine is my favoured cooking style. I was hoping to discover a new source of Punjabi Karahi Gosht. My search continues.
Once again – I wish you well – with your business.
Ranjit’s kitchen featured in a couple of food articles in the broadsheets a week or so ago. A chap at work tried it and was impressed.
Hector replies:
Given the narrow array of food being served, I hope their business plan is sound.