Today’s visit to Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) was placed in the Hector Diary two weeks ago, a first Opperchancity for Steve and Hector to Dine both Midweek and Mid-afternoon – because we can.
Walking down Forth St. one cannot help but wonder about the diversity of activity over such a short distance, or indeed lack of it. Nobody has been seen working in the foundations of the latest grand construction in the last few months.
Steve had arrived early, Hector knows the 14.50 from Glasgow Central has one walking in the door of Ambala at exactly 15.00. The Lamb Handi on-the-bone (£16.99) was ordered an hour previously, they seem to recognise The Hector on the phone. All the Staff behind the counter acknowledged me as I entered.
With Drinks sorted, the question of differing Parathas (£2.70) had to be resolved. I showed Naveed the Paratha I enjoyed so much on Visit #1. That which was served last time was markedly different. Plain Paratha – was Naveed’s statement. The reliable Naan (£2.00) was ordered too.
Steve was amused by the Ambala Colour Scheme, I offered my interpretation of why Ambala is done up as an Ice Cream Shop – it sells Ice Cream.
Naveed, who has previously asked for his photo not to appear on Curry-Heute, brought the Large Karahi to the window booth, making quite an impact. This is all for us! The Breads arrived straight away, the Paratha was again different from those seen previously, flat, not layered, not flaky. Puzzling. Different Chef, should I be ordering a Stuffed Paratha? The Naan was Light, the better option once again, very satisfying.
This is a Curry – exclaimed Steve from the off. Indeed, the Lamb Handi is markedly different from the Lamb Karahi which is our Norm. The Masala is Plentiful, Prominent. This is Meat in A Sauce, but what a Rich Masala. Tomato seeds are highly visible, Onion features prominently. It is possible that Onion may well have been puréed to create the texture of the Masala. Cloves came through strongly, so if this is not a Flavour one enjoys, beware. This was a Large Portion, quite a bit short of the full Kilo, and so easier to tackle. Naveed assured us he can eat this by himself. I offered to sit beside him one day as he does so. As always, Naveed was on hand just in case anything more was required.
The Lamb included a few Sucky Bones, a source of further Flavour in themselves.
The Peripheral Oil was so Yellow with an almost Green hue. Very little Oil was left at the base of the Karahi.
That was good – was Steve’s concluding statement. There was no need to wax lyrical. If one enjoys Quality Curry then Ambala is a venue worth consideration.
The Bill
£23.79. Two Chaps, well fed, for a modest sum.
The Aftermath
Marg included, Steve is the fifth friend I have taken to Ambala, I put it to Naveed that I hope to hear that friends have visited without me, or better still, the Readers of Curry-Heute.
I took Steve through the Menu, having realised he had not seen it. The full range of Curry/Karahi Dishes are available. I still think Lamb Chops are over-priced.