Glasgow – Kebabish Grill – Last Curry of 2016

It is approaching five years since Hector last set foot in Kebabish Grill (323–325 Victoria Road, Glasgow, G42 7SA), Competent Curry, nothing outstanding – may be the conclusion for last time, else I would have been back sooner. Due to the Diary being full this week, Mother’s fortnightly shopping trip had to be today. Passing a closed Yadgar en route to Lidl, I realised that Friday lunchtime is not the best time of week to visit the Curry Cafes on Glasgow’s Southside.

Kebabish Grill is directly across from, Lidl, shopping completed, there was still time in the permitted ninety minutes to have Curry. Being the Festive Season, Marg was accompanying, across we went.

Greeted at the door by the Head Waiter on duty, we were taken to the rear of the raised seating area and sat at the table nearest those already present. This is clearly what they do here, bunch everyone up. Menus were brought, my Fellow Diners ignored them, too busy chatting.

Desi Karahi Gosht (on the bone) (£9.85) would be Hector’s choice, the usual caveats permitted. With no Paratha spotted, Garlic and Coriander Nan (£2/95) would accompany. Mother keeps things simple, Lamb Curry (£7.95) and Boiled Rice (£2.50) should satisfy as long as the Plate comes Hot and there is a Side of Mango Chutney. Not too much Rice – pleaded The Mother. You’ll get what they give you – was The Hector reply. Some venues serve what could be considered to be Half Portions, others give a Quantity to match the price. On my last visit I was left with Half a Mountain. Marg considered the Karela Gosht until I informed her that this is what I had last time and found the Karela to be Excessive and too Large. Lamb Muglia (Mughlai surely?) Masala (£8.95) and Pilau Rice (£2.75) became Marg’s selection, washed down with a Glass of Mango Lassi (£2.50). Hector was happy to stick to the customary Sparkling Water.

Now to ensure that the Karahi would be served as expected of a Desi. I asked the Waiter if Capsicum would be present, he said they were in the Sauce. I was then asked if I was allergic to Capsicum – only in terms of how angry the presence of this Ballast makes me. No Capsicum – was noted.

The – Foreword – in the Menu makes it clear that Kebabish Grill is an Independent Operation and is therefore not associated with the Chain of similar name. They also claim to have the largest open grill in Scotland. One has to pass the preparation area at the door, it would be good to be able to hang around here and watch The Chaps in action. Our Waiter presented two Dips and a Salad, Olives! I wondered how I had ended up with Olives last time here. Marg and I devoured the Olives, Mother swiped the Lemon Slice, the Dips remained untouched.

The Plates were set before us, they were Hot, Mother’s Test #1 had been passed. The Desi Karahi Gosht – without Capsicum – and Lamb Curry made their appearance along with the Garlic and Coriander Naan. The Lamb Muglia Masala followed, but no Rice. Hector was waiting for no-one.

Desi Karahi Gosht

The Desi Karahi Gosht looked Spectacular and was reminiscent of that served at Cafe Salma once upon a time. The Lamb was mostly cut – Small – with a Variety of Bones. Breaking the Bread, I could not help but feel how Cold the underside of the Naan was. The melted Garlic Butter may be Hot, I persevered. The Naan again looked the part, a Sensible Size, Rich in appearance, not too Thick. After a mouthful or two I knew I could not continue. I summoned our Chap and invited him to touch my Naan (calm!). Without challenge the offending Naan was taken away. By now the two Rice Portions had arrived along with a Dip-sized Bowl of Mango Chutney. The Ladies were in their element.

Lamb Curry

The Lamb Curry was a Classic – Meat served in a Thin-ish Masala. This is what The Mother of Hector served from the early 1960s, what I was raised on. The Boiled Rice was enough for two, Mother scraped off the top, leaving still enough for two. Perhaps I need to find a venue which serves Pensioners’ Portions, only half of the Lamb Curry was consumed, too much for an Octogenarian, or did Mother have a cunning plan? I helped myself to a piece of Meat, by now both Marg and Mother had commented favourably on the tenderness of the Lamb. Tender indeed, however, the Lamb Curry was not Complex enough for Hector’s Palate. Still, Mother was in raptures:

I enjoyed it very much, the best Curry I have had in a long time. Tender Lamb, hot plates, Mango on the side.

A Takeaway was arranged with leftovers, tomorrow’s Dinner for Mother taken care of.

Lamb Muglia

The Lamb Muglia (Mughlai) Masala was topped with a layer of almonds. Beneath was a most acceptably Dry Masala. Once more, Marg had a Mountain of what looked like Brown Rice, it wasn’t. Observing my notes, she disagreed that she had – hardly touched it – we agree that half was left, enough for two then. And so the lesson has been learned, at Kebabish Grill, share a Rice. No Sample came my way, we have to accept Marg’s verdict:

A rich flavour, very tender Lamb, a pleasant change.

Desi Karahi Gosht

The Replacement Naan arrived before The Hector felt he had been abandoned, much Better, so no further complaints, this happens. The Cafe Salma Similarity was by now well implanted in Hector’s mind, the Masala was identical and more than necessary. Tomato-rich, I had to pick out small pieces of Red and Green Capsicum, this is what was meant by – in the sauce. The objection to Capsicum, apart from being used as Ballast, is that it spoils the Flavour and lingers long after the completion of the Dish. There was not a Whole Lotta Flavour from this Desi Karahi, the Seasoning was well under, how different it could have been. The Spice Level was well within acceptable Parameters.

In discussion with The Locals around Govanhill over the years, Kebabish Grill rates highly. I felt it similar to my Kabana visits, another supposedly rated venue, it didn’t have the – Wow – but still authentic Desi Cuisine.

Mother’s Takeaway sorted, she announced she would have been happy to sit here all day. Marg mentioned Coffee, Hector was on a time limit.

The Bill

£40.85. This included a charge of £1.50 for the Tiniest Portion of Mango Chutney.

The Aftermath

No Calling Card was left, they have had one. I did ask permission to photograph the Cooking Area at the door, this does impress.

Ten minutes over the allotted ninety in the car park, just how pernickety are the administrators? Just ‘cos they have power doesn’t mean they have the right. The New Year may get off to a bad start.

Update – November 30th, 2017

Kebabish goes on fire.  The South Side loses another venue.