Shopping done, it was time it was time to take The Mother of Hector for her fortnightly Curry Lunch. Our ongoing tour of Southside venues open at midday took us this fine Monday to Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP). Parking in Forth St. can be an issue, today I managed to park at the door, a first.
Naveed was not there to greet us, instead his younger Cousin would do the honours. Hector took his usual table under the air con, thankfully today it was blasting warm air. Mother sat underneath the air current until she realised she couldn’t reach the table, we swopped places.
Hector had Lamb Bhuna in mind for Mother this afternoon, alas it was not to be seen on the Menu. I asked if the Menu had changed, it had, just after my first visit. Lamb Bhuna no more. Desi Karahi Gosht (on-the-bone) (£9.99) was always going to be Hector’s choice. After last week’s Interpretations of Karahi in Madeira, it had to be a retrun to what makes Punjabi Cuisine so Special. A Garlic and Coriander Naan (£2.75) would accompany, safer than the – random – Paratha at this venue.
Mother needed a simple Lamb Curry with Boiled Rice (£2.20) and her usual Soupçon of Mango Chutney. No such Dish exists on Ambala’s Menu. Cousin went to the kitchen to see what could be done. On his return I half heard him say – Lamb Karahi without bones. Or did he say – Curry – ? It’s about time Mother moved up a Division.
Mother continued to study the Menu, she was amused at the presence of Pizza. Aren’t we all? Hector was amused at the pricing for the – Phool Gobi Gosht – (£8.99) – lamb cooked with fresh cauliflower in a thick masala sauce (lamb £1.00 extra). A Lamb Dish which costs an extra Pound for Lamb? If Howard was here he would have picked up on the tautology – masala sauce. We must have this one day, just to be pedantic.
Cousin brought the two Karahi, they were almost indistinguishable, one had bones. Mother had tried to plead for a small portion of Boiled Rice, the Ambala Standard Portion came, enough for a family. There would most certainly be a Takeaway.
The Mango Chutney provided was possibly half of what would come in small jar. The Garlic and Coriander Naan had been halved. Boo. Still, there was still the Opperchancity to tear off strips as required. The Naan was Light and Fluffy, a bit Doughy around the edges, just the way I like it, again so different from Madeira’s – Thin and Crispy.
The Desi Karahi Gosht had that sublime appearance which raised expectations even further. How Thick and Minimal was the Masala presented here? Tomato-based, Totally Rich, oozing a welcoming aroma, I was almost in ecstasy before I started.
I decanted a Mother Portion of Boiled Rice on to the plate, then as much Karahi Gosht as I thought Mother would manage. She did the necessary with the Mango Chutney. Mother was in raptures before I got going.
Very tasty, and the Lamb is just right.
(not too Soft, not too Chewy)
She repeated this to Cousin when he came across to give the customary check.
The first dip of the Naan was a – Wow! – moment. The Flavour here is so different from that served at Glasgow’s two other #1 suppliers of Karahi Gosht – Yadgar – and Karahi Palace. Can one apply the term – evocative – to Flavour? I have previously asked Naveed about the Oil used at Ambala. KTC – does it make the difference? There is something about the contribution the Vegetable Oil makes to the Curry at Ambala.
Mother’s take on the Lamb was accurate. This was – so Tender. With one – Sucky Bone – Ribs – and one – Chop – the bone content was purposeful, adding more to the Overall Flavour. The Spice Level was never challenging, Sufficient. The Seasoning may have been a tiny fraction below Perfection, still, this is what I have been missing. It’s good to be home.
Mother continued to express her delight at what lay before her, even taking more Meat from the Karahi. Inexplicably, she commented on the – Flavour – from the Plain Rice. I think Mother was ready for her Curry-Heute.
The Bill
£22.93. There was no extra charge for Lamb, an error? The Abundant Mango Chutney was – free gratis – to adopt another tautology.
The Aftermath
Home to write this up, a very punctual posting.
Since my last Blog which was at Indian Palace in Madeira, I have had a few emails from Sajjad (Mein Host), comments left here too. Hopefully he will appreciate that what was served today is the Ultimate Objective, few venues can achieve this.