In honour of Clive’s weekend in Glasgow, the Bad Boys’ Club (BBC) would be convening early this afternoon at the Allison Arms. It may have only been fourteen hours since three of us had Curry, however, this was Clive’s first Opperchancity to experience Hector’s Curry House Discovery of 2016 – Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP). Mags and Tracey were also making a first visit. Jonathan was making a third visit, the previous two had been for Takeaways. Howard was last here with Hector when Mein Host, Ahmed, treated us to a variety of Dishes from the Ambala Menu.
A table for ten – was my texted reply to Jonathan when he asked how many were coming. This was his way of saying he would be there first. In the end we were seven, still more than the two I had originally envisaged.
Marg drove us across the City for our 13.30 rendezvous, we were punctual but still last to arrive. Clive remarked:
This is a nice part of town that you have brought me to. Forth Street is not one you would discover by chance, yet only two blocks west of Pollokshields East train station.
The request for six Cans of Mango Rubicon (£1.10) kicked things off. Naveed, the usual Waiter, was again not present, his Cousin served us today.
Handi Gosht – Large (£16.99) would be shared by Hector and Clive. A Garlic and Coriander Nan (£2.75) and a Plain Paratha (£2.70) would accompany. Nobody else decided to pair off or go for the Standard Portion (£10.99). Jonathan ordered his usual – Keema Peas Karahi (£9.99) with two Tandoori Roti (£1.20). Tracey ordered the Dish which has intrigued by its description and pricing. Phool Gobi Gosht (£8.99) – a Lamb Dish with Cauliflower where – Lamb – is £1.00 extra. Does nobody ever proof read a Menu?
Marg did not fancy a Curry at this time of day but knew this would her Dinner. Masala Fish – with salad – (£6.99) was her choice. The Waiter suggested Bread could accompany. A Chapatti was agreed upon, Chapattis as such are not on the Menu. Mags knew what she wanted but this was not on the Menu either. Ask! Aloo Gosht (£8.99) could be provided along with another Paratha.
Having heard all, Howard decided to order something completely different. He has been known to do this over the years on behalf of Curry-Heute, sometimes he wins… Fish Karahi (£9.99) was only spotted by Hector recently, there are few venues, anywhere, which offer this. My last Fish Karahi encounter was two week sago in Madeira, that was an assault on the taste-buds. Ambala would surely do better. Another Garlic and Coriander Nan completed the order, almost. Marg then asked for a Poppadom.
Two sets of Dips had been placed on the tables when Jonathan declared the number of would-be diners. Two Poppadoms were given to Marg, she took one, the other was shared around the table. The Spiced Onion had become the focus of attention, brown! No red food dye had been used, why is it ever? The Spiced Onions soon disappeared.
Bottled Tap Water had been brought, in attractive Bottles which soon needed replenished. Where were the Mango Rubicons? Eventually they arrived. Our Waiter was by now busy dealing with various Family Groups.
Handi Gosht – Large
The Handi Gosht was first to be presented. Placed on the table between Hector and Clive, this immediately impressed. Real Value, a mass of Tender Lamb on-the-bone with Delicious looking Ghee.
The Naans and Parathas arrived in good time, the Chapatti and Rotis would take a while after the arrival of all the Mains. There was no sign of the Masala Fish. Quickest to cook, it had been left to the end. It took a while, eventually we were all engaged.
A Decent Portion of Handi Gosht was decanted to Clive and Hector’s plates. The Garlic and Coriander Naans had been halved but were still Large and Fluffy enough to give the pleasure of tearing off strips. The Paratha intrigued. I have been given a Perfect Paratha at Ambala – Layered and Flaky. I have also been given a version so Crispy it was approaching – Biscuit. Today was Interpretation #3. Large, Flat, Thin and Moist. Better than Crispy, but not as good as the – Preferred Style, both Clive and I ate relatively more of the Excellent Garlic and Coriander Naan.
The Handi Gosht as served at Ambala is one of Hector’s Favourite Dishes. Closer in style to that served at Dera (Manchester) than any other Glasgow-Punjabi Restaurant, the Distinctiveness and Richness of Flavour is something to behold. As I have written about Yadgar and Karahi Palace, why are people not queued around the block to have this? The Spice was not Demanding, at the time of ordering we agreed all Dishes would be served – Medium. Seasoning is all. This Handi Gosht was Perfect. With the tenderest of Lamb that came off the bone with ease, a joy to eat. Why had nobody else followed the lead?
Enjoy that, Clive?
Very much.
Quite a decent breakfast.
Fish Karahi
No sooner had Hector and Clive started eating, when Howard remarked upon his Fish Karahi. Bland! Under-spiced, under-seasoned – he added. The Fish had been cut – Small. The Melange of Fish and Masala looked as one might expect. A Soupçon came my way. The distinctive Flavour of Fish Curry was there, Pleasant – I thought, but far from – Challenging. Better this than the aforementioned Fish Karahi in Madeira. Last year in Roma, Howard and Hector were in dispute about the Quality of the Fish Curry served at Himalaya’s Kashmir. Do we have to go to Indian Mango (München) to guarantee Outstanding Fish Curry?
Phool Gobi Gosht
On Howard’s left was Tracey. Her – Phool Gobi Gosht – was rich in Lamb on-the-bone and Cauliflower. Another Dish I intended to get around too, I was pleased that a review and photo of this can also be added to the Curry-Heute repertoire. A Soupçon of Cauliflower came across the table. The freshness impressed as did the fact that the Masala tasted totally different from that in the Handi. Tracey was quite certain about her Curry:
That’s the best thing I’ve eaten in weeks.
Masala Fish
Marg summoned the Raita to pour beside the Fish then questioned the need for the Chapatti. The Portion was one and a half fishes, more than adequate. Of the Fish – moist and succulent – were her chosen words.
*
*
Aloo Gosht
Mags remarked immediately on the Portion Size of her Aloo Gosht. Karahi Palace is her yardstick, no comparison was heard today which puzzled. Perhaps fourteen hours was not long enough for Mags to reacquire her Curry Lust.
*
*
Keema Peas Karahi
The Keema Peas Karahi had the anticipated Minimal to none-at-all Masala as one demands. I did not hear any mention of Methi, Coriander was in the mix, I believe.
Very tasty, well worth visiting.
In Jonathan’s previous visits to Ambala, he and Naveed have built up an ongoing joke about – Soup. One day I may get to the bottom of this. There was no Soup served today.
Whole lotta sharin going on
Howard helped Tracey finish her Phool Gobi Gosht. He also received a sample of the Handi Gosht. I think I recall some of Jonathan’s Keema Mutter going his way too. The soon to be empty Large Karahi went west to Jonathan. Mags could not finish her Aloo Gosht, samples were up for grabs. We had a Bread Surplus, plenty of Opperchancity for all to try everything. The Fish Karahi officially was the only disappointment.
The Bill
£81.94. There was no charge for the Poppadoms and Spiced Onions.
The Aftermath
The BBC numbered seventeen members today, too many to sit as a single group… not that this would bother anyone. (emoticon understood)
Dear Reader, come the middle of the week there is going to be a veritable mountain of Curry reviewed. Hector is Bradford bound!