Raja Tandoori (57 Old Sneddon St, Paisley PA3 2AN) is the oldest Curry House in Paisley. Whenever its name is mentioned there is always a reaction; some love it, some clearly do not. Hector is working this evening and all day tomorrow at the Paisley Beer Festival, there was a short break for Curry. Raja Tandoori is the nearest Curry House to the Paisley Town Hall, time was limited, there was no point travelling further to a supposedly grander source of Curry.
Entering around 19.00, the access to the small seating area was via the Takeaway/Shop. Small seating areas, a few tables, in what felt like a storeroom. Mein Host came from the kitchen end of the room, surprised to see someone sitting in. I heard the word – Menu – and offered to go back through to read from the wall. I was informed that a Menu would be supplied.
One wonders how the Menu has changed, if at all, since the inception of Raja Tandoori, there was a Chicken Desi and all the Classics. The section labelled – Hot – became the focus of my attention. Capsicum featured in quite a few of the Dishes that tempted, whether this was in the Masala, or added at the point of serving would remain unknown. I described my requirements, Mein Host pointed to South Indian Garlic Chilli (£8.50) which would include Rice, Lamb of course.
The wait was not long, when Curry comes this quick one knows that it has come straight from the Great Sauce-pot. A sensible portion of steaming hot Rice accompanied what appeared to be the most Traditional Indian Curry I have been served in the West of Scotland for some time.
The Blended Masala was abundant, this was a Curry that needed Rice, not Bread. The Tender Lamb was cut small and was well into double figures, a decent portion. The first intake took me by surprise, Garlic! However, this was not the Wonderful Garlic-laden Bhuna so memorably served at – India Gate – back in the day. This was Garlic Paste, stirred in, and not cooked. Occasionally one encounters this on top of a Garlic Naan, it is rare to taste a Curry this – Raw. The Spice Level was adequate, the Seasoning most certainly – under.
One could be hyper-critical, but who is The Hector to criticise such a well established venue? Once the palate had adjusted, the eating was Pleasant. Towards the end it did feel a bit monotonous, all one Flavour, lacking in Complexity. I had already decided that I would be coming back tomorrow. If this is how they prepare the South Indian Garlic Chilli, then the Achari must be worth investigating.
The Bill
£8.50. Takeaway price.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left on the counter, Mein Host was busy on the phone.
