A Lidl Shopping done, it was a block south to Desi Cafe (140 Allison St. Glasgow G42 8RP) where Hector and The Mother of Hector were so graciously entertained last December. Six chaps occupied two tables, they were well ensconced in the business of eating – Curry. Whilst Mother made herself comfortable, I examined the array of pre-cooked Dishes. The Chicken was dismissed. Lamb Curry was available in two formats, Aloo Gosht (£6.90) on-the-bone, and Lamb Curry (£5.00) without bones. One portion of each was ordered, along with one portion of Boiled Rice (£1.50) and a Chapatti (£0.60).
Ahmed, Mein Host, brought Food to the other tables and was straight over thereafter to greet. Mother managed to croak out a – hello.
One of the two Young Chaps serving brought a Modest Salad, Raita and a Jug of Water. The Lemon Wedge went straight into Mother’s Glass of Water, her favourite. The Raita had a sharpness and was not to Mother’s taste. Hector hoovered the rest of the Salad.
Two warm plates were placed before us. The warm plates perked Mother up, her meals can be ruined before they start when cold plates are presented.
The Curry arrived, no bones were visible. The two Dishes looked remarkably dissimilar. The waiter confirmed which had the bones, the Curry with the near-Shorva Masala. A quarter of the Rice was put on Mother’s plate, the remainder was still more than I could ever eat.
The Photographs complete, time to eat.
Aloo Gosht
The Meat Quantity was not Huge, just as well, this was Lunch. The Lamb was Succulent, and having spent time soaked in the near-Shorva, gave off more Flavour. The Masala was Well-seasoned, the Spice Level not demanding. The Chapatti was of average size, a bit thicker than the norm. The Chapatti was used to scoop up the leftover Shorva/Masala, Tasty. There was an overall – Earthy Flavour – very pleasant indeed. This Curry could never be put in the – Wow – category, but was certainly a worthy – Hector Curry – hence my return to Desi Cafe.
Lamb Curry
This Curry had a Traditional, Blended Masala. The Onion and Tomato base was most evident here. The Reddish hue made this Masala appear richer than the Aloo Gosht. When it came time for a Soupçon to come in my direction, I had to marvel at the Richness of Flavour, a slight Tanginess was present. The Lamb here was even Softer than the Aloo Gosht and again was giving off flavour having had time to absorb the Spices.
Mother declared that this was the best meal she has had in some time.
The Curry was lovely – was her initial remark. When Ahmed appeared once more, this was upgraded to – The Curry was delicious!
I had to ask Ahmed about the difference in the two Dishes. The Aloo Gosht was – Desi, I shall partly quote Ahmed for his description of the Lamb Curry.
It’s for the….
The Glaswegians? I offered. The Lamb Curry had been cooked in the kitchen next door in the Desi – Curry Palace.
Ahmed assured us they are busy at Lunchtimes midweek and also for Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do you serve Punjabi Breakfast? – I asked. The reply was positive. I must get my self across the river one morning.
Without a word of warning, Ahmed brought a bowl of Semolina Halva and two small plates. Hector does Dessert, again? Sweet, Mother like Hector does Savoury. Fortunately, this Halva was not as Sweet as I have encountered in the Middle East. I know someone who likes – Sweet. And so a Doggy Bag was prepared.
The Bill
£15.00. This included a cheeky charge of £1.00 for – Salad and Sauce.
The Aftermath
Mother’s throat cleared, the Curry had done her a lot of good.