Berlin – KhanGee – Mit Knochen Bitte

A later Curry-Heute than has become the norm in recent times, 16.00 was the plan. Being de-trained at Gesundbrunnen, en route to Pankow, meant I arrived at KhanGee (Wollankstraße 118, 13187 Berlin, Deutschland) twenty minutes later. KhanGee is one of two potentially worthy Berlin venues which the Hector has become aware of in the north of the city. Brian, at Bräugier, told me last night of another in the south of the city serving South Indian cuisine. If I like it, he will go. He knows Punjabi Zaiqa has set the standard in Berlin for Hector’s favoured style.

KhanGee has an extensive menu, do they really need all this? A photo on Google Maps is what brought me here. Any Curry House serving this Lamb on-the-bone has to be investigated.

Three young chaps were in situ as I entered. Four diners this Sunday afternoon. I was invited to sit on the opposite side of the large room. Eight tables, four seats each, and a massive space in the middle of the room.

The menu was brought, it took quite a time to get through it. Where was my Curry? Lamb Korma (€15.99) appeared twice, different versions. Interesting. If one is a Desi Korma, the Hector will be back here soonest. In a section, separate from the Lamb Dishes was the Lamm Karahi (€15.99).

I showed the photo to the waiter – Lamm Karahi mit Knochen.

He was unsure, checked in the kitchen and returned with a statement which puzzled.

That’s Wolt.

As his English halted and German took over, I was left none the wiser. Why have this photo if the Curry is not available?

A Plain Naan (€2.99) and a bottle of Fritz-llmo (€2.99) completed the Order.

Scharf – was agreed. There’s little point in ordering anything below – Spicy – in Deutschland.

The wait was appropriate, enough time to convince me that some cooking might actually have occurred.

The waiter brought the food, a bowl of Rice accompanied, I declined it, I had more than enough yesterday. Inclusive Rice, I hadn’t spotted this on the menu, but then how many people would have actually read all of this tome?

*

The Naan, halved was large, thin, peely-wally, and was on the verge of showing blisters when it had been removed from the tawa. It wasn’t particularly appetising, risen and fluffy, this was not. I would manage less than half.

*

*

Lamm Karahi

I was of course worried that what passes for Karahi in Mainstream Curry Houses was coming my way. Thankfully, no big blobs of Onion and Capsicum. Topped with Ginger Strips and a threat of Coriander, this looked just fine.

The thick Masala immediately impressed. The Oil content was at an absolute minimum, only traces on the base of the karahi. This was a Dry Curry, there can be few Curry Houses in Berlin which serve a Masala like this. Tomato-based was my take, though the telltale seeds were not visible. Without decanting, I estimated eight pieces of Meat, some were large and would have to be cut. Plenty of eating here.

The Seasoning stood out, the Spice built slowly. Sliced Red Chillies gave this a boost as and when the bits were consumed. The first piece of Lamb proved to be quite chewy, this Curry was going to take a while to eat. After yesterday’s Desi Lamb, this Lamb was a much drier affair. In time, I would feel it sucking the moisture from the palate. I rarely drink whilst eating Curry, today I had to.

No Whole Spices, it was difficult to identify what the dominant Flavour was. Salty Tomato – was noted. Had I eaten this meal six hours later, I would certainly have wiped the karahi clean and had more of the Naan. Even at 17.00, the appetite did not do this Curry justice.

The Bill

21.07 (£18.36)

The Aftermath

It was Mahira who took payment. We were already chatting whilst this was underway. I reported the Meat as being – dry. She was concerned that I hadn’t enjoyed it. Not the case. Now for the big questions.

Why no Karahi on-the-bone? Apparently, my three fellow Asian diners had asked the same question. Chef will prepare it, given notice, for five to six people. Then deliver? So you can’t have it here? Surely they could reconsider their management of – the King of Curry. Let us have our bones!

One Korma is Indian, the other Pakitsani. The latter, with Nuts, is creamy, but still didn’t sound like the classic Mainstream Korma. The Indian Korma is Tomato-based, but I was not convinced that this was the authentic Desi Korma.  One of them may be.

KhanGee has been in operation for six months. Perhaps they are still finding their way.

2024 Menu extracts

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Berlin – Punjabi Zaiqa – Recognition!

Walking into Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland) at 13.00, there was a smile of recognition from the young chap who fronts the best Curry House found in Berlin. Two new venues have popped up, in time, these shall be investigated. Today, no messing about, Hector was here for Lamm Korma (€12.90).

Lamm Korma mit Knochen, Scharf, Desi Korma, mit Reis, kein Brot.

The – with bones – was confirmed by the chap as he wrote down the Order. I took a litre bottle of Fanta (€3.50) from the fridge, the paper cup was duly provided.

As a creature of habit, I took the same table that Marg and I occupied twice last month. Marg is not on this trip. Today she lost 1-0 to England in the final of the Over 60s Hockey – World Cup Final. That’s twice, same story in the previous tournament. Also, the tournament was being held in Auckland. One trip to New Zealand in 2024 was not enough.

A mature couple were the only other diners.

The food was brought on a tray. As ever, the quantity of the inclusive Rice  was ridiculous. Note to self, next time I’ll have to ask for – halbe Portion.

I put more Rice than I would ever eat on my plate, this hardly scratched the surface of the handi.

Lamm Korma

The aroma was powerful. I recognised this as the distinctive Desi Korma, Citrus. Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the karahi.  As I arranged the Lamb over the Rice, the Meat count reached double figures. Large pieces, plenty of eating. I spooned half of the Shorva over the Meat.

The Flavour of the Lamb was pronounced, this and the intense Flavours from the Shorva confirmed, this was one hell of a Curry. The Spice Level was sufficient, the Seasoning spot on. This Curry was pitched such all could enjoy it. The fresh Ginger Strips now tasted as if they had been cooked in, another source of Flavour. Two Green Cardamom were encountered, a whole Clove also. Whole Spices, classic Desi Curry.

Soft, Tender Meat, glorious. The 1960s came to mind, and the somewhat aggressive Flavours restaurant Curry had back in the day.

Pouring on the remaining Shorva, the final grains of Rice to be eaten were well saturated. So much Flavour, but what a waste.

As I ate, so the couple finished their meal. The lady fetched their packed leftovers from the counter and smiled as she returned. Like me, they probably had enough Rice for another meal. As they left, so Hector was engaged in conversation.

They come here often, the food is – super. Chicken Karahi is the lady’s favourite. I introduced her to the Lamm Korma, a Desi Korma, not what is normally served at mainstream venues.

Oh, and this was conducted in Deutsch.

The Bill

16.40 (£13.70)

The Aftermath

As I approached the door, the young chap bade me farewell – Bis nächster Mal.

He knows I’ll be back.

The taste of Citrus lingered long into the evening.

Later in the day, I was walking through Kreuzberg, as one does, and spotted Amrit.

The sheer size of the premises impressed. Research confirms a mainstream menu.  A resident of this city once advised, any Indian Restaurant which is also a cocktail bar, should be avoided. This is one of four Amrit restaurants in Berlin.

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Glasgow – Cafe Serena – Under New Management?

What has become a systematic trawl of Glasgow’s Southside Curry Cafes, continues. Today, Cafe Serena (328-340 Maxwell Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 1PJ) last visited two years ago. In the week where we have lost Handi By Darbar, it was good to see this somewhat isolated venue still active.

The different layout and the addition of – Afghan Dishes – suggests a change of management/ownership. If anyone knows, please advise. Asking the solitary chap running the show today could have answered this question, however, he was kept busy throughout my stay dealing with Takeaway customers. Only in the – Afghan – section was it clear that Lamb on-the-bone was available as Lamb Doppiazza (£10.50). Lots of Onion then, maybe not.

The Curry had at Cafe Serena over the past thirteen years has generally been decent, the – wow! – has never been attained. Kofta (Anda) is what I had in mind when I entered the empty premises at 13.00. The menu was already on the table, and that is where it remained. I had to call my Order across the room. Was I meant to go up to the counter?

Kofte Karahi (£10.00) and one Chapati (£1.00) – was relayed.

And so the chap took Kofta from the display under the counter and went to the kitchen. The TV has been mentioned here previously, today, a rather loud prayer meeting was being broadcast. Having spent so much time in the Middle East, I have come to feel at home with – the call from the minaret. One does not have this in Pollokshields.

With minimal engagement, the chap brought the food. Having returned to his spot, Salad was offered, declined.

The Chapatti was a shocker. Wholemeal flour, not my preference, served in bits, why? The Chapatti, closer to a Roti, had already turned to crisp. I can produce Bread this poorly on my non-non-stick Tawa, so neither of us is a Bread Chef.

Kofte Karahi

No Egg (Anda), that has been a feature of this Dish as served at Cafe Serena. Five generous-sized Meatball sat in an Oily blended Masala. This had – Desi – written all over it. Each Meatball would be duly halved, then halved again, plenty of eating.

Whoa! – the Seasoning in the Masala was right in the face, or on Hector’s palate anyway. The Spice was no more than – medium. A decent start only hindered by the crispy Bread.

Previously, the Kofta were actually pieces of Seekh Kebab, as given away by the skewer marks.

Better grilled than fried – was the given explanation. Today, proper Kofta, i.e. Meatballs.

The comparatively dark interior of the Kofta proclaimed Lamb Mince over Chicken. Hopefully, the Hector is not fated to eat Chicken Curry again any time soon. A strong Herb presence in the Meatballs dominated more than the Spice. Methi, man.

The crispy Chapatti was a serious distraction. The abandonment of the Chapatti would lead, in part, to not all of the Masala being eaten. As has happened twice in recent weeks, I came to realise there was something in the Masala that was not sitting too well on the palate. Too much Methi may have been the cause of this. Can one have too much Methi? Indeed one can, too bitter. Was this meal actually – over-Seasoned?

It became a matter of – finish the Meatballs.

Not the best of experiences. The sixth review of Cafe Serena, five can qualify for addition to Glasgow’s Top Rated, not yet, if ever. Especially if there has been a change of management/ownership.

Last visit was cash only. I asked a waiting customer if that maintained, he advised otherwise.

The Bill

£8.00    Who was I to argue?

The Aftermath

On the smart walk east to Pollokshaws Road, did I see new – Vegas/Hollywood – signage at Ambala? Watch this space.

2024 Menu

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Glasgow – Handi By Darbar – And the shutters came down…

Hector has his favourite places, but cannot visit them every week. Where would that leave Curry-Heute? This evening, Moiz, Mein Host at firm favourite:  Handi by Darbar (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) texted to inform me, the business has been sold, and is now closed. The new Syrian owners are unlikely to maintain the fayre that has been enjoyed on these premises for over a decade, firstly as Karahi Palace, and since February of this year as – Handi By Darbar.

I was told of some who went to Handi By Darbar quoting Curry-Heute. Unfortunately, not enough customers, which is frustrating when one knows that if the people at the nearby Barclays complex were made to work in the office, there would be more than a minimum threshold to survive.

Moiz, and his staff, can return to – Darbar Grill – the parent shop on Allison Street. Until the next venture, the Hector will be having his Lamb Desi Korma at Darbar Grill, or The Village, a few doors down from Handi By Darbar.

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Glasgow – New Cafe Reeshah – By Appointment

Another visit to New Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 1NP) was required having established that here is a source of truly outstanding Lamb Karahi Lahori (Karahi Gosht).

That was ten days ago, in the interim, Howard paid a visit, he knows if Hector makes a declaration, it is worthy of consideration. If only the rest of Glasgow’s populace would take the hint, Cf, the subsequent post. Sadly for Howard, having given way to another customer who arrived simultaneously, the last of the day’s Lamb Karahi Lahori (£11.00 / £13.00) was hoovered up before his eyes.

Time to rectify.

Howard and Hector planned a return today at 14.00. Yesterday, a phone-call booked two – large – portions, to sit in.

Come at two thirty – was the advice given.

What is the significance of this time? That’s successive posts where this has been quoted. Maybe the Hector shall have to restore 15.00 as his eating time.

Needless to say, we were both punctual today. Howard, having arrived first, was directed around the corner to – The Bookies – where he was able to use – the facilities.

Note, Cafe Reeshah is primarily a Takeaway, but their fayre must taste better without the condensation which forms in a container, hence spoiling the food. The display of ready Curry had ample Karahi on display, Chicken Karahi Lahori (£7.00 / £9.00) too. Chicken Curry has featured enough in these pages of late.

I bided my time, Bread had yet to be sorted, there always seemed to be customers, indeed, there were only momentary gaps between them throughout our stay. Arshad, Mein Host, took the Order: Tandoori Naan (£1.50) and a Paratha (£2.50). I later heard someone phone in to order Nihari Lahori Style (£10.00). So, someone is having their Nihari this week.

I helped myself to glasses of tap water, a jug sits on the counter, available to all.

In time, the Naan and one plate of Karahi was brought to the table. A slight panic – we are having two?

The second plate came with the Paratha.

The Tandoori Naan, served whole, as pleases the Hector, was possibly thinner than last week. Still, a risen periphery, soft bread, fine.

The Paratha seemed huge. Layered, buttery, flaky, and retaining its softness throughout, a decent example. I shall always prefer the use of white flour, not wholemeal.

Arshad offered Coriander to go on top, yes please. Foliage, always welcome.

*

Lamb Lahori Karahi

Ginger Strips had been cooked in with the Tomato-based Masala. I reminded Howard that by removing the Tomato skins, the Masala seemingly creates itself. The portion was well sufficient, even allowing for the Bones. If this was large, it was within our capacity. If standard, then who needs – large? Now for the eating.

The richness of Flavour was immediately evident. The same ingredients are available to every Curry House, it’s therefore down to the Chef, and if he/she knows how, this magical result becomes possible. Today, I did spot a lady emerge from the kitchen.

Yadgar have set the standard for Goshat Karahi in Glasgow, today’s offering was right up there, similarities aplenty. It makes one wonder who is in the kitchen. In time, hopefully there shall be more information here.

One does not make this by chance – I remarked to Howard, who concurred. I needed a – harrumph.

The familiar Flavours were down to the Seasoning, as well as the blend of Spices. The Spice Level was never a challenge, everyone should be able to enjoy this, no sweat. Medium, plus, I noted. The infused Meat was a joy, here too Yadgar came to mind, it’s the way it comes across, Tender, Flavoursome. I can give no higher praise.

Hector has his favourite places, and today I lost one. New Cafe Reeshah will hopefully step up.

As we ate, so Arshad presented a plate of Chanaa Lahori (£5.00 / £6.00) – just made.

Well it had gone 14.30. Chicken, and then Chickpeas, is there a universal conspiracy?

Channa Lahori

A modest portion of Chana sat in a brown Shorva. Cinnamon was what hit Hector’s palate, Howard offered – Clove.

We arranged the plates such that we could split this complimentary offering. Not wanting to spoil the joy of what we had actually ordered, the Chickpea Curry was set aside. It was almost a Dessert, which was fitting when Arshad approached once more:

Would you like Sweet after?

Here was the opperchancity for Hector’s classic response:

If I have room for Dessert, I’ll eat more Curry.

In a quieter moment, Arshad looked across, there as a knowing smile.

You know how to cook – I proffered.

Between us, we cleared the plates of Curry and left minimal Bread. Howard offered a few words:

There was seasoning, spice and flavour. The lamb was soft and Howard had an appetite. Having missed out last week (he’s still going on about it), the anticipation and expectation were high. Both were more than fulfilled by an excellent Curry. I also enjoyed the Chickpea side dish, and was particularly impressed by the Paratha which was savoury, but had a sweet edge that complemented both dishes.

What’s all this speaking of oneself in the third person? Is illeism contagious?

So, you don’t just have to take my word for it, Howard, and the taxi driver who indirectly sent me back here, agree: New Cafe Reeshah has something to offer that is among the best in this city.

The Bill

£26.00    So that was the Standard Portion then, quite enough.

The Aftermath

I showed Arshad the post for my visit here last week. He remarked on the detail. I relayed how five visits can command promotion to Glasgow’s Top Rated. This could be achieved by the end of the year. Being open all afternoon does help.

Phoning in to confirm the availability of a particular Dish is recommended. Lamb Lahori Karahi is cooked every day, be like Hector, not Howard, book it in advance.

Arshad informed me that his brother, Amjad, whom I also met last week, is the Chef.

I look forward to getting to know these chaps in the months, years to come.

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Glasgow – Sheerin Palace – In Search of Nihari

Earlier this year at Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Govanhill/Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) it was established that Nihari is a regular Dish, served daily, even. Reviewing their Nihari was today’s plan, however, the best laid plans…

Arriving at 13.20, it became apparent that the Hector was too early, not all of the Dishes were ready yet. No Lamb Curry was visible, not even the ever-present Aloo Gosht. Ali, Mein Host, declared Nihari would be available around half past two. Snookered, what was a Hector to do?

If I survived a Chicken Curry at The Chicken Corner last week, why not? The young chap behind the counter explained that the drier, boneless Chicken Curry had Peppers. Chicken on-the-bone with Rice it would be. Also, for the first time, the Rice was purely Pilau, usually it’s Chicken Pilau. Therefore, today was not my first experience of Chicken at Sheerin Palace, but certainly this would be a first Chicken Curry.

I took a table, another chap had just sat down opposite, Seekh Kebab plus other bits filled his plate. There was a moment of acknowledgment, then I let him be.

Ali was out to wipe every table. How apposite was this after last Saturday’s Blog? This was the first time I have seen Ali this year, he was on vacation when I made two summertime visits.

The food soon arrived, a complimentary Modest Salad and Raita, then moments later, the main event.

I should read my own Blog, but then I wasn’t planing on having Rice today.

*

*

Pilau

What a plateful, enough for two, more even. A Hector cannot eat this volume of Rice. Topped with more Salad components, a bit of thought had gone into the presentation.

The Rice was beautifully Spiced, pieces of Cinnamon Bark would be encountered as I ate. It was the distinctive Flavour of Clove which permeated the Pilau.

Chicken Curry

Four pieces of Chicken on-the-bone sat in the Shorva, plus one boneless. I arranged the solids on top of the mountain of Rice, retaining half of the Shorva for later, as is my custom.

The Spicy Pilau kicked things off, impressive. Soaked with Shorva, even better. The Seasoning was on the button, the Spice would never challenge, enough. The thin, Oily Shorva had all the Flavour properties of a Desi Curry.

The Chicken skin had absorbed the Flavours, the interiors not. I picked up the neck, a Sucky Bone in effect. This oozed Flavour, and micro pieces of Meat,  definitely worth having, if not a bit desperate.

The young chap came through to ask if I wanted anything else, Naan and Kidney Bean Curry were mooted. I had more than enough on my plate.

The crunch from the raw Onion was enjoyed, varied Textures. I was munching away when Ali came through once again and sat at the adjacent table. This was a first. Whilst I have always been recognised, it took until July when Mobeen broke the ice.

The customary question was asked, I could tell by Ali’s facial expression that he at first thought I was not enjoying my meal, there’s no such thing as Chicken Curry – also puzzled.

Even at Nando’s it is only the Chicken skin which takes on the Flavours. The white Meat speaks for itself. Ali informed me it’s all down to British mass produced Chicken. It can only be cooked for ten minutes before shredding. Back in the villages where poultry runs free, the animals are allowed to live a life. With these older birds, and presumably tougher Meat, longer cooking is possible, giving better results.

Here was the opperchancity to mention Bateera. My first encounter with Quail was on an early visit to these premises, now a Wednesday, Manchester favourite, at Kabana (Cheetham Hill). Ali informed me they have Tripe on Wednesdays. Mother used to cook a wonderful white Tripe Dish, it was all about the Onion Sauce. Once I bought brown Tripe, the smell when cooking was awful. Marg was far from impressed. Neither of us could eat it. The Quail bate was not taken, a bird which does absorb Flavour.

How much is a Naan? – I heard a young boy ask at the counter. I never heard the reply.

Eight Naans please.

Wonderful.

The third chap on the premises brought napkins, the Hector was being well looked after.

With the Meat finished, it was time to pour on the remaining Shorva. The Spiced Rice and Shorva was maybe not exciting, but certainly satisfying. I ate as much as I dare given that the rest of the Monday ritual had to be considered. My final mouthful was most rewarding, a blast of Clove.

Note to self, again, ask for a half portion of Rice.

The Bill

£10.00

The Aftermath

Apart from the chap who took the cash, the others were in the kitchen. There was a lot of Naan to be cooked.

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Glasgow – The Chicken Corner – formerly Chilli Cottage

The Chicken Corner (404-406 Paisley Rd. West, Glasgow, G51 1BE) in Cessnock, on Glasgow’s Southside, is actually the re-branded Chilli Cottage. Someone may have told me this, however the penny didn’t drop.

Arriving at 13.00, the Hector was prepared for what was coming. There is no Lamb on the menu, so it was Chicken and/or Vegetables. What was known, this essentially Takeaway venue with three tables, would still have Desi Curry on offer. Once again I draw the reader’s attention to the price of Pizza, just how do the Pizza chains get away with charging what they do?

I asked the chap out front to talk me through the Dishes on display. All were available in – small – or – large – sizes.  I had Mince & Tatties for dinner last night, so Chicken Mince and Potato (£5.00 / £7.00) wasn’t on. Spinach With Potato’s (sic) (£4.00 / £6.00) might have tempted, however, Hector cooked his own Saag Aloo a few days ago. Chana Curry (£4.00 / £6.00) was had last time on these premises, anyway, the Hector is not a huge fan of Chickpeas. There was nothing for it, take a deep breath:

Chicken Curry (£5.00 / £7.00), and Vegetable Rice (£4.00) please.

I made it clear I was sitting in despite the three sets of twin tables being occupied. I asked a chap who was waiting, for a Takeaway as it happened, if I could join him. Hygiene is something I rarely have to mention. There was congealed food in the gap between the pair of tables, most unappetising. Throughout my stay, the spillage of my fellow diners was never cleaned up. This is not good practice.

Reheats complete, I was called to the counter to collect my food.

Vegetable Rice

The menu clearly states – Mixed Vegetable Rice. Here was a massive plate of Rice with maybe half a tin of Chickpeas.

Way more Rice than I could ever eat, I would manage just over half.

*

Chicken Curry

Four small pieces of Chicken, served on-the-bone sat in a Shorva. There were no leg or thigh bones here, this Chicken may well have been off the arse end of the carcass. Having arranged the Chicken on top of the Rice, I smothered the solids with a sufficiency of Shorva. Half of the Shorva was retained for later.

The Shorva was immense. The Seasoning was well pitched, the Spice would build, the Flavours were classic Desi Curry. With the plastic fork, I was able to separate Meat from Bone with ease. Decent Chicken, and regular readers will not be surprised when I report nothing else. Chicken does not – Curry.

The abundant Chickpeas had the anticipated Dry Texture. If anything, these were guilty of absorbing some of the moisture from the Rice and the Shorva.

This was lunch, this was Curry, the Shorva was doing the heavy lifting. Once the minimal Meat had been consumed, the remaining Shorva was poured across the Vegetable Rice. The expected Mixed Vegetables would have been a game changer here, instead, the Chana was not –interesting – at all.

In time, I ate all I could. A simple meal, great value.

The two chaps who sat at the adjacent table captured what The Chicken Corner is about. They shared a single portion of Chana Curry, and with a Naan (£1.50) each, had a filling snack they were evidently enjoying. With the line of Schwarma/Grill Houses to the east of Cessnock Subway station, this venue is catering for different tastes and perhaps income brackets. What they do here, they are clearly doing well, but give the tables a wipe, please.

The Bill

£9.00   I should have gone – Large.

The Aftermath

On taking the remnants back to the counter, Mein Host acknowledged this:

Big portion!

Too much Rice!

was the exchange.

2024 Menu extracts

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Glasgow – New Cafe Reeshah – Wow! and then some…

My wife is the best cook in Glasgow – so a taxi driver told me one evening. The Hector is still waiting for an invitation to verify this.

I make it a point of establishing where taxi drivers eat in Glasgow, anywhere for that matter. They usually know the best places. It was Steve who mentioned New Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 1NP) last week after he, Howard, and their ladies shared a taxi. For Takeaway only – was the given caveat.

Despite the minimal seating and lack of facilities, original Cafe Reeshah was becoming a favourite when it changed hands in 2018. New Cafe Reeshah did not impress, this venue then fell off the radar. Having decided to suspend my latest project and give The Wee Dhaaba a rest, I’ll try not to wait six years before returning there.

The Monday Curry, I arrived at New Cafe Reeshah bang on 13.00. A small queue stood at the counter, this venue is very much a Takeaway, however, the two tables remain. Seating for ten, cosy if anyone else joins. By removing my jacket, I made it clear I was here to sit in. The Dishes on display were duly captured.

The fayre was a la Glasgow Curry Cafe, an array of starters and ready-cooked mains. Given what I have eaten in the last few days, the Chicken Curry was almost tempting, but what was that top right, behind the Vegetable concoction? There wasn’t much of it. A comparatively Dry Curry, hint of Yoghurt/Cream, the Meat unfathomable at distance, not a trace of Oil.

I took my seat and studied the menu whilst those who had ordered pizza got their order. Pizza, it would fly out the door in the next half hour or so, and at the prices charged here, not surprising. I cannot believe what the big chains now charge.

The business end of the menu offered Curry in two sizes of portion, this I like. Haleem, that was the other Mash, as established when a later customer ordered this obliterated Lamb which is very much a matter of taste.

The only thing I knew for certain on arrival, I was having a Tandoori Naan (£1.50), enough Rice of late. Lamb Karahi Lahori (£11.00) was the obvious attraction on the menu.

We can do anything for you – was the proud claim back in 2018.

I had come early to allow waiting time if necessary. When one of the two chaps front of house was free, I asked what the mystery Curry was.

Lamb on-the-bone.

Done.

An impressive portion of the Lamb on-the-bone was taken to the kitchen for reheating.

I helped myself to tap water from the jug on the counter. I would count four members of staff, at some point or other, everyone was involved in slicing large pizzas. The delivery truck came with Spices, flour and more pizza boxes.

One of the kitchen chaps placed my Curry and Naan on the counter, came out front, and made a point of serving me himself. Having secured a spoon, all was set.

The round Tandoori Naan was served whole and was on the verge of forming blisters. Suitably, risen, this would prove to be light and fluffy, an excellent Naan.

*

*

*

Lamb Lahori Karahi

Jumping ahead here, the ensuing conversation confirmed the nomenclature.

The transformation from display Curry to what sat before me was marked. The Oil had separated, if one doesn’t appreciate an Oily Masala, then this is not for you. Herein lies Flavour, and maybe the heart attack. Tomato Seeds were prominent in the Masala, one piece of skin. This Masala oozed quality.

The Meat count reached double figures, two Big Bones were apparent, smaller ones attached elsewhere.

Dipping a piece of Naan into the Masala, a sharp blast of Spice hit the back of the throat. No prisoners being taken. The Flavours soon followed, how intense was this? The Seasoning was spot on, it was all happening here.

Having sat in the chilled Masala, the Meat was well marinated. Super-tender, a total delight. No Sucky Bones, behold the distinctive bone from a Lamb Chop, Meat slightly detached. Just how good was this Curry?

No Whole Spices, a subtle sense of Cloves, what a blend Chef had produced. This was Wow! – and beyond. The Flavours, the pleasure given, off the scale. Such depth, that which marks Desi/Apna from Mainstream Curry Houses.

One of the co-hosts engaged me. I firstly confirmed this was the Karahi.

We use bone, home style.

He then seem to suggest that this was not for Takeaway, so much for taxi drivers.

Desi! – I got it in, again.

Is bone bothering you?

I assured him this was my preference.

I ate on, eventually reaching the point where the very fine Naan had to be abandoned.

Just how good was this Karahi? The Seasoning was right up there, again, those who cannot handle – Salt – this is not for you.

Stunning, sensational, this is why the Hector tours these humble Southside venues. Authentic, a term abused by too many venues, but truly apposite. This was as good as Curry gets. Something wonderful has happened at New Cafe Reeshah since my first visit. I shall certainly be back to sample more.

The Bill

£12.50   Great value.

The Aftermath

Introductions over, I established that this glorious Lamb Karahi is available every day. As is the Curry Cafe norm, fresh Dishes are prepared every day, so until the pattern is established, it could be pot luck in terms of the other Dishes. Lovely people, I look forward to my future/immediate visits. (New) Cafe Reeshah is back.

2024 Menu

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Hector Cooks – Jhinga Saag Aloo

Hector cooks a Prawn Curry? After the recent Chicken Patia, anything is possible. The latter proved once again that the presence of Chicken in a Curry is little more than bulk and protein, so why not Prawns?

Prawns in a Curry? A waste of quality seafood?

With Marg up north, today was an opperchancity for experimenting. Mom’s Delicious Recipes – on a certain social medium features a recipe for Saag Aloo. This flipped the – must have Spinach – switch.

The somewhat mild, Coconut Milk based Masala caught the imagination, a potentially interesting – Side. Adding the Prawns could transform this into a main course.

No Tomatoes or Chilli Powder were used. Cumin, Turmeric and Curry Powder were the Spices added to the fried Onion, Ginger and Garlic.

The Potatoes were then dry fried in the Onion-Spice mix before the Coconut Milk was stirred in.

Twenty minutes, a long time to cook Potatoes, before addressing the addition of the Spinach and Prawns.

The original recipe called for multiple cups of fresh Spinach, Hector had a large tin. Tinned Spinach would give a completely different outcome, and so the original objective was abandoned. A more traditional looking Saag Aloo would be created.

To accompany, Rice, note the inclusion of the leftover Veg Fried Rice from last week’s visit to Handi By Darbar.

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Jhinga Saag Aloo

The humble Potato rarely fails to deliver. Maybe every Curry should have an – Aloo – component? Herb-rich, Earthy Flavours were unsurprisingly dominant. Seasoned to taste before serving, the late addition of coarse Black Pepper was the only source of Heat. This was surely a better outcome than originally planned.

The Prawns were the added bonus, maybe cooking them in the Onion-Ginger-Garlic at the start would have given them more Flavour. As a light meal, this worked well.

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Hector Cooks – Chicken Patia

The freezer said – Chicken tonight. Something different was required, there was a notion for Chicken Patia. A Pork Patia appeared in these pages in 2020 during the dark days of Lockdown. It is six years since I last cooked the classic Chicken version.

Hector cooks a Chicken Curry? It happens. Lamb Patia simply doesn’t feel right, Fish Patia might be worth a try.

The only departures from the tried and tested recipe was the presence of bones in the Chicken Thighs. Mushrooms were also added late on as the Interesting Vegetable. A spare cooked Potato was in the fridge, in it went.

Despite the presence of Tomato Puree and Ketchup, the Masala was not as red as it turned out in the early days. When I took the Anniesland College Curry Course some two decades ago, Chicken Patia became a favourite in Hector’s House. Perhaps we sickened ourselves. Curried Eggs / Pork Chops, a recipe picked up by Mother some fifty years ago, has proved to be more resilient.

The surface Masala was among the thinnest I have ever cooked. There was a more substantial Masala at the base of the pot, so not all Shorva. The quantity of Salt in the recipe guaranteed a decent level of Seasoning. Despite the four Green Chillies, the Spice Level did not lead to Marg making her customary declaration.

Tangy – therefore became Marg’s initial offering.

A lovely oily sauce with both a tangy and sweet taste. Enjoyed the fluffy rice as it absorbed the thick sauce. An excellent dish with chicken thighs and skin to keep the meal interesting.

This was a tasty Curry, enjoyed by us both. It’s all about the sauce, the Chicken, as ever, proved to be incidental. Patia may well make another appearance in the coming months. Has anyone ever encountered Fish Patia? Fear not, the Hector will never order Patia in a Curry House.

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