Today, the last of our three Gazpacho gigs, this time in Deutschland. We had intended to spend a second night in Frankfurt am Main and take a late S Bahn back from the venue, Das Rind, Rüsselsheim. Die Bahn had other ideas. No trains running after 21.00. And so, after Curry-Heute, a short train ride west to accommodation not conceived of when this extravaganza was all booked some months back.
Lahore Kebab Haus (Münchener Strasee 39, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland) was recommended by the chaps at Desi Dhaba (Aachen) two days ago. Lahore Kebab Haus happens to be the only Frankfurt Curry House already reviewed in Curry-Heute, some thirteen years ago, Perhaps Hector has an instinct for these things. However, the Curry that day was hardly impressive.
After a late check-our from the Ibis around the corner, we entered Lahore Kebab House at 14.00, the first diners of the day. Two more groups would arrive thereafter. A waitress greeted us in Deutsch, the response was in English. Establish the parameters.
Lahori Karahi (€23.90) is what I was anticipating having, served on-the-bone, it could be authentic Desi fayre. But look at the next item on the menu – Lamm Korma (€21.90.
The Topping of Nuts aside, the Masala in the picture was dark, thick, possibly the elusive Desi Qorma. Had the Hector just found a third source of this Curry in Deutschland, and the second this week?
Marg was swithering between Samosa Chat (€9.50) and Veg Pakora (€7.50). She was certain that Salad was required. Lahori Kahumber Salat (€9.50) was a consideration. Simpler Salads were displayed on the menu, however, on my version, some had been scored out. The full menu appears, eventually, at the foot of this post. The waitress advised, that Salad would come – Kostenlos, maintaining the great German tradition of serving a Side Salad with every meal. Pakora it would be, sorted.
With minimal English from our server, and minimal Deutsch on my part, I did my best to establish that this Curry was in fact the Desi Qorma, not the bland Creamy-Coconut interpretation that is eschewed in these pages. An above medium Spice Level was sought, medium-plus – was my attempt. At this point I became worried that the waitress was recording two Lamm Kormas. She insisted otherwise.
The Lamm Korma comes with both Rice and Bread, I managed to cancel the Rice.
A 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water (€6.50) completed the Order. To have everything arrive together was the next challenge. Zusammen, a useful word.
When the waitress related the Order to the kitchen I again was convinced I heard Lamm Korma being said twice. She showed me what she had written.
Alles ist in Ordnung.
The inclusive Salads arrived first. Marg could have both, her mission well underway. 
Two Dips accompanied a mass of Pakora, the Hector would have to assist.
Veg Pakora
Eight large pieces of Pakora sat on the platter, the garnish included a whole Green Chilli. Marg would not be having that.
Pakora in Deutschland usually looks peely-wally, today’s had a unusually thick coating of Batter. Dissection revealed good chunks of Potato and Onion but no Coriander Leaves or Coriander Seeds as published in the Curry-Heute recipe. Still, tasty, Spicy, this was a fine version of Vegetable Pakora.
Marg:
I asked for a Salad dish with my Vegetable Pakora. Eight pieces of Pakora, of different sizes, and I struggled to finish it all.
Very fresh and hot, and I found some of them doughy, but still tasty. I piled the Salad on my main dish and used the Raita and Mango dips with the Pakora pieces. The Salad gave moisture with crunchy cucumber, red onion, lettuce and chopped tomatoes. A sprinkle of coriander leaves added to the flavour. A full dish.
Any thought of having another piece were quelled when a chap brought the Curry and Naan. The heart sank faster than a pebble dropped in a pond.
Our waitress left the premises.
The Naan was fine. Served whole, with perforations having restricted its rising in the centre, the puffier edges saved the day. Not the largest of Naan, but for reasons that shall unfold, I managed little more than half.
Lamm Korma
This is not a Desi Qorma, this was not what I desired, this was not what I thought I had ordered. Behold, a Creamy, Soupy Curry. A Curry fit for a Marg, not a Hector.
The first dip of the Naan in the yellow Masala surprised. Creamy yes, perhaps a hint of Coconut Milk in there, but this was not the standard Korma served up across the planet. There was a good – kick – medium plus had been achieved. The Seasoning was spot on, a seriously flavoursome Curry. The Meat count reached double figures, what’s more, some were on-the-bone.
Exactly what was this that sat before me? Not what I thought I had ordered. Not a standard Korma. It was a Curry I could actually enjoy, and so could my wife. A Desi Creamy Curry?
The chap came over to ask the customary question. The Hector was ready.
I was expecting a Desi Qorma, the photo on your menu shows a dark Masala.
I will tell him – was the response. He went to the kitchen then returned.
Chef thought you wanted mild.
That was nonsense, I had seen the written Order, I had heard it being relayed.
I was offered a replacement. An honourable offer, but having eaten half of my Curry, I could not possibly eat another.
Bring me a small portion of what Chef can do – was my suggested compromise.
Curry #2
Six pieces of Meat, a Sucky Bone, Green Chilli and pieces of Tomato, sat in a Tomato-based Masala. Karahi Gosht! The Curry I had originally planned to order.
The Meat was more chewy, and initially was giving back more than just its own meatiness, however, this faded. The Seasoning here was less than the Korma, and had less of a – kick – also. If I was a local here, then the tweaks which became standard at the much missed Karahi Palace (Glasgow) would have put this Curry right up there.
More Methi, a little bit more Salt!
Once again, my verdict was sought.
Karahi Gosht, I like this.
A good note to end on. The Naan long abandoned, I encouraged Marg to sample the Korma. She took some of the Masala:
Creamy with a kick – observed Marg – my ideal choice.
There would be an embarrassing surplus of Lamb left over. Once upon a time I could have managed all of this, no more.
The Bill
€35.90 (£31.28)
The Aftermath
Last time here, I did not present a Calling Card, unusual. It is even more unusual to present one for a second visit. The Calling Card was well received and Assad, who had rescued the day, was well taken by the appearance of the exterior on visit #1. He took the Oppo to the kitchen where the owner’s brother and Chef were in situ. Same owners then, so quite a transformation in décor, and from a Curry Cafe with ready meals on display, to a restaurant.
It was confirmed that a Lamb Qorma, Desi-style is part of their fayre.
We are honoured to have you back – was the concluding remark.
Frankfurt am Main, not the most exciting of German cities, so who knows when I’ll be back.
Gazpacho + HamaSaari – Rüsselsheim
Why it took me until two nights ago to realise that staying a single night in Rüsselsheim was the optimum means of seeing Gazpacho for the final time on this tour, and not have to dash away at the end of the gig, well, the Hector got there in the end.
Doors at Das Rind, another famous European venue, opened at 19.00. We were near the front of the queue and so nabbed a place stage left, three from the front. Das Rind has no balcony, this is important information that nobody else apparently wishes to divulge, so a standing venue only. Standing for four hours, a challenge.
An hour’s wait before HamaSaari took to the stage. The band were assembled at the merchandise stall, Hector, sporting their t-shirt was duly acknowledged. The only person dressed as such.
HamaSaari
With the drums stage left, and Gazpacho’s keyboard set up stage right, the opposite of the previous two shows, tonight, a different perspective.
Guitarist, Axel Vaumoron would therefore be directly in front of us, with bass player Jonathan Jupin stage right, sometimes central, behind, then Jordan Jupin, vocals and guitar, centre stage. They don’t look like brothers. The Physicist, on drums, Élie Chéron,
At Verviers, expecting the same set as on the previous night at Boerderij, I wondered why I didn’t recognise very much. Tonight, HamaSaari again kick off with Frames from their second, and latest album, Pictures. The jumping about ritual confirmed this. Thereafter, the Hector was lost. Six songs tonight, three from Pictures, three from Ineffable. When Jordan Jupin himself, sends you the set-list it guarantees getting things right, a doozy.
Jumping about, from our high vantage point at Boerderij, we couldn’t help notice that Les Jupins took to the stage barefoot, a la Steven Wilson. This evening, Jonathan sported thongs, whilst Jordan was in trainers. These were cast off after after Frames, and subsequently the socks came off mid song. Respect for someone who can take their socks off standing up, never mind wearing a guitar and playing music. Lost In Night (P) was followed by White Pinnacles (I), Bleak (I), Our Heads Spinning (P) and finally Prognosis (I). Prognosis had maintained its spot as the final song, complete with the thankfully brief growling sequence, though the giveaway that tonight’s set was different was some growling in an earlier song.
Having now had the opperchancity to listen to all of Pictures, the album, it certainly impresses. The acoustic guitar intro to Below The Lightnings took me by surprise. The studio vocals/harmonies are powerful. Whilst the Shoegaze/Buzzsaw guitar sound is thankfully present, the growling is way less than feared, dismissible even. What we have here is quite a varied collection of well structured songs, with – space. The Hector seeks – space. Melody aplenty not – wee tunes. Whilst HamaSaari may wear their influences on their sleeves, there is more than enough originality here to make one want to hear more. Ineffable may well be purchased soonest.
I had asked Marg that the moment HamaSaari left the stage, to park her bum on the edge, claim the space. This gave Hector a few minutes respite, the full weight off the feet, and a photo of Marg from a different perspective. Three simultaneous opperchancities fulfilled.
With the projections fully restored, the intro music cut off – Suppers Ready – just on 21.00. The set-list, placed on the stage in front of our noses, was confirmed as the same as Verviers, no Bravo as in Boerderij. Well, that was the plan.
Gazpacho
On listening to the new album Magic 8-Ball for the first time, I admit to cringing when I heard the electronic vocals at the start of We Are Strangers. As a means of kicking off the show, it makes sense, blending the tape of this into the introduction as the band members take to the stage.
Kristian Torp, who as well as playing some excellent bass leads, had his microphone set to fill in the distorted vocal harmony mid song. In the last two shows, I have not paid Kristian enough compliments for his backing vocals.
Soyuz One and Golem, the two songs I hadn’t heard before Boerderij, were taking on a sense of familiarity. There was a slight hiatus when Mikael Kromer broke a string on his six string guitar. Kristian to the rescue. We had expected to be standing at the feet of guitarist, our our new best friend, Joan-Arne Vilbo, however, instead we would be within touching distance of multi- instrumentalist Mikael this evening. Marg solved a little problem when Mikael could not manoeuvre the guitar lead off his set-up. Marg’s little fingers to the rescue. Our problem this evening was line of sight. Thomas Andersen on keyboard and drummer Robert Johansen were pretty much obscured throughout the gig.
Back to the new album, Gingerbread Men and – Magic 8-Ball, before Hector’s Highlight –The Walk, both parts. After Starling, Mikael declared he had a major problem. A complete reboot was required for all his equipment. Without him, there is no Upside Down, both electric mandolin and violin provide the sounds which make this set highlight, the absolute standout. Instead, Mikael basically left the stage whilst all was sorted and the band brought Sky King forward. But not before Jan-Henrik Orme, vocals, maestro, had to attempt a bit of stand-up. Crowd interaction, at a Gazpacho gig? Over three nights, I have never known audiences to show such respect for the music, no chatter, no needless calling out to ruin the moment.
Lots of close-up photos of Jan-Henrik tonight, no apologies. Nether Marg nor Hector captured the moment when he turned to his left and beamed down at the both of us.
With Upside Down and the three parts of Tick Tock to conclude the main set, I had to wonder where had the time gone?
Defense Mechanism, and my now, new favourite Winter Is Never, were once again the encores.
Five tracks from Tick Tock, Hector has now purchased Wind, Sand and Stars, the book which inspired this album.
Under Plan A, we would probably have been heading for the door at the end of the show. Mysteriously, no trains tonight, Plan B would have had us try to find a bus to Mainz. With our hotel, one block away from Das Rind, time to hang out. Firstly, with Gazpacho’s road manager, well that is the status I am awarding him. Having spotted him out front over the three nights, time to engage. The swapping of sides was explained, stage left has more depth, more room for the drum kit.
He was not on Cruise To The Edge last year, but will be in 2027. CTTE t-shirts were aplenty this evening. We talked to a Swiss lady who lived near Lorelei. There’s a festival I missed out on, just how does one get back to a hotel? Anyway, Lorelei is no more.
The HamaSaari t-shirt once again caught the attention of each band member as they passed. Jordan stopped for the photo. Finally, Jon-Arne came over, chat #3, a passer by insisted on taking this photo.
With nights in Bamberg and München to follow, the focus of this trip will be back to Bier and Curry. If Riverside ever perform as a band again, the Hector will be there, and so will his wife. When Gazpacho next tour, I suspect Marg will need no persuasion.
Thank you all for the music, and the after-gig conversations made it all the more memorable.
Lahore Kebab House menu – 2026
Marg and Hector find themselves in Aachen, day #5 of this multi-nation trip, following Norwegian, Progressive / Art Rock band – Gazpacho. In the last two nights we have seen them perform at 
Aachen was chosen as an overnight stop because of its proximity to 
The well illustrated menu confirmed the availability of Lamm Qorma (€16.99 / €18.99), then, wait for it, the next page showed Kalb Korma (€14.99 / €16.99) – a rich curry made with tender cow meat. Not since my Kibbutz days have I knowingly eaten – cow. But why had the Qorma changed to Korma?
Marg opted for Butter Chicken (€14.99) with a Naan (€0.99). Medium Spice – was noted. A large bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.99) completed the Order. 
Abdul had been to 
Curry House that Hector has visited, and that was thirteen years ago. Hopefully, they have improved, Hector was not impressed, a well known and reliable Curry Blog relates. 
Abdul brought the food. 
The Rice portion approached sensible, still more than I could ever manage, but waste would not be of the normal Euro proportions. Basmati Zeera Flavoured Rice – so the menu informs. Cumin Rice, always an extra thrill. 
The tell-tale aroma of Citrus was not forthcoming, and so I still did not know what was about to happen. Three large pieces of Beef sat in a Shorva-esque Masala. 
One of the pieces of Meat was on-the-bone, two big bones in fact. I have never had Beef on-the-bone, in a Curry. On cutting up the Meat, it was clearly soft, only sinews holding it together. This was going to be quite a new experience. As ever, I held back some of the Masala, one does not wish to be left with Rice and no Sauce. 
Sampling the plain Rice first, the Cumin was apparent. Then the Big Moment!
A sprinkling of Coriander and a splodge of Cream differentiated this Curry from the above. The Masala, more orange, had an identical Texture to the Kalb Qorma. The Hector would have his Soupçon. Dipping some Naan, the Sweetness was to the fore. For those who like that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they would like. Marg:
I decided to have Butter Chicken with Naan bread. A good plateful of chicken pieces swimming in a rich creamy and buttery sauce. Coriander leaves and small pieces of onion were found in the sauce. Overall, a good kick of spices, enough to make my lips tingle.
With the table cleared, Abdul presented two pieces of Gulab Jamun. Marg warned me that it was hot. Seriously, it was, another new dimension. Having sampled it, I let Marg finish the Gulab Jamun, Desserts are her thing, I prefer to let the Spice and Flavours linger long on the palate. The Cumin Seed which usually takes a while to dislodge itself did so before we left the restaurant. 
This Must Be The Place – is the illuminated sign above the kitchen entrance. I heartily agree.
There had to be staff photos. Ejan produced his phone-camera also. 
Once indoors, it was straight to the merchandise. Last year on 
A four piece band, a forty minute set, five songs from two albums. The first two songs: Frames and Lost in Nights were from the latest album Pictures. The rest of the set from their previous album – Ineffable – White Pinacles, Crumbs, Bleak and Prognosis. 
The good people at Setlist.fm make it possible to establish what a band is likely to play by posting the set-lists for all their previous gigs. On the Magic 8-Ball Tour, one would expect most, possibly all of this album to be performed. Tonight, I was surprised that three standout tracks from this album were omitted: Ceres, Immerwahr, The Unrisen. Worried about overload, possibly. I did see Weather Report perform their eponymous album as a first set and it wasn’t released until weeks later. Then imagine seeing all of Tales from Topographic Oceans (Yes) on the day of its release. We at the Glasgow Apollo, were treated to this.
Last year on 
Gazpacho took to the stage bang on the scheduled 21.00. Our distance from the balcony felt so similar to the upper deck from which we first watched them last year on
We Are Strangers (Magic 8-Ball, 2024), the second track on the album, and one which Marg declared an early favourite, kicked things off. Then two songs completely unknown to us: Soyuz One (Soyuz, 2018) and Golem (March of Ghosts, 2012). There is the realisation that I still have more Gazpacho albums to purchase, learn, enjoy. Six CDs suddenly feels not enough. The band were now into their groove. Jan-Henrik Ohme with his own distinctive vocals both in terms of tone and how he phrases the words. Jon-Arne Vilbo, lead guitar, seems to show great restraint. Minimalist playing, head mostly down, but holding back from a Shoegaze thrash, holding it all together. On the opposite side of the stage, Mikael Kromer, second guitar, and so much more. Electric mandolin, and violin, I have come to observe that every type he picks up either of these, something special is about to happen. Somewhat amusingly, Mikael is happy to stand, instrument ready, for minutes waiting for his cue. This means focus on Jon-Arne, or sometimes a sequence of lead bass guitar by Kristian Torp.
The Walk, Part 1, The Walk, Part 2, my own most favourite, all-time Gazpacho composition, defines their – sound 
Hector does not pay attention to lyrics, however, the back-projection this evening for Sky King, again new album, taught the audience about Richard Russel, who in 2018, stole a ‘plane at Sea-Tac airport, one I know very well and will hopefully re-visit soon. A broken guy – was how Russel described himself over the intercom, before the inevitable outcome. 
And so to the bar, Dutch Bier, and a chat over a Bier with Nanda, a former employee at 
I mentioned Terje Rypdal, my first expereince of a Norwegian guitarist – live – supporitng CAN at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (London) way back in 1975. I did not get the expected – harumph. 
To conclude our groupie behavior, the final adulation was for Robert. Again, I tried to describe how his contribution on drums is so important, as if he needed me to tell him.
Verviers, south-east 
Two tiers of cinema-style seats and a step with high bar chairs, we took middle seats in the second row. The couple in front of us were also at 
Tonight, HamaSaari presumably played the same set. I recognised none of it. Later I was able to establish that whilst they kept to the same two albums – Pictures – and – Ineffable – tonight, six songs instead of five. Frames (P) which still required lots of jumping about during the instrumental break, Wild Ones (P), Lost In Nights (P), Bleak (I), Our Heads Spinning (I), and the seemingly necessary growls during Prognoisis (I). The sound tonight did not feel as aggressive as at 
I asked him to invite Thomas to join us, a burning question had to be answered. Thomas, who was dismantling his gear on stage, duly jumped down.
Finally, – the man – himself. A short queue to speak, 
It is twelve years since 
Lamb Karahi (€15.00) is what the Hector had in mind, with 
The waitress confirmed that 
With time to take in the surroundings, the Sweets on display at the doorway were certainly eye catching. 
On the wall beside me, a photo of 
A Salad, Poppadom and four Dips were presented – because it will take some time. I expressed my pleasure on hearing this – I hate when my Curry arrives in two minutes. We were then informed that – we make everything fresh. 
The food was wheeled out, amazing how first impressions can set the tone. Critical as I am of most mainland, European Curry Houses, they usually get the Bread right. Too often I miss out on a wonderful looking Tandoori Naan because Rice is inclusive. Not at Delhi Darbar. 
Lamb Karahi is not – Soup. In what way was this Karahi Gosht? This was as Soupy a Curry as the Hector tries to avoid. Not a Punjabi Shorva, but a thin, blended Masala. 
Nothing distinctive, yet the Hector was not for giving in. Closer examination suggested flecks of Garlic in the Masala. Something was giving it a bit of body. 
That is dangerous – I informed her, pointing to the evil Red Dip.
A bit wet, was the simple observation. A bigger plateful, more Curry than the Karahi, the next. Bread had to be the accompaniment. For once, no Soupçon for the Hector whose palate was dealing with other matters. 
The quantity was good. A rich, oily Keema dish, full of flavour with flakes of red chilli throughout. Coriander, onion, peas, and meat worked well with the brown Roti. Freshly served, I managed to finish it all. 
September 2025
As stated above, Noor Tandoori (Rue de Fiennes 42, Anderlecht, 
Today, a new host, who pointed to the modest array of tureens along the left wall, a Buffet. Modest array? After the 
Before committing ourselves, we went up to study the Dishes at the counter. In all my travels, this must be the largest array of ready-Curry, ever encountered. There is something here for everyone, just make sure you clarify Chicken, Mutton 
Mutton Korma (€12.00) is on the menu, a new layout since last time, but seemingly the same prices. 
He came back with a diverse range, Buffet does this.
Half of his plate was the Chicken Biryani, then a Soupçon of Chicken Curry (B) and the Desi Lamb. 
The Hector was way more circumspect, the Rice was 
Why can Naan not be universally served this well? 
Is it too early for Spring Lamb? – I asked Dr. Stan who possibly knows all. We then pondered as to how this Mutton could be so magnificent. Super Soft, and moist throughout the eating process. Marg has watched me take an eternity to finish a Lamb Curry when the last few pieces simply require infinite chewing, dryness can take over. Every piece was succulent, juicy, and giving back the Flavour from the Masala. Not since 
Back for more, this time I spooned out the Boneless Mutton. 
Mein Host was bringing in supplies and so passed us oft. He studied our progress but made no remarks. At other times, he was bringing non-Buffet creations to other customers. Maybe he had no time to chat?
Dr. Stan – the chicken was fine but didn’t absorb the masala at all, you’re quite right on that. The lamb was good, was a lovely blend of spices, I enjoyed that. 
The Aftermath
It is three years since Dr. Stan and Hector last visited 
Served with inclusive Rice, 
A mature couple, locals, were the only customers on our arrival. They were subsequently joined at a window table by three Anglo-Indian ladies. 
The food arrived in a reasonable time. The Rice portion to share, 
Had we been videoed, it could have been priceless. There was almost a groan of disappointment on seeing the two Curry pots. A mass of green, and the swirl of Cream, Euro-Curry. 
Once decanted, 
T
Afghan Lemar (Smedenstraat 55, 8000 Brugge, Belgi
Opening daily at 14.00, this fits in with Hector’s preferred eating pattern. Having noted the existence of Afghan Lemar on 
Qorma Kofta (€11.00) is why the Hector was here. Karahi Lamb (€35.00), presumably to share, is one for the future, as and when I drag Dr. Stan along. He does not arrive in 
First time? – asked Mohammad, Mein Host, when he saw me taking photos of the menu. The story of how he and his son, Navid, came to be in 
One Afghan Naan (€2.00) and two bottles of the delightful Belgian Fanta (€3.00) completed the Order. 
Open for a year, the décor at Afghan Lemar remains fresh, with scenes of the homeland adorning the walls. Traditional majlis-style seating is available at the rear of the restaurant for those who wish to sit on cushions, instead of at a table. 
The wait was not long, Hector being the only diner. 
The Afghan Naan was served quartered. Despite the perforations in parts, the Bread had suitably risen. Served at room temperature, this Naan was in the style encountered in my visits to the Middle East. 
Four smallish Meatballs sat in a thick Daal. This is not what I was expecting. Simmered in a rich Afghan tomato sauce – is what was written on the menu. Two pieces of Tomato pulp were the only clue that the Masala could have been Tomato-based. The Daal suggested I had two different Dishes in one.
The Kofta actually had a wee – kick – which surprised. An earthy Cumin Flavour here, complemented the contrasting Flavours from the Daal-Masala. A couple of specks of the dreaded 
The presentation of the 
Navid led me to the door to take my photo. This then evolved into a video with the Hector introducing himself. 
This evening’s Curry at 
The restaurant was empty as four of us entered bang on the opening time, and would remain so for the best part of the next hour. 
Dr. Stan, Chapatti John and Hector hardly had to consult the menu. 
Drinks, it is a Friday night. Tap Water for Howard, Sparkling Water (£3.00) for Marg and Hector, Fresh Orange Juice (£3.25) for Dr. Stan, and a glass of Red Wine (£8.95) for Chapatti John. 
As he took his leave, Imran mooted Poppadoms. I advised that we had already said no. This time they were declined – with honour. 
A portion of four, this makes such a difference. Having observed Marg’s share, the waiter took me on. I had to assure him that Marg only wanted one. 
With suitably cremated edges, the Meat remained succulent, juicy. This is how we like our Lamb Chops. Marg took care of most of the Salad element. The Sauce and Dips were put to good use. Tingly lips ensued. Howard had considered Chop Handi (£15.95). I wonder how many Chops in a portion? 
Seekh Kebab
There was a suitable gap between courses. I was definitely ready for my main course when it was brought out by the posse of waiters. Hector is back eating Lamb with enthusiasm. Knowing this date was always in the diary partly explains the avoidance of this Meat in recent times. Tonight, a Lamb Fest. 
A decent slice of Lemon and a sprinkling of Coriander topped the Karahi. The Masala was exactly how the Hector seeks his Saag/Palak. The Richness of the Masala was clear, added Herb, not a mash of greenery. Peripheral Oil was at a minimum. As one would expect in a Bradford Curry Chain, the Meat was cut Bradford-small. The Lemon was squeezed over the Masala, all was set. 
The big Citrus blast got things off to a great start. The taste-buds were rudely awoken. The Spinach was not overdone, and so it complemented the Masala, not smother it. 
This intrigued. The Masala bore no resemblance to any Karahi I have witnessed at 
Howard can always be relied upon to give a detailed account:
It is years since I have ordered this at 
Marg – A juicy lamb chop for starter with a small amount of charcoal to keep me happy. 
Marg wasn’t finished, an – extra hot – Cappuccino (£2.95) was ordered. What came, disappeared in an instant, not warm enough. The waiter did offer to provide another, however, some of us were looking forward to the next part of the evening. 
I contacted 
The first trip abroad in 2026, a sneaky weekend in 
Marg and Hector required two trams to reach the eastern end of Lake Malta where this long established Curry House is located. 
Arriving at 14.30, we were taken aback by the throng assembled inside the restaurant. 
The extensive menu offered Duck as an alternative to the usual Lamb/Chicken. 
Two small bottles of Fanta (10 zl) for Hector and a 330ml bottle of Sparkling Water (9 zl) completed the Order. 
Our food arrived in good time. 
The merest sprinkling of Coriander topped a mass of Curry. Quite a portion, and with the Fish protruding through the thick, viscous Masala, a lot to eat 
I ordered Fish Kashmir with Rice. The dish looked very appetising and I was hungry. The onion pieces and thin strips of 
Topped with a threat of Coriander, and a solitary Ginger Strip, two things stood out: the 
As with the Fish Kashmir, the abundant Fish was evident in the thick, viscous Masala. Having arranged most of the Curry over the Rice, the single Ginger Strip still stood out in the karahi. 
Hector has a new Curry House in his home town, about time. 
Restaurant is quite a departure from the Punjabi Fayre which dominates the, mostly, Takeaway venues in this town. 
Having studied the online menu, today’s Order had been decided in advance. On a normal day, Lamb Bhuna (£13.00) would have been the choice. In time, and only if the needless 
The waiter informed me that Chef Hakeem would not be arriving for another hour, presumably his assistant was in the kitchen. 
How Zeika came to be in Clydebank was discussed. The staff have a Paisley connection, however, Chef Hakeem has worked at two Merchant City establishments: 
After an appropriate wait, the food was presented. 
I was hoping for a mini-Biryani, what came, puzzled. The Basmati was white, and as far as I could tell, boiled. So no added Spice here, other than the token Curry Leaf. The array of Vegetables impressed: Peas, Green Beans, Sweetcorn and Carrots. Diversity and differing Textures, what a difference this can make to any Curry. Way more interesting than just Meat and Masala. The bowl contained more Rice than I could ever manage, so great value. I decanted enough to cover the heated dinner plate.
The aroma of South Indian Cuisine was a positive start. Eight pieces of Chicken, plus a tiddler, were sat in a viscous, blended Masala. At least six of these pieces of Chicken would be halved, plenty of Meat, again, value for money. 
No Whole Spices, and so this was decidedly Mainstream Curry. The Tender, and suitably moist, Chicken retained its integrity as it was cut. The white interior raises the usual dilemma: is there such a thing as Chicken Curry? 
The 
It is Ramadan, and for this commentator, that means there must be a visit to 
Busy, but not stowed, is how I would describe this evening. Every table in the main room was full, and some did spill over into the function room where there was distinctly less atmosphere. I had wondered, given the current seating layout, where the Buffet would be set up. The tables under the balcony had been cleared to make way for the Main Courses and Desserts, the Starters were 
The 
There was 
On previous nights here, this would have caused consternation, people chomping at the bit. Tonight, an amenable calm, perhaps the difference between breaking one’s fast at 18.00, not 22.00. 
How often has the Hector seen Asian kids out in favourite Desi Cafes, eating Pizza? 
Overdosing on Starters, everyone who has done Buffet in a Curry House has surely fallen into this trap. When one sees the prices of Starters in Restaurants, in particular, and here they all are, resistance is futile. 
Some Salad, heavy on the Spice, did make its way on to Hector’s plate, both as amuse bouche and mouth rinse. The plate of something decidedly evil looking (extreme left of photo with Adam) required investigation. A shrivelled fruit possibly, something new. 
Chapli, said the label. But this bore no resemblance to the known Chapli on my plate at five o’clock. With a well fired exterior, this had a big Meaty Flavour. The Spice and Seasoning were perfectly pitched. Again, I could have gone back for six of these. 
Marg – Queuing for my favourite starters allowed me to pick a variety of fish, veg Pakora, both crispy and tasty. Enjoyed the vegetable salad with fruit salad, dates, red cabbage & onion. The highlight was the small mince Samosa and Aloo Tikki.
There was a suitable gap, well maybe five or six minutes. Small portions, no Rice or Bread, the tactic learned over many years here. Don’t fill the plate with Carbs, maximise the Curry intake.
The tureen of Kofta Anda was almost empty, with the hard-boiled Eggs having been halved, no yolks were left. Two Meatballs and two pieces of Egg white were secured, minimal Shorva, it would have run all over my plate. Keema Aloo, a notoriously Dry Curry, that should absorb any runaway Shorva. Kirahi Gosht was a given, way too expensive to have at 
It is all down to the array of Desi creations served here over the years that Hector knows to avoid Paya and Haleem, they are for the hard core. No Paya (Trotters) on offer tonight, but a ladle of Haleem found its way on to my plate. 
Marg – After a required break, we stood up for the main dishes. I chose the Lamb Rice with pieces of Lamb Bhoona and sauce. This meat was so tender and I enjoyed the rich tomato sweet & sour flavoured sauce. The Keema did not disappoint me and the Kofta Handi was fairly dry but worked well with the Haleem sauce. I took one piece of Karahi Gosht and enjoyed the meat and bone marrow from the sucky bone. The Daal kept everything moist and allowed me to have a small piece of Nan bread. The Butter Chicken was creamy and the meat fairly dry in comparison to the lamb. 
Nihari, Lamb Shank typically served in a Masala approaching Shorva. Tonight, a light brown Masala with Shreds of Meat visible. The big Seasoning in the Masala impressed, but thereafter there was a lack of Flavour, well initially. One Spice stood out, Cinnamon, followed quickly by a second, Cumin. Then things took a dramatic turn. The Meat, on the shank, was the softest Meat ever. There was a huge blast of Flavour, even more complex. The Seasoning too was right up there, the – wow! – moment tonight. This is what the Hector looks for in every Lamb Curry, Meat which gives back all the Flavour it has been cooked in. Nihari (£15.95) as a main course, will have to sampled here, soonest. That’s after this year’s first Village Desi Qorma and Achari. 
Marg
Hector having Dessert? The philosophy has always been – if there’s room for Dessert, there’s room for more Curry. Having photographed the array, the Hector knew where he was heading. A single ball of Gulab Jamun with accompanying Syrup would precede a sliver of Cheesecake then Millionaire Shortbread. Shocking behaviour, Hector! You’ll be having Chicken Curry next…
The Bill
20.30 officially marks the end of the Buffet.