Danny Singh’s Gandhi – Hector’s Curry Challenge

Hector The Curry Consultant

Increasingly in the last year or so, Restaurateurs have been asking the opinion of Hector as to what to include on the Menu et al. Since the Opening Night of Danny Singh’s Gandhi (441 Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 8RW), Danny himself and Hector have maintained a dialogue. I am pleased to observe that many of the Photos on his Website were taken by Hector. Most recently this was about Copy for his Full Page Advertisement in last Friday’s (Glasgow) Evening Times.

Last week I set Danny a Challenge – Cook a Hector Curry. Alternatives were supplied – Lamb Karahi with Extra Fresh Methi, or Karela Gosht. In the end we agreed to combine both, Perfect! I was also promised a Paratha to savour.

Entering just after the agreed 18.00 I was not surprised to find myself as The Lone Diner. Many would have been heading straight home to get into Comedy Mode for this evenings Uruguay Victory, Scotland Expects…. Some pre-emptive Falling on The Sword were already emanating from Dan Saath on the Social Media Sites. Last Saturday’s Financial Times set the scene.

Ali was halfway down the stairs as I entered and was back up in a flash to greet me. Danny was also there, I was set for some serious Curry Eating and Curry Discussion. I took a seat adjacent to where I had sat last time, where the T-Bone Steaks and The Curry had been consumed. I was offered Poppadoms but considered The Main Event to be The Priority. Danny had different ideas and brought a Dips Tray containing his very own – Danny’s Mixed Chilli Achar. This comprised of assorted Green Chillies, Ginger and Carrots soaked in his Pickle Recipe for up to Twelve Weeks. His Family love it. I thought I had better have a Poppadom after-all, Complimentary, of course!

Ali was impressed when I swallowed a Green Chilli whole, and not not interrupt the flow of our conversation.

Ali told me about the preparation of Lamb Chops at a previous place of employment. I had been there Once, after he had left. There was a consensus that Curry Houses should start by getting the Kitchen right and then worry about the Décor. Great Food in a Café is by far preferred by this Commentator to Blandness in Luxury. I hope I can mention his Lady in the Czech Republic who he tells me is coming round to Spicy Food. I gave him the names of Prague Restaurants I have been to, but ensured he took Ceske Budejovice on board, the Gateway to India – a most impressive Curry House. Ali originates from Coventry. His father was one of the First to come to the UK from the Indian Subcontinent back in 1951. Ali described the times of Rationing and his Father working down Coal Mines. Ali and Hector must therefore be of similar ages.

Danny brought the Hector Special and Two Parathas. The Karahi looked Stunning. I specifically stated that whilst the Methi should be abundant, the Curry should not resemble a Palak/Pardesi. Yadgar (around the corner) and the Karahi Palace have set The Standard for this Curry Style.

Two Parathas

I was informed that due to my – Love of Methi – they had prepared a Methi Paratha, a First. The other was the Standard Aloo Paratha. Both were in the Stuffing/Layered Mode, were Fresh, Large and tending towards a Sense of Flaky. Hector rarely finishes one Paratha, two? After the excesses of Tuesday at the Charity Curry Evening I had basically starved myself in the interim. I was ready for this. The Methi Paratha had the Wonderful Green Herb liberally sprinkled inside. Why has nobody thought of this before? The Aloo Paratha is well within my sphere of knowledge, again liberal Potato and did I detect a Kick from this too? In the end end I had eaten 1.5 Parathas – A Hector Record. These were Excellent.

Karela Karahi Gosht

The First Dip in the Minimal Oil which was collecting at the base of the Karahi revealed all. Mustard Oil is what I deduce this to be, the Intensity of Flavour tells in an instant if this is up to the Level of Expectation. Surprise, surprise, it most certainly was! Ali said he usually waits six or seven minutes to ask – The Customary Question. He was comforted after six or seven seconds.

The Masala was Fibrous in Texture with copious Fresh Methi. Normally Chefs add Spinach too, none was evident and so the Full Methi Blast was there. Those who enjoy the Earthy Curry Taste would love this. There’s more. The Karela, the Bitter Vegetable, was doing its job too. A wonderful Bitterness, a Counterpoint to the Sweeter Dishes that I have experienced in recent travels. The Tender Lamb was on-the-bone. I could easily have devoured a Half-Kilo and so was already mentally making Plans for a Co-Diner to share a Kilo in the future. Dr. Stan admits he does get around to reading this Humble Blog, Gotcha’!  Tell me when.

Danny Singh’s Gandhi was able to meet The Hector Curry Challenge .

The Bill

£16.45. It was about time I actually paid some Cash into Danny’s Coffers.

The Aftermath

It was agreed that I would return later in the Year to do The Kilo.

No doubt Danny and Hector will stay in touch in the interim.

This Restaurant is a welcomed addition to the Southside. For those who require tablecloths, Desi Food is available and pint of something or other too.