With a zero likelihood of Friday Curry and Marg out on hockey duty, this evening was perfect for Curry Exploration. Maya (2 Burnfield Rd, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7QB) appeared on the scene a few months ago and has been having very positive reviews. This is the former Wok-Way which Hector visited over a decade ago. Tonight was my second attempt at dining at Maya, I discovered the hard way that this Restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
A very Familiar Face was on the opposite side of the Glass Door as I reached the top of the stairs – it was (Young) Hari formerly of the Punjabi Charing Cross. Hector is overdue another visit to see Hari at the Punjabi.
How long have you been here?
A few months.
Two sets of Diners were in situ. As I was given a table, we now occupied Three of the Six. Maya only sits Eighteen, so Book, or go early.
Hari brought Menu, Poppadoms were offered, not brought. OK then. It was confirmed that Lamb on-the-bone was not available despite it being listed. The Lamb Karahi featured an abundance of Capsicum and Chunky Onions. I told Hari that I feared the Onion overdose if I asked for no Capsicum. He was nonplussed. Lamb Methi it would have to be. No discussion of Strength was forthcoming. Take it as it comes. Chapattis were available at 80p, tonight I was in the mood for a Paratha, and so a Vegetable Paratha (£2.50) was ordered. A Bottle of Sparkling Water accompanied, I noted The Others having Bottled Bier.
The Curry arrived in good time, I rejected the extra plate and would eat the Lamb Methi from its own plate. Why would I wish to decant?
The Portion was a Good Size, Plentiful. The Lamb was very Soft, Softer than I prefer, the type that has been cooked for Days. Better this than the Gristle served recently in Greenock. The Lack of Seasoning was the most noticeable feature of the Thick Masala. Rich in Herbs I had to wonder how much was Methi given the presence of (Methi?) Stocks which I certainly would not use. The Spice Level was not Significant and so I found myself noting – No Methi Blast, not Particularly Spicy, and needs more Seasoning. Despite this, I had to admit to enjoying the Dish – A Good Mainstream Curry.
The Enjoyment was enhanced by a Flavour from the Thin Paratha. There was something coming through which added to the Curry. The Paratha could only have had Slivers of Vegetable Smeared inside it. This as mentioned was Thin, too Soft and had little hint of Flakiness. I’ve had much worse and I did like the Flavour.
Whilst I ate, Mein Host appeared. He acknowledged me as he passed and went up to the remaining Four Diners, clearly Regulars. As the only other Diner I could help but overhear the conversation. How much does it cost for Visa for India? You must be joking!
The Bill
I went up to the Counter and asked Hari for the The Bill. As I paid Hari the required £13.50, I gave Mein Host the Calling Card. I introduced myself and the Website. We discussed the Curry this evening – Mainstream – was what I put to him. Mentioning my Curry Sojourn last weekend the question of Ghee was raised. He assures me that in India, Vegetable Oil now dominates the Cooking, Ghee is being used less.
The Takeover of the empty WokWay premises was related and the aim to have a Contemporary Design. The Wall Coverings are unusual. Note, this Venue is Small.
I mentioned Curry on The Hill as nearby competition, Mein Host named three more Venues. He hopes to do well in the Takeaway Trade. The Original Shahed’s cannot be too far away either.
Giffnock, the place of Hector’s Birth, is not an area I frequent. I shall have to Investigate the nearby Competition.
Update
Maya changed owners at the end of 2014.
The venue is re-branded as the Mount Cafe.