Finally, at the third attempt in as many weeks, Hector made it ot the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA). The Saturday evening opening time is officially 16.00, having arrived early I spotted the – Open – sign so walked in. Jazzi and a new Young Waiter were vacuuming the carpet. I took my seat at the usual table and asked them to ignore me until they were ready. Jazzi was hobbling having done himself some damage. But would rather be at work than sitting around the house – a Commendable Work Ethic.
Jazzi sat and chatted whilst we waited for the arrival of Mags and Stewart. He was unaware that Café Salma has changed hands (again) and is soon to be re-branded. He could confirm that Young Hari, last seen working at Maya in Giffnock remains there but it too has changed owners and the name changed to Mount Café (Indian and Nepalese Cuisine). Hector is not a fan of Nepalese Cuisine cf Belgium. Somehow Jazzi has never heard of The New Karahi Palace, the main reason why I have been here sparingly in 2014. He should read a Reliable Curry Blog.
Mags arrived moments before Stewart who has been indulging himself in Curry in the past week. Using Curry-Heute as his template, he has already visited the Punjabi and also Mother India’s Café and Babu. He missed Lunch at Dhabba, how many have done this? Perhaps City Centre Restaurants should remain open all day?
The Poppadoms and Spiced Onion were provided. Mags remarked on the Spice Level of the Onions. Where is Kenny? Stewart stated that the Poppadom he was given on these premises on his first visit were limp, not so today. Hector is here.
Keema Padora
Unique, in Glasgow at least, to the Punjabi Charing Cross, this Starter is a must. Lamb Mince with Methi served on a Puri-like Bread, it may well be a Puri variant. Stewart had this last time and was instantly hooked and then struggled to eat his Main Course. This was Mags’ first visit to these premises, it was a matter of time before she too would be enthralled by this Starter.
One Padora between Three, no chance, Two were ordered. Jazzi decided not to take the order for The Mains, he knew we would need a break. The Keema Padora arrived in moments, Truly Excellent. Later we discussed the possibility of simply having Two and no Main. One could come here for The Starter then move on for The Main? Who would do that?
Stewart held back from ordering Lamb Gurmeet previously, today was the day. Two, Lamb on-the-bone, and a reminder to withhold the Capsicum. Hector has not been here for some time, better to be sure. For those new to Curry-Heute, Lamb Gurmeet is Two Dishes combined – Lamb Karahi and Lamb Methi. The Designation is after The Chef who first created this. The Best of Both Worlds.
Mags could not find her favourite dish – Aloo Gosht – on The Menu, so don’t be put off, ask. Jazzi took the order, he enquired if Mags required Spinach or not, – No. Maybe there is now motivation for the Punjabi to update their Menu? Karela too? Mmmm.
The Aloo Gosht took us by surprise. Essentially Mags was given a Plate of Potatoes with Lamb Mince sprinkled on top. This presumably was the same Keema that had appeared in the Padora and so Mags had won the proverbial watch. Mags found something suggesting Pickle in her Curry, this added an extra bite. It was lovely, I really enjoyed it, a different Aloo Gosht. To serve an Aloo Gosht in this manner was certainly a first. A New Dish is therefore born. Excellent.
Lamb Gurmeet, Gosh! Superbly Tender Lamb on-the-bone in the Richest of Masalas. One could not eat this everyday such is the Intensity of the Flavour, too much of a good thing perhaps. With Methi to the fore in a Blend of Herbs, an Astonishingly Wonderful Dish. Stewart was suitably impressed – A real change and an improvement on the Karahi Gosht. How he had never been here until this week who knows, and he has never been to the New Karahi Palace either. There are indeed a handful of truly outstanding Curry Houses in this city.
The Bill
£41.80. With Two Starters and a round of Soft Drinks, great value.
The Aftermath
The Green Devil was waiting for us at EGW, whatever that means…