Hector is once again The Lone Diner this Friday evening, an opperchancity to revisit Masala Zing (523 Sauchiehall St, G3 7PQ) which now displays the promised new livery. Café Salma is no more, or is it?
Manoj, Mein Host was standing the middle of the restaurant as Hector entered just after 16.30, three fellow diners were sitting in the window. They would order a Ritual Tea, splendid. Hands were shaken, and Hector was shown to a table for two opposite the counter. The view is so different with the removal of the upstairs cooking area. The kitchen is most certainly downstairs where the Moroccan Cuisine used to be prepared. Apparently, Moroccan Cuisine is still served at Masala Zing.
Concluding the exchange of pleasantries with Manoj, Hector announced – Let’s eat Curry. I had to ask for a recommendation and was directed to the Masala Zing Desi Style section, the Desi Handi stood out. At £10.95 this is a bit steep. Perhaps they should reconsider the base price of The Mains this side of Charing Cross. A Paratha would accompany. No Rice this time.
A Complimentary Poppadom and accompanying Dips were brought. Hopefully this is the practice for all diners. The pleasure of dining alone is that all of the Spiced Onion can be consumed, no sharing. The Spiced Onion was astonishingly Fresh tasting. The Chilli Sauce and Raita also impressed. It has been a while since I have sampled these, Hector unusually has had no Curry for a week.
Manoj brought a plate moments before the presentation of the Handi, this was set aside. Why decant the Curry, better to eat straight from the Karahi.
The Paratha was Perfection, Flaky, exactly how I like it. The First Dip in the Masala took me back a couple of years. This was still very much in the Café Salma mould, a Tomato and Onion rich Masala. The Tender Lamb was on-the-bone, plenty to eat, plenty to suck, Joy.
There was a Subtle Sweetness in this Dish. The Seasoning was just a tad below perfection. Although Spice was never mentioned at the time of ordering, it was spot on. The Hector mind drifted towards Methi, would it improve the experience? When I first met the new Chaps at Masala Zing they promised to cook to order. One day I shall set the challenge. Meanwhile, as presented, the Desi Handi was going down well. This was way better than any Mainstream Curry, finger licking good. I have missed this distinctive (Café Salma) Flavour.
Nasif, one of the three behind Masala Zing came upstairs just as I finished. There had to be a photo.
I asked Manoj what the difference was between this Desi Handi and their Punajbi Karahi. He listed the inclusion of Onion and Capsicum as Cubes and described the Handi is being Dry in comparison and having more Garam Masala. The Desi Handi wins for Hector. A worthy recommendation.
The Bill
There was a substantial Hector Discount – because you are trying to help us – announced Manoj. He showed me his laptop, Curry-Heute was set as the Homepage.
The Aftermath
Manoj and Nasif were happy to pose outside under the new livery. It was agreed next visit I shall try the Achari Gosht. There most certainly shall be a next time, the Desi Section of the Menu is extensive, affordable Fish too. I must meet Chef Akhtar again.
Masala Zing is open in the afternoon which is another feature in its favour.