The past week has seen Hector report on two well established Glasgow Curry Venues for the first time. There is one Great Name in the Glasgow Curry scene which was reviewed by Jonathan in the very early days of Curry-Heute. Hector had resolved to make his visit to Mr Singh’s India (149 Elderslie Street, Glasgow G3 7JR ) the last in the coverage of the north side of the River Clyde. Three Takeaways with seats and one other branch of the Harlequin Chain remain. That Mr. Singh’s India was open at 16.00 proved to be significant. Hector entered the premises as a Stranger and left feeling like a Celebrity.
A Young Chap was tidying at the doorway as Hector entered the empty restaurant. Asked to take a seat in the small Waiting Area, there was puzzlement. Why the wait, all tables are free. All was revealed as The Hector was led to the far corner at the rear of the restaurant where a table for four had been cleared to give a spacious table for one. How different was this from Bombay Blues last Friday when Hector was given the smallest of tables adjacent to the Window Dressing Diners?
A Young Waiter resplendent in a Singh Tartan Kilt brought the Menu and took the order for Sparkling Water. Hector was tempted to order a Pint of Soda Water, smiley emoticon understood.
There was time to find the possible Hector Curry and read a bit of the story of Mr. Singh’s India.
We’ll get to this later, Curry was the Priority.
The Karahi Bhoona – A host of spice, ginger, garlic, onions, peppers and cumin seeds all simmered in a karahi – was as good a test of The Fayre but only if the Offending Vegetable could be withheld.
Lamb Desi (on the bone) – Cooked in real traditional way with fresh ginger, garlic, green chilies (sic) and fresh coriander. This was looking like the safer option, however the Chicken equivalent gave a warning: Chicken Desi (on the bone) – Cooked homemade style in a thin gravy rich with traditional Punjabi spices.
Shorva is not what Hector normally seeks. As ever, I would take advice.
The Young Waiter was ready to take the order when the Young Chap came over too. The above was discussed. I was assured that they could do a Lamb Desi and cook off some of the excess moisture.
I was able to describe fully my preference for Curry with a Dry, Thick Masala, and Methi. The Spice level was discussed, medium was agreed. Home cooked Curry is all about the texture – I was assured.
A Plain Paratha felt appropriate given the quantity of Rice consumed in recent outings.
How do you like your paratha? Nobody has ever asked Hector this question before. Flaky.
Crispy – said the Young Chap to the Young Waiter who was noting the conclusions to our Curry Debate.
Bring some Poppadoms.
The attention, the discussion, the Complimentary Poppadoms – as Curry-Heute insists they should always be; this was building up to be a fine visit.
At this point the Young Chap introduced himself as Ryan, one of the Three Grandsons of the Singh Dynasty. He offered me his card, a Perfect Opperchancity for Hector to reveal himself. The Calling Card was given in exchange.
The next hour, Dear Curryspondent, developed into one of the Great Curry-Heute Experiences. It is felt important to highlight further that it was these initial words with Ryan and Hector that set what follows in motion. Whether Ryan was familiar with the Curry-Heute Website in advance of today remains unknown. However, Hector was about to be given the VIP treatment.
A Pair of Poppadoms with accompanying Dips were soon joined by some Haggis Pakora.
Haggis Pakora
This was Hector’s second sample of Haggis Pakora on consecutive days. Last night on my Birthday Treat at the Ashoka West End I sampled Marg’s order. Spicy but Mushy – was my observation. Today’s was – Firmer but less Spicy. Unless Hector is mistaken, Haggis Pakora was first developed at Mr. Singh’s India. Such is the fame and popularity associated with this East meets West conglomeration, the Pakora has appeared on TV whenever the BBC or whoever need to film in a Glasgow Curry House. The Three Grandsons Ryan, Mark and Oleg have been seen on The Box. Oleg?
Another Young Chap, also in Kilt came over and introduced himself. Oleg, I had to ask.
I was told that the Father of the Three Grandsons is a Rangers Man. At the time his Lady was due to give birth he promised to name the child after the next Rangers player to score.
Kuznetsov – exclaimed Hector! Have you seen him play?
Apparently Oleg had not, but has met his namesake. This was an opperchancity for Hector to go down memory lane.
In September 1990, Kuznetsov played his first match for Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox against St. Mirren, Neil and Hector were there. Never before (or since) had Hector seen Rangers play with such fluidity. The entire team raised their game. Kuznetsov took us to a new level instantaneously. The following week away to St. Johnstone (Perth) he was crocked. He never really recovered. Durrant and Kuznetsov, what could have been…
Whilst I waited for The Lamb Desi, there was time to take in the surroundings. A large open room despite the low level partitions. No tablecloth
s, seating around 80 at an estimate, the place was starting to fill up. A Painting of the Scottish Football Team adorned the wall. The 1974 World Cup Team was my first take. On closer examination this is an – All Time Greats Fantasy 11. More customers and more staff was steadily streaming in. This was early for a Glasgow Curry House to be attracting custom. Why are more Glasgow Venues not open all day? Think back to last summer and Candleriggs.
Ryan came over again. I outlined that Curry-Heute has been in existence for some Five Years. I had been at the Vegetarian Restaurant which used to be next door some twenty years ago. I did not believe it would be possible to be filled so quickly with a Vegetable Curry. I am still learning.
There was mention of an invitation to the Pakora Masterclass. Hopefully this will happen.
Lamb Desi
The Masala was thankfully not Thin as it could have been presented. The Masala had a Rich Texture with the Oil visible but not to excess. The Dish was Piping Hot, as food should be served. The Paratha was well-fired. A bit beyond the – Flaky – I had in mind but better the slight Crisping than the serving of Limp Bread. 
Dipping the Paratha in the Masala revealed a Mysterious Flavour. The initial reactions were – More Seasoning – required, after a few moments this was re-written to – not so. The Very Tender Lamb was a mixture of on-the-bone and off. What was I tasting?
There was a very welcoming Dry, Earthy Flavour. There must have been some Methi in there, but what else? Coriander Seeds were uncovered. The Lamb Desi did not have the – Wow – to put The Hector in raptures, but needless to say this was a Very Fine Curry.
The VIP Treatment Continued
By the time Hector was at the End Game, the seemingly preferred seats at the rear where I was seated were filling up. As is my norm as a Lone Diner, I went up to the counter to pay. At this point I was introduced to Grandson #3 – Mark. A camera was produced, mine was already in hand.
They wanted to take my photo. Ryan led me to a small seating area I had not previously spotted where a replica of the European Cup sat on a table. Relocated to the raised seating area the ritual photos were taken. I hoped to arrange a photo of all Three Grandsons but Oleg had gone elsewhere.
Whilst we’re waiting, can I pay please? My offer was declined. Instead I was presented with a framed photo of myself with Mark, Ryan and The Trophy!
The Elder Statesman of Mr. Singh’s – The Director – is how he was introduced also posed for a photo.
Hector had walked in a Stranger and left feeling like a Celebrity. The Curry wasn’t too shabby either.
Thank you!
The Aftermath
When I met up with The Company I had a story to tell.
Craig revealed that he regularly used to play football on a Sunday against the Father of The Grandsons – Satty, a Great Rangers Man. So why the green and white ribbons?