Steve and Hector found themselves on the train to Glasgow. Before anything else there had to be Curry-Heute. Masala Zing (523 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) has many advantages: it is open all afternoon, it is near Charing Cross Station and it sells Damn Good Curry.
Akhtar had the door open and his hand outstretched as we entered just on 16.00. Akhtar and Steve were introduced, though they may have met at some point in the past three years.
We had perused the Desi Menu on the train on the journey into town. Steve was already interested in the Lamb Rarra, A Lamb Dish with Lamb Mince in the Masala. A Garlic and Coriander Naan would accompany. Hector was in the mood for a Dish which dates back to the days of Cafe Salma – Ginger Lime Bhoona (Lamb), with Mixed Vegetable Rice as Accompaniment.
Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips made an appearance, eventually.
One could not help but notice that behind the counter there is an array of Soft Drinks on display, no alcohol, though there is a Bier Tap. Do they still have a Drinks Licence? I didn’t ask, I’m not bothered.
What makes the Curry at Masala Zing stand out is the Thickness of the Masala, maintaining the Standard set by Cafe Salma . Akhtar was interested in our verdict, it was The Other Chef who was on duty this afternoon, not Assif, the ex-Salma Chef.
Steve was impressed by his Lamb Rarra, I shall try this next time. Full of Flavour, I have to take his word, no way were we sharing. The Naan was Quartered which for me spoils the fun of tearing off strips. I also enjoy the visual impact of a Whole Naan.
The Ginger Lime Bhoona tasted exactly as it said on The Menu. The crunch of the Fresh Ginger Strips and the Full-on Lime Flavour had the required impact. Achari by any other name, but Achari is also on The Menu, so what is the difference?
The Vegetable Rice was absolutely out of the Top Drawer. A Good Portion of Rice, laced with Potatoes, Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Carrots and Mushrooms. A meal in itself, it complemented the Curry, Perfection.
We ate the lot, clean plates all round. We didn’t like it – I said to Akhtar as he cleared away the crockery. He could tell.
Manoj and Nasif have not been seen on two consecutive visits. I had to ask.
Nasif is working elsewhere until such times as business picks up and he can return. It could well be – Farewell – to Manoj. Akhtar is running the place with his Sons. A different Son was on duty this afternoon, there are Five.
The Bill
£32.15. Still a Pound a head dearer than Surrounding Venues.
The Aftermath
Cafe Salma in effect continues in all but name. Perhpas Akhtar may feel entitled to reinstate the brand.