After a surprisingly brief visit to Aberdeen, Hector faced the drive back to the Curry Capital. Lunch was required, the whole of Central Scotland lay before me. Marg and Hector tried to find Sanam (5 Callendar Rd, Falkirk FK1 1XS) in August when we visited The Kelpies. The one way system defeated us, we ended up visting Glasgow’s only East End Curry House – Nakodar Grill.
Today I put the car in the car park then set our on foot to find this highly rated venue. Taj Mahal was passed en route, tempting. However I stuck with it and found Sanam a few metres further on. Entering the restaurant I was instantly impressed. It was 13.00 on a Wednesday there were over a dozen people having lunch, more would arrive. Impressive. I was shown to a table set for four on the far side, discrete. I would not be the Lone Diner left to overhear the conversations of others. This was also a great place to observe Sanam in operation.
I was given a Menu Card with various Lunchtime Offers starting at £5.45 for three courses. The more interesting dishes had Lamb Tikka which I prefer to have as a Starter. Curry is for Tender Lamb IMHO. I was about to ask for the Main Menu when I spotted Mince in Menu #1. Not Keema, but Mince. As in Paris last week, there was the realisation that this could not come out of the Curry Pot, it would have to be prepared separately.
The order was taken with great efficiency. Vegetable Pakora, Mince Curry with Two Chapattis. I was offered Spicy – Madras – as agreed upon. The Sparkling Water was brought in a flash.
I had a few minutes to study the venue visually and online. In operation since 1976, and having recovered from a kitchen fire earlier this year, one assumes the restaurant did not always have the contemporary layout of today. Today there is a large open room, tables without tablecloths, yay.
Four pieces of well-fired Vegetable Pakora started the Lunch. Fresh inside, very well cooked, this was a Sufficient Soupcon. The mind could not help but recall just how much people are expected to pay for a Pakora Starter in other venues.
The Main Menu had the Mainstream Dishes, however the Specialties had some eye-catchers. The Korma section went beyond the Bland. Madrasi Korma – announced itself as having Achari Spices. This could give The Village‘s – Desi Korma – a challenge. Korma does not have to Mild.
Another interesting feature was that for an added £1.50 they would turn any Base Curry into the style of your choice. Methi was mentioned. Hector was warming to Sanam.
Two Ladies facing had ordered a la carte. Their Curry was brought in substantial pots with the meat protruding at the top, not the usual Vegetable Ballast. I can see Marg and I back here, Hector for the Handi, Marg for the Madras Korma.
The Mature Waiter addressed every Lady Customer as – Charming Young Lady – as he announced the Dish he was presenting. Eccentric perhaps, a pleasant touch. The Waiters were completely on the ball at all times. The Service here is Excellent.
The Mince Curry and Chapattis were brought within twenty minutes of placing the order, good for those on a lunch hour. The Mince looked like – Mince. This was a Wet Keema.
The Wettest Keema (above left) ever encountered was at Jaipur in Köln, the Driest (above right) at Cafe Reeshah in Glasgow. One has a preference for Dry. What did impress today was the Quantity of Meat in the Karahi. Allowing for the Liquid this was a Filling Experience.
I’m a one and a half Chapatti Man – I said to the Efficient Waiter when he cleared up. This was tremendous value. The Flavour was decidedly Mainstream, no Methi in this Keema, no Mutter either. The Mince was Temperature – Hot! And the Kick was spot on, the head was being cleared. A bit more Seasoning? Still, to criticise this Dish would be churlish. This was an Excellent Lunch.
There’s more
Ice Cream was on offer, however, being midday, Coffee was chosen. A cup of White Frothy Coffee arrived, just how Marg likes it. Next time we are going to/from Aberdeen, there will be a stop-off at Sanam.
The Bill
£6.90. Superb!
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waiter who promised to hand it on to The Manager.
With Sanam in Falkirk, how do the other venues survive? Where is the Falkirk Curry Cafe, and how could it compete on Price with Sanam?
Great to hear some good experiences after the trip to Morocco n Le France. Was the mice beef mince ?. At the price quoted it surely could not have been lamb ?. Leaving that aside it appears to be great value for a enjoyable meal. What else can a curry lover ask for !.
Hector replies
Given the darkness of the dish, yes, probably beef – hence mince.