Hector is home from Kraków, such was the quality of the final Curry there at Hot Chili, I did not feel the need to rush out to my usual home-venues. Kabana (64 Seaward St, Glasgow, G41 1HJ) has been visited by Hector only on two occasions to date, the second visit being some three years after the first. I have decided to commit time and funds to establish if this venue belongs on the list of Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses and Glasgow’s Top Rated.
Previous visits have been in winter and darkness. Hector walked from Kinning Park Subway Station in what passes for a summer’s s afternoon in Glasgow. Approaching Paisley Rd. Toll, there was the realisation that Shields Rd. Subway is much nearer.
I have read that Kabana has been renovated, it was hard to identify anything radical as I entered the near empty premises at 15.30. Two sets of couples were sitting in the booths down the right hand side, no change there. The Buffet had moved to nearer the large window on the Kitchen, where I had sat on my last visit. The Waitress had just gone into the Kitchen as I entered, I had to wait for her to emerge. I was shown to a booth adjacent to the other Couples, why not spread us out? A moment later she returned empty handed. There was an assumption that I was here for the Buffet, I had to ask for the Menu.
The Karela Lamb, Karahi Lamb and Karahi Fish have been revued previously, Lamb Achari fitted the bill perfectly. A Keema Paratha, Mince on the Menu, would also be a good test.
The Waitress returned, again empty handed. Lamb Achari, can any Capsicum be excluded please?
This caused a bit of confusion, she went off to get her pad. No Capsicum, it was evident this term was not known. No Green Peppers?? With or without bones? Without, and a Keema Paratha,…… Mince. Spicy? Between Medium and Spicy. I think we got there. It is good to be offered on-the-bone as Standard.
A Half Litre of Scotland’s finest Sparkling Water was brought to the table, I was offered ice. The bottle was warm – Yes please. Have you been here long? Two months. I suspect she is used to serving Buffet Customers.
A plentiful Salad arrived, but no Dips. Minutes later bowls of Mint Raita and Plain Raita were brought, much better. The Plain Raita had Cumin Seeds which made it Wonderful. Simples. Hector was still munching through the Healthy Option when the Curry arrived.
The Portion had plenty of Lamb but more Masala than I can cope with. The Paratha was Huge! – but already Quartered, Chef’s please stop this. As ever it had to pass the Hector Keema Test. Splitting it apart exposed the Grains of Mince – Good. This passed muster, no sign of the Pink, Donner-like Stuffing here.
Time to Dip… The Masala was the Classic Tomato and Onion Mash, the Flavour of Pickle was not overwhelming but gave the required tanginess. Tasty! Oil collected on the base of the karahi, some may be put off by this, however, it was not excessive. The Salad would surely counteract any unhealthiness here. The Lamb was firm but still Tender. There can be no complaints about the Curry. It was Temperature Hot, the Kick was more than enough, the Achari Flavour was there. A Wee-bit Soupy?
Hector left a residue of the Masala and a Quarter of the Paratha. The Elegant Sufficiency had been consumed.
The Bill
£11.95. A sensible price.
Oh – the Waitress had written – no green chili – I think someone has to explain the difference between Peppers and Chilis.
The Aftermath
No Calling Card was left, they have had two already. Let’s see how many more visits there are before Marg comes home next week.
The short walk to Shields Rd. Subway, time to meet up with the only man to have enjoyed Rowing Jack in Glasgow today.