Mr. India Thali has gone, in its place we have Home Style (470 Paisley Rd, Glasgow, G5 8RE). Hector introduced himself to the Couple in charge last November but had a visit to the Punjabi Dhaba and Pendragon in mind. Strange, I am not long back from Katowice once again.
Arriving before the advertised opening time of 16.00, the Young Lady behind the counter gave a warm and friendly greeting. Studying the Menu above the counter there was little sign of Curry, instead the usual Kebabs and Pizza. The Curry was listed in the printed Menu. I took my seat at one of the two bench tables and looked for The Hector Curry.
Karahi Bhoona would hopefully be towards – Dry, the usual issue would have to be resolved.
… with an abundance of Capsicum and Onion .. I read aloud from the Menu. Can I have Potato instead of the Capsicum?
Sure.
A Plain Paratha.
No rice?
I returned to the table and realised I should have taken the other table out of line of sight. The poor girl would be sentenced to watch my every mouthful.
Indian Takeaway and Diner it says proudly on the shop heading outside. There are two tables seating eight max. That would be quite a spectacle. This is essentially a Takeaway, but from humble beginnings empires are created. Yadgar started out like this. Who knows, the Authentic Indian Cuisine served here could be the discovery of 2015. One always arrives with an air of optimism.
I scrutinised the Menu whilst I waited for the Chef to produce the Curry. This was the Chap I had met last year. It was the Lady who had done most of the speaking that day. The list of Pizzas was longer than the list of Curry dishes. One has to accept that the Glasgow Kebab Shops do a roaring trade in Pizza, the prices are a fraction of the Pizza Chains.
The Hoggie
Who invented this? A Chapatti Wrap with Chips and Cheese, optional Salad and Sauce. Glasgow Salad.
The Curry and Paratha was brought to the table, none of the – here it is, come and get it – that some venues operate. The Karahi Bhoona was served sealed in a plastic tray which was on top of a polystyrene plate. A plastic fork. Removing the lid revealed a somewhat – Soupy – looking Curry topped with Fresh Coriander. Authentic Indian Cuisine or Glasgow Curry? The Paratha was definitely on the Thin side and lacked either Flakiness or Fluffiness. This disappointed. Still, with pieces of Paratha in the left hand and the plastic fork in the right, the Masala was scooped in the now standard Hector method of Curry eating.
I’ll close the door and stop your food getting cold. A welcomed touch, thoughtful in the height of the so-called Scottish Summer.
The Masala had a hint of Sweetness, some Methi would have changed the dynamic considerably. The Quantity of Lamb was Sufficient, the Quality ranged from Very Tender to Slightly Chewy. With more Masala than Hector hopes for, most of the eating was in the consumption of the Masala itself. This grew on me the more I ate. The consistency was far from Soup, a decent level of viscosity. The Finley Chopped Onion that had been stirred through the Masala gave a slight Grittiness. The Seasoning and Spice Levels were well within acceptable parameters. This was not Outstanding Curry it was Very Pleasant to eat.
Hector likes Curry and is usually happy to experience all interpretations.
The Bill
£8.50. No Drink.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed over. It was established that The Chef was the Young Lady’s Father. I think I met your Mother last year. Indeed I had. Lovely people, I wish them well in their enterprise.