Back in May, Akhtar and Hector sat and discussed the future of Masala Zing. Should he return to the Cafe Salma branding or stick with as was? My view was that without Hassan, there can be no Cafe Salma. By June the premises had closed, five weeks ago what was Cafe Salma / Masala Zing reopened as Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, G3 7PQ). Chef Assif who dates back to the days of Cafe Salma remains on board. The potential to serve Curry at the Highest Quality therefore remains.
There are few venues open at 16.00 midweek, it is good to know that the all day opening maintains.
Akhtar, Mein Host, gave his customary warm greeting as Hector entered and took in the new surroundings. The Ice Cream display was prominent – Do you still serve Curry?
There were two Menus on the table, one for Sugar, one for Spice. Who is – Mia?
The Curry section was somewhat brief, to the point. Akhtar assured me all the Old Favourites are still available, simply ask. As well as the obligatory Pizza, Burgers have been added. The decision has been made to try and attract a broader customer base, apparently a younger clientele has been turning up in the evenings since the re-opening. The Moroccan Dishes are also still available so the Legend of Cafe Salma continues.
Hector was The Lone Diner initially, another Chap entered and ordered Lamb Chops as a Main Course, Six Chops made up the portion. Hector was able to photograph his dinner, crazy. But what for Hector? The Handi was tempting, but the Lamb Lahori Karahi (£8.45) proved irresistible. A Tandoori Roti (£1.75) would accompany. The Menu also listed the Drinks prices, the Sparkling Water would be £2.25. Akhtar approached the Kitchen Hatch – Lamb Lahori Karahi Desi, no Capsicum. He returned to establish the Spice Level. Above Medium – was agreed.
Two Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were brought, one is actually enough I feel. I had only managed to eat one when the Curry was presented. A bit quick I thought.
There was an Abundance of Tender Lamb cut Large. The very familiar Salma Masala filled the Karahi. There was more Masala than was required, and sufficient to consider Rice as a better accompaniment. The Tandoori Roti was served Quartered. I still prefer Chapattis so the Bread was little more than Functional.
The Spice and Seasoning were at an acceptable level. Topped with Ginger Strips, the Masala was also rich in Ginger. When Akhtar came to check I did point this out. You like it that way. True, but it did tend to dominate. Somewhere in this Curry was a Semblance of Salma. Hassan used to instruct his Chefs to make Curry his way, the Cafe Salma way, this discipline has been eroded. The Lamb was not The Best, a bit too Chewy, stringy at times. The Lamb also added no Flavour to the Curry, there was a feeling that the Masala and Meat were Strangers until very recently. Still, this was a Good Curry but one always hopes for, expects the Outstanding when one walks into these premises.
The Bill
£10.00. Do the arithmetic. Thank you, Akhtar.
The Aftermath
Akhtar had taken my phone to the Kitchen whilst I dined to show the Chef the photos of Hassan and Family in Casablanca. Once I finished eating he invited me downstairs to show the new décor. They have filled the place twice since opening. I had to photograph the wall adjacent to the Ice Cream, is this the only way this banned word will get to appear in Curry-Heute?
