Glasgow – Obsession of India – One Month after Opening

Located in what was a – Zorba – a Greek Restaurant last time Hector visited these premises, Obsession of India (25 High St., G1 1LX, Glasgow, Scotland) is the latest addition to the Glasgow Curry Scene. There were two diners when Hector entered just before 15.00. It is pleasing when venues are open all day, this is the perfect time for Hector to eat before joining The Chaps for Post-Curry Activities.
The Waitress showed me to a small table in the middle of the room, sufficiently far from the couple who could continue their meal without an eavesdropper. The neck was stretching to spot their Curry when it came, the distance was too great for a casual glance.
A basic Lunchtime Menu was offered along with the Main. The standard dishes were listed, in the Specials section, there were far more Chicken Dishes than Lamb, no Fish. Lamb on-the-bone could not be resisted, that it was Rogan Josh was all the more intriguing, I have never had this Dish on-the-bone, though have described many a Curry as being similar to this when something else has been ordered. Methi Gosht and Lamb Chops Karahi were possible contenders also. I had to smile when the Lamb Chops were described as being on-the-bone.

It has to be the Lamb on-the-bone, Rogan Josh.
Assuming that this would be Mainstream Curry, Rice felt like the best accompaniment. Plain and Fried Rice were available, so I asked for Vegetable Rice. This was no problem. Just in case I made the request that no Capsicum would appear.
We don’t use Capsicum – was the welcomed reply.

A Single Poppadom was brought with an accompanying bowl of Spiced Onions. The Onions were Excellent, more moist than the norm with a darker hue also, no Food Colouring here. Cloves were the surprise Flavour given off by the Spiced Onions.
That was different – I remarked to The Waitress when she removed the debris. This raised a smile..
The Replacement Samsung kept The Hector amused during the wait. Both Murray Brothers are still British as they attempt to win the Davis Cup. The décor was unlike any other Curry House Hector has witnessed. The mostly plain walls had some artwork, photographs of Mediterranean Scenes. A throwback to the days of being a Greek Restaurant? However, the scenes appeared to be of the Amalfi Coast, Italia not Hellas. So it goes. Thirty Two seats were counted at the various tables around the room. Due to corners there were a couple of tables for three.
A Chap brought the Curry, he had popped in and out of the kitchen at various times to consult with the Waitress, Mein Host. He told me he would welcome my thoughts on the Dish later. Little did he know. I was tempted to give the Calling Card at this time, restraint maintained.

The karahi contained a very Thin Orange Masala, most likely this had been Pureed, too Soupy. Sitting in the Soup were three pieces of Tender Lamb. Two pieces were relatively large and so would be halved. The third was a mass of Bone, a Lamb Shank which gave off three more pieces of Meat. Not much Curry for my Tenner then. The Rice Bowl concealed the array of Vegetables which was revealed when the entire contents were spread across the plate. A Sensible Portion of Rice with Carrots, Green Beans, Peas and Sweetcorn, a Sufficiency of – Interesting Vegetables.
The Soupy Masala was spooned over the Rice, the Meat did look lonely. Without the Vegetables this would have been dire, just Meat and Sauce, not what Hector looks for in Curry. Time to eat.
The first mouthful was quite a shock.

What on Earth was I tasting?

This was a Flavour I could not recognise. Haleem is far from being my Favourite Indian Dish, this was not Haleem though the Flavour was somewhere in that direction. There was a Modest Kick and little Seasoning. The Spice content must have been Minimal and Single, there was no complexity to the Kick at all. Still, the Pungent Flavour persisted, I was not sure if I actually liked this.
The Chap approached and asked how I found the meal.
It’s different, I’m not sure what I’m tasting.
He told me the Sauce was made from Bone Marrow.   Bone Marrow in Curry? – I assured him it was the Lamb on-the-bone which made me choose the Rogan Josh. He went on to tell me that this is how this Dish is made at home.
Where’s home?     India.      Whereabouts?      Mumbai.
So, we have a Glasgow Rarity, an actual Indian Restaurant.
Mein Host mentioned the Tomato content, the Colour sort of gave that away. I asked if there was any Onion in the Masala. There was apparently, but when served as Soupy as this, it was difficult to tell. A week ago I would never have thought to ask this question. The Hector is still learning, Wednesday’s visit to Yadgar had Bill present his Theory as to how the Masala for their Karahi was prepared.
Hector ate on. The Meat had to be eked out such that it did not disappear in an instant. The Vegetables did their job, still the Flavour confused the Hector Palate. I reached the sad conclusion, I did not like this, it was unpleasant. Nowhere near as bad as the horribleness of the Persian Cafe opposite The Village, but heading there.

The Bill
£16… City Centre Prices, Modest Portions.

The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waitress, the Chap came over once more.

Did you enjoy it?

I’m not quite sure.

The Curry-Heute Website was shown. Instead of outlining the list of countries visited I concentrated on – Glasgow’s Top Rated (IMHO). Then back to the Rogan Josh.
I asked if this Masala was their only one but was assured they had different ones for different Dishes. I was glad to hear this.

This did not work for me, I cannot say I enjoyed it.
Hector loves his Curry, all sorts, well possibly not any longer. The purpose of this Website is to celebrate the Wonders of the Cuisine from the Indian Subcontinent, I do not go out to slate people doing their best. These were lovely people in a pleasant surrounding giving good service. I simply did not like The Fayre.
I suggested I might return and try the Lamb Chops Karahi or the Methi Gosht. Indeed, I shall, but only if the Proprietor of this establishment invites me to do so.

The Other Dishes have to be Better.