And just what do you expect me to do with this? pondered Dr. Stan when Naveed presented a Large Portion of Lamb Handi (£16.99) on-the-bone. 
Yes, Hector is back at the Restaurant/Cafe Discovery of 2016 in Glasgow. Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) was the first venue visited after The India Trip in April this year. That the Karahi Gosht presented that day impressed so much speaks volumes, however, I believe the Lamb Handi is their signature Dish.
The Order was phoned in at 13.30 just to save a bit of time, 15.00 as ever was the time of the Saturday Curry Meet. It has been a while since Hector was joined by Dr. Stan, we may see him feature more often in the next couple of weeks.
Naveed greeted us on entry with his now customary – Hello, my friend. For the first time I was able to address him by name thanks to my chat with Ahmed, Mein Host earlier this week. Ten Fellow Diners were in situ plus two prams, one noisy. The adults were well through their Meals. I saw Ambala Pizza for the first time, Deep Pan, the way I like it, however, how could I ever come here and order Pizza?
A Plain Paratha (£2.70) and a Naan (£2.00) were ordered as Accompaniments. Dr. Stan suggested a Vegetable Side, I assured him we would have enough Curry. The Quantity of Large is not defined on the Menu, less than the Kilo, but sufficient for Two Hector Portions.
You have brought a new friend – was Naveed’s observation as he took the Drinks Order.
I’m bringing everyone – was the reply. Ambala is a welcome addition to the Glasgow Desi Scene.
At 15.30 Naveed brought the Lamb Handi, the Karahi/Wok does impress, I knew what was coming, Dr. Stan was taken aback.
Normally, Chapattis (£1.10) would accompany our Meal, today I wanted to compare the Breads which have impressed on previous visits. The Paratha is described on the Menu as – Layered…Flaky, as served in Visit #1 this was certainly the case. What was served today was a completely different affair, – Unleavened Bread – was how we agreed to describe it. Dr. Stan ate three quarters – Tasty. Hector concentrated on the Naan which once again was surprisingly Light. It is rare for me to order Naan, I generally find them to be too filling and detract from The Main, at Ambala I now declare that this is my preferred choice of Bread, Excellent. (But what happened to the Paratha?)
The Lamb Handi was decanted to small plates, so Rich, Amazing Depth of Flavour, no doubt achieved by the Perfect Seasoning. The Spice Level was such that most could cope, one could ask for More Spicy if required. It only took seconds for Dr. Stan to nod his head. The – Mmm – followed soon after, then more – Mmmms – in quick succession. Hector had no fear of Dr. Stan failing to be impressed, I have had enough Ambala Dishes to know that this is now a venue firmly on the radar.
The Masala appeared to be Tomato-based given the Plethora of Seeds present, so no Onion then? The Richness of this Dish was such that it has to be put in the category of – Do not eat everyday. The number of Sucky Bones suggested that we had Leg of Lamb, Quality Meat, Very Tender, cooked to Perfection. The Oil was collecting as ever at the base of the Karahi, was the Distinctive Flavour down to this? I had already identified a Clove Flavour standing out in the Masala, Dipping the Oil may not be The Healthy Option, but herein lies the Mother lode of Flavour.
I asked Naveed – KTC Vegetable Oil – was the reply, noted.
Spicy, very tasty – was Dr. Stan’s minimalist comment. He was impressed. Who’s next?
The Bill
£23.89. Very affordable, very filling, great value.
The Aftermath
Dr. Stan was made aware of the (re-)opening of the Khyber Pass Restaurant, we shall visit as soon as, my next project. Meanwhile it was time to cross the River and complete the Saturday Ritual.
Marg phoned to say she was back from Inverness, then I received a devastating phone call from Crawley…