As a sign of Appreciation for Hector’s guidance last week in Polska, Craig and Yvonne declared their intention to treat The Hector to Curry-Heute at the venue of his choosing. What better Opperchancity to introduce another two customers to the Glasgow Discovery of 2016?
Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) has featured regularly since the first visit in April. Whilst The Menu covers the required range of Desi and Traditional Dishes, the Depth of Flavour of what is served is sufficient to make this another Standout Venue in Glasgow.
In recent visits the Excellent Lamb Handi has been the pre-ordered Dish of Choice. Today it was time to return to Hector’s Base – Desi Karahi Gosht (£8.99) on-the-bone, Hotter than Medium, accompanied by Nan Bread (£2.00). The Plain Naan served here is a Sensible size, and is Light and Fluffy, the Hector-preferrred – Paratha – has proved to be inconsistent.
Arriving early to secure my preferred table, the Young Chap behind the counter smiled in acknowledgement and called Naveed. Naveed emerged from the kitchen to give his now customary welcome.
Craig and Yvonne arrived punctually at 14.59, Yvonne’s doing no doubt. Walking to Forth St. was their previously announced plan, however, train tickets were mentioned so they must have alighted at Pollokshields East which is moments from Ambala.
The Menu was studied, Yvonne went straight for Karela Gosht (£8.99) boneless, Medium Spice, with a Tandoori Roti (£1.20), a Brave Choice. Craig had to find the Dish which he considered to be within his Limits of Tolerance. Lamb Tikka Jaipuri (£8.95) boneless – Mild – was his choice. Chunks of Chicken or lamb tikka cooked with deep fried mushrooms onions and capsicum. Was this a wind-up? Craig and Yvonne li
ke Capsicum in Curry. Tastes differ as was manifested last weekend in Gdansk.
Fifteen to twenty minutes – said Naveed as he noted the Order. Sparkling Water is still not available despite thousands of requests from one or two people. Mango Rubicon (£1.10) for Hector, Bottles of Still Water (£1.10) for Craig and Yvonne.
Five other Diners were present during our stay. A Chap sat at an adjacent window table and ordered Peri-Peri Chicken with Chips, Twice. When presented with two portions one was sent back. Who would be a Waiter?
Lady First
Naveed brought out Yvonne’s Karela Gosht and Roti first. This was a Thick Mass of Lamb and the Bitter Gourd. Back in August, Howard and Hector were guests of Mein Host – Ahmed, on that day the Karela Gosht most certainly had the – Wow – Factor. Yvonne was immediately impressed by the tenderness of the Lamb. When the Flavour of the Copious Karela kicked in there was a further declaration of Pleasure. Yvonne was impressed by her Dish but could not finish all of the Vegetable, there was a lot of Karela.
Hector was fed next. The Karahi Gosht looked exactly as it should, a Mass of Lamb on-the-bone protruding through not the Thickest of Masalas ever seen, but absolutely no sign of needless Ballast. The Naan was as hoped for, Very Light, the first dipping was a – Gosh – moment.
The 1960s – was my instant remark. This Interpretation took me right back in time. I was then able to identify – Cloves – as being the Dominant Flavour. This is good for a change, very Distinctive.
I re-evaluated the Masala, so much better than anything served in Europe, it is easy to take this Quality for granted when one is at home. The Spice and Seasoning needed no comment, spot on.
Nine decent sized pieces of Tender Lamb were worked at. Craig and Yvonne persisted with knives and forks, no such etiquette for Hector, one needs fingers to enjoy Lamb on-the-bone. As with the Very Best of Curry served in Glasgow, one could not eat this every day, far too Rich. Most enjoyable.
Across the table Craig was making positive statements from the off. His intention to return to Ambala was declared within moments of commencing his Tikka Jaipuri Experience.
Full of flavour. Multicoloured Capsicum. I’ll come back here again.
The Spice Level was evidently – Acceptable. Not wishing to put Craig off, the Quantity of Oil which was present in the Tikka Jaipuri was reminiscent of my last visit to the Khyber Pass Restaurant. This was way more than necessary. Indeed – The Khyber – was mentioned, we need to get a Posse arranged.
Naveed was in attendance twice during our Feast, he could do no more for us. A pity permission has still not been given to show his face on this Blog.
The Bill
Unknown. Thank you both.
The Aftermath
The Urban Texture of Forth St. was observed and discussed as we walked towards Pollokshields East. The hole in the ground most certainly will become a Mosque. Four Shop Units are possibly under construction across the road. Forth Street has to be seen to be believed.