In recent times, I have been adding [Square Brackets] to convey a disturbing number of Glasgow Curry Houses which are no longer in business. It is therefore a pleasure to visit new premises on Sauchiehall Street, once a focal point of Glasgow Curry.
Tuk Tuk (426 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD) has been opened for some two months, the sister shop to the Edinburgh original. Two does not make a chain in Hector’s book. Entering at 15.00, only two diners were in the large premises. They turned out to be tourists from India and ordered Biryani.
The Waiter who greeted me on entry looked very familiar, it took us a few moments. It was Zaheer whom Hector has encountered at Akbar’s, Glasgow’s Branch of the Bradford chain, located along the road. Hector is overdue a return to Akbar’s. But they are not open mid-afternoon when I prefer to eat.
An A3 Paper Menu was brought, Zaheer talked me through the offer which is available from Noon until 16.00. He realised that all would be photographed and recorded. For £12.00 I could have the Tuk Tuk Tiffin Lunch: a choice of three Starters, two – Street Curries – and a Side. The Pakora Platter (£3.95) was the choice of Starter. Two Lamb Dishes stood out: The Railway Lamb Curry (£5.65) was on-the-bone and contained Spinach, Lamb Kolhapuri (£5.65) was – slow cooked – Lamb. A Garlic Naan (£2.30) completed the Tiffin; a Sparkling Water was the Drink.
Zaheer advised that the Order would take ten to fifteen minutes, an Akbar’s custom transferred.
You are most important for us – said Zaheer. I bet he says that to all the Curry Bloggers who visit Tuk Tuk.
I had time to take in the surroundings. The premises are indeed large, seating perhaps one hundred. A raised area to the rear may be the optimum dining location. The number of small tables at the doorways aids versatility. The décor is certainly original, bright, contemporary. A variety of Music was played at a reasonable volume throughout my visit.
Zaheer brought a four tier Dabba, let the photographic recording commence. He unveiled the Pakora, the two Curry Dishes then the Naan which was quartered and squeezed into the base. Each was then covered up to retain heat.
Four pieces of Vegetable Pakora, one would not expect to pay £3.95 for this. Despite later discussion, I never did establish if the individual prices were the Main Menu prices. Online, I can find no other Menu.
Carrot, Aubergine and two pieces of Potato Pakora looked a bit lonely on the plate, even when the Raita was poured over. The Seasoning was spot on making a Tasty Experience, albeit Modest in Volume.
Lamb Kolhapuri
The Lamb Kolhapuri was tackled next, the logic being to leave the Railway Station Lamb Curry to the end. One expected the Lamb with Bones to be the tastier of the two. Four Large pieces of Lamb sat in a mass of Masala. Given the – Tapas – nature of what was being served, this was on the edge of acceptability. This was Masala with Meat which The Hector has to categorise as – Soup. Meat with Masala please.
The Quartered Naan was Soft, wilting, and covered in Green Garlic Paste. Gone was the pleasure of tearing off the doughy point of the Naan, still this Naan was certainly full of flavour.
The Naan was dipped into the Masala, there was almost a – Wow! The Spice was at the – catch the back of the throat – level. The Seasoning was very impressive, and therefore here was an Intensely Flavoured Masala, very much in the Indian style.
The Meat was suitably Tender, Soft with the right amount of chewing required. The Meat was consumed intermittently with the abundant Masala. I soon realised that I could eat all of the Naan with what was here. £2.30 for another Naan this size? No way. Rice may have been the better option here. The Biryani served to my fellow diners was overflowing the Dabba when presented. How did they manage this?
Railway Station Lamb Curry
The lid was taken of the Railway Station Lamb Curry. Three pieces of Meat were seen, two on-the-bone. One bone was of the – Sucky – variety, full of Flavour giving Marrow. The Masala, not as Thick as the Kolhapuri, had traces of Spinach. This was thankfully a Masala with Spinach, not a Palak/Saag. The Seasoning and Spice were well down compared to the now Wonderful Kolhapuri which preceded it. Despite the Earthy Flavour, this simply did not compete.
Zaheer confirmed I could return and order two Portions of Lamb Kolhapuri. Again, when I asked if a Full – Main Menu – version was available, this remained unclear. However, I would most certainly return here and eat as much Lamb Kohlapuri as can be acquired.
The Bill
£14.50. This means the Sparkling Water was £2.50, ouch!
The Aftermath
Zaheer went out of his way to tell me that Tuk Tuk operate a BYOB system. Currently this is 50p per table, but is due to double in coming months. With the State Bar across the street, an Opperchancity to utilise Carry-Kegs.
I was able to tour the now empty premises and photograph everything.
I wish Zaheer and his Colleague – Bonne Chance. There are few City centre venues open mid-afternoon. Zaheer assures me they are doing well in the evenings. This is despite the number of nearby Buffets.
