Glasgow – Mia Sugar & Spice – Evocative Curry

Can it really pour down all day? In Glasgow it can. What a miserable day, there had to be Curry. Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) was the venue. Someone planted the thought of Ginger Lime Bhuna (£9.95) in Hector’s mind a couple of weeks ago. As good as the Cafe Salma days – was the description. Lahcen should be pleased. This was one of the Deluxe Curries Hector had yet to try.

Arriving at 16.15, three Young Ladies occupied the window seats, three Young Chaps were mid room. I took one of the two small tables adjacent to the hatch, acknowledging Chef #2 as I took my seat. Akhtar, Mein Host, shook hands, it has been a while.

Desi Hot – said Akhtar as he noted the Order. I had never noticed the Spice Levels on the Menu prior to today. Desi Hot, taking no prisoners then? A Vegetable Rice (£3.95), not on the menu, would accompany. The reminder was given – No Capsicum.

The Sparkling Water arrived in a pint glass, Excellent. Little more than a half litre bottle, there is something more satisfying drinking from a larger glass. What I didn’t know was the price, £3.45, ouch. One helluva markup.

No Poppadoms and Spiced Onions for Hector today. Perhaps there is the realisation that I currently do not really care for these. The Chaps had ordered Pizza, this always amuses. When they left, Akhtar informed me – those are the boys from Mother India. It is seven years since I last set foot in those premises. Akhtar took a seat beside me and enquired about my recent travels. The near Curry War in Madeira was outlined, and the impressive Quality of Curry in Polska also rated a mention.

The Karahi and the Plate of Vegetable Rice visually impressed. What a mass of Rice. With Cauliflower, Peas and Mushrooms, this Biryani in effect, was quite a treat. A plateful was decanted, no way would I be able to eat all this. Half of the Ginger Lime Bhuna was set on top of the Rice, without counting, it was clear that the Meat was well into double figures.

The Lamb was Tender, the chewing was so pleasurable. How I hate Lamb which could be sucked through a straw. This was Perfect. The Masala was Minimal and Thick, exactly the Standard expected. From the first intake of Meat and Masala there was a definite Citrus Blast. This took me back not only to the days of Cafe Salma but also The Village, whose Lamb Desi Korma triggered Hector’s Curry Obsession. Topped with Ginger Strips and who knows how many Chopped Green Chillies, the Spice Level was certainly – Desi Hot – the Seasoning was perhaps 10% under. With the Rice and Vegetables this was turning into a Magnificent Combination. I had nearly ordered a Paratha, what a mistake that would have been. The Variety of Textures was all, a healthier option too.

When the rest of the Bhuna was taken, I calculated that perhaps a third of the Rice would be left over.

What’s the verdict? – asked Akhtar as he passed.

With a full mouth, I simply nodded. This was Curry.

The Bill

£17.00. There is a tendency to round down. I could have played the 10% Discount Joker by checking in.

The Aftermath

Akhtar is off to Pakistan shortly, a holiday. The Sons of Akhtar will be running Mia Sugar & Spice. The Chefs will keep them right. I had to mention – Viceroy’s House – this spurred Akhtar into giving a brief History of Partition. One day Hector will get to Punjab, but on the Indian side.