The first Curry in Glasgow after a Trip could be a dilemma, not today. Curry near Charing Cross at 16.000 means that it has to be Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ). Akhtar, Mein Host, was at the door to greet. Chef #2 also enquired as to my well being as I took my customary spot in front of the kitchen.
Akhtar brought the Menu, this was dismissed, I knew what I was having, the Curry which perhaps is closest in Flavour to that which was once served on these premises in the days of Cafe Salma. Ginger Lime Bhuna (£9.95) served – Desi Hot. Akhtar confirmed – Lamb. This would be accompanied by a Plain Paratha (£2.75).
Four months have passed since I was enthralled by this Dish, then it was Vegetable Rice to accompany. This would have required a bigger appetite than I was presenting this afternoon. I fancied some Bread, still the Outstanding – not quite a Naan – served at Pak Taka Taka in Athena a few days ago is stuck firmly in Hector’s mind. Possibly the Best Bread I have encountered.
Akhtar offered – Soda and Lime. This was declined, Tap Water would suffice. £3.45 for a pint of Soda Water last time, no thanks. Again, I am still reeling from some outrageous Sparkling Water prices across the Greek Islands in the past few weeks. Glasgow Tap Water, none better.
Akhtar has been back to Pakistan in the intervening months since my last visit.
Paratha for Breakfast – is apparently the norm. This was my Opperchancity to show him the – Wondrous Bread – served at Pak Taka Tak.
How was the Food? (in Pakistan) I asked.
Nothing like it.
If this is the case, why are we not benefiting in Glasgow, and Akhtar asked me for Recipes.
Hassan, of Cafe Salma days was inevitably brought up in the conversation. Apparently he is opening an Indian Restaurant in Casablanca. From where will he source his Chef?
As I waited, I watched the passers by in various states of preparedness for the downpour occurring outside. Some were brave, or simply stupid.
The Paratha was Layered and Flaky as I like, perhaps a bit too Greasy on this occasion. Served quartered, a strip was torn off for the first dip into the Copious Masala. The Citrus Blast was instantaneous, yet this was not – Achari. The Spice Level lived up to the billing, Chef was taking no prisoners here. The Seasoning felt fine at the start, but faded slightly. The Karahi was too hot to touch, the contents retained the Heat, Masala first, avoid the Meat for a few moments.
The Lamb was Boneless, plentiful and so Tender. The Synergy of Meat and Masala was evident, the Overall Flavour was so familiar. This was most certainly up to the standards set by Cafe Salma. The Richness of Flavour, the Crunch from the Ginger Strips, the dipping of the Paratha, this was a worthy meal for Hector.
I had eaten about three quarters of the Paratha when I realised I was hitting my wall. I had to concentrate on finishing the Lamb, still a mass of Masala sat before me. This Dish may have better suited Rice after all.
A Young Waiter had just come on duty. He spotted that I had stopped and so took the scraps of Paratha and the Karahi away. Good timing on his part, the Hector had been sated.
The Bill
£12.70. Akhtar offered my – Coffee on the House – no doubt proud of his new Coffee Machine. This I had to decline. Hector and Coffee presently do not get along.
The Aftermath
The rain had eased, the first I have seen in weeks. Welcome back to Summer in Glasgow.