It has been a while since Hector and Dr. Stan conducted our Saturday Curry Ritual, in Glasgow. Only two Glasgow Curry Posts in July, my Favourite Places must be wondering what has happened. What has happened: in the last month since The (Glasgow) Herald mentioned this Curry Blog in their Saturday Eat Out and Drink column, traffic to this site has increased significantly. However, as is written at the top of every page, this is – More than just a Glasgow Curry Blog. Hector is back in Blighty, Dr. Stan suggested we try the Little Curry House (41 Byres Rd., Glasgow G11 5RG Scotland) instead of our Usual Places. It is two years since Hector last visited this Independent Curry House. After my last visit there was a bit of toing and froing acknowledging my visit and not identifying who had served me. I did not expect to be recognised and so decided to remain anonymous, no Calling Card either. In all its incarnations, the Curry served at this venue has typically been better than the Mainstream, so expectations were high.
Dodging the near continuous showers on this archetypal Scottish Saturday afternoon, Hector entered the Little Curry House at 14.50, ten minutes ahead of our agreed rendezvous. The Waiter hollerred up to the balcony and established there was a table for two available. All street level tables were unoccupied. I was led upstairs and was sat at the smallest of tables right beside a couple of Ladies. All the smaller tables were soon occupied leaving two tables seating four and six respectively. In theory, twenty two could be accommodated up here. Why the squeeze? Little Curry House, the clue is in the name, ideal for enjoying Decent Curry perhaps, not a place – To Dine.
Various Menus were set before me, Drinks, Dessert, the Two Course Lunch (£5.95) available 12.00 until 16.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, plus the Main Menu. The price of Soft Drinks looked a bit steep, I was thinking of asking for Tap Water when I spotted the Sparkling Water at a more reasonable £1.95. My eyes were nipping slightly, the Mezzanine/Balcony is directly above the kitchen, some Spices were airborne.
The Ladies beside me had evidently opted for the Two Course Lunch. My conclusion was based on them being served four pieces of Pakora each. I would verify this later when their Second Course arrived.
Last time I had Ginger Lamb with Mushroom, a Curry that could have been Excellent with a tweak or two. Today it had to be Fish, it is difficult to find Outstanding Fish Curry in Glasgow. Machi Masala (£10.20) is significantly more expensive than the Meat Dishes, why? A Plain Paratha (£2.75) would accompany. I wondered too about the Green Herb Vegetable Pakora (£5.50). A bit pricey for Vegetable Pakora, but – Green Herb – sounded irresistible, perhaps Dr. Stan would share? If not, then I would order a Vegetable Side. It is always pleasing when the Menu makes it clear that Vegetable Main Courses can be served as Side/Small Portions.
Dr. Stan was punctual and was shown to a table downstairs. Both he and the Waiter then realised I was upstairs, up came Dr. Stan.
Dr. Stan ordered Orange and Lemonade (£2.65), a hefty price for a Glass of Soft Drink. In time he announced his choice of Curry: Methi Gosht (£9.50) with two Chapattis (£1.25) to accompany. The share of a Pakora was agreed, and the Order given. I asked for my Paratha to be served – whole. Why has it taken me so long to think of this ploy? It’s all part of the Glasgow Psyche, who serves a Roll in two halves? A Roll halved, unthinkable. A Roll, yes please.
There was no discussion regarding Spice Level which I found strange given that we were ordering a la carte. If we were on the Two Course Lunch then taking what comes may be the norm.
With four now occupying the adjacent table for six, we were well crammed upstairs. Business is good here, I often eat at this time on a Saturday, usually in near Solitude. This is – The West End – I suppose, not my usual Southside haunts.
The Green Herb Vegetable Pakora arrived with two side plates in recognition of the fact it was – to share. Six Pieces. Six Pieces of Vegetable Pakora for £5.50. They’re having a laugh, especially given Four Pieces as part of the Two Course Lunch.
The Pakora Batter was Dark suggesting it had been – double fried. This unfortunately is normal practice in most venues, too messy otherwise? The Pakora was served – Hot – and had a decent Kick. The Seasoning was Perfection which again raised my expectations for the Main Course, Seasoning having been an issue last visit. The Herb content was no more than it would be anywhere else, in fact the interior of this Pakora was identical to that outlined above in – Hector’s Curry Recipes. I hoped for Methi, no Methi Heute. I did encounter a Cumin Seed which gave a new Blast of Flavour on the palate.
The Ladies beside received their Second Course, a Chicken Curry and a Lamb Curry. They did not invite me to take photos, little did they realise that Curry only tastes right after The Hector has photographed it!
The Chicken Curry had three large-ish pieces of Chicken in too Thin a Masala for Hector’s liking. I could not tell if it was served on-the-bone. The Lamb Curry too had Meat lost in Masala, I could not see how many pieces of Meat. The Rice which accompanied was a sensible portion. They took their time and both commented on the fact that there was more than they initially perceived. The Two Course Lunch may well be Good Value if one avoids the over-priced Drinks.
Two hot plates preceded the arrival of our Mains, given that I would eat directly from the Karahi, this was arbitrary.
Machi Masala
The Menu stated that the Fish would be Haddock, and be served with a – touch of fenugreek. I had considered asking for – more Methi – but how do I judge what they serve if I have forced Chef to serve something else?
A most welcome Thick Masala Mash enveloped the Fish. The Fish would flake easily with the fork, this appeared to be – The Business. Hang on…. Sod it, small pieces of the dreaded – Green Mush – poked out, they were few, but they were there. Not listed in the Menu description, why was there Capsicum in my Curry? I picked out a few pieces and no doubt ate some. That’s the after-taste ruined then.
The Spice Level was Moderate, the Seasoning was within the parameters one expects of a Fish Curry. There was plenty of Fish, the Methi content was Minimal, a – touch – indeed. The Overall Flavour was – Pleasant – but well short of having the – Wow – factor. Nine days ago at 7 Spices Balti (Sheffield) a Standard was met. Only Glasgow’s Mother India’s Cafe serves a Machi Masala which occasionally has the – Wow.
The Paratha
The Paratha came whole as asked, not the Quarters as served previously. I enjoy tearing off my own strips. Was this an authentic Paratha? Hari, at the Punjabi Charing Cross (Glasgow) once rhymed off the various – Flours – used to make Chapattis, Puri, Padora and Naan. I expect a Paratha to be – layered and flaky, this was not. Wholemeal – is the term I employ to describe Chapattis of the type which have this Earthy appearance and texture. This Paratha was but a Thick Chapatti. Last time was much better.
The Chapattis
These looked inviting, perhaps – Fluffy. Dr. Stan devoured both, I daren’t ask for a quote on the Bread, a bridge too far.
Methi Gosht
This was a Dark, Herb-rich Mass, the flash reveals otherwise. One always hopes for Masala with Herbs, not a Saag/Palak which is basically Mustard Leaves, Methi, Spinach et al in a Spicy Mash. I asked the Good Doctor.
Masala with Herb – he assured me. Quite a delicate flavour – he added. No need for this level of verbosity, Dr. Stan.
Like a Saag – he added.
Now I was confused.
Is there sufficient Meat? I asked.
Yeah, oh yeah, very tender.
Are you aware of the Methi?
No.
I would no doubt have gone for the Methi Gosht if the Machi Masala had not been available, I was glad now that I hadn’t.
Dr. Stan concluded:
I’m not convinced it wasn’t a Saag, not full of flavour.
The Bill
£35.05. Three times the cost of the Two Course Lunch, had we been given three times the Pleasure, three times the Quantity? I think not.
The Aftermath
Two Staff were having their Meal as we went downstairs. I want what they’re having – flashed through the mind. Chicken, maybe not.
There is nothing – wrong – with the Curry served at the Little Curry House. As with last time, I simply feel they haven’t got it – quite right.
