Looking ahead, there could be quite a number of reviews on Curry-Heute in October; as usual, some new venues, some tried and loved. After last night’s invitation to sample the Fayre at The Dhabba in Glasgow, Curry-Heute was not anticipated. When Marg announced she was out for dinner this evening, and having Curry, the Opperchancity for another Local Takeaway had to be taken.
Little India (574 Kilbowie Rd., Hardgate, Clydebank G81 6QU) impressed ten days ago, the Bombay Bakra (£8.50) was served with Lamb on-the-bone, not the Clydebank norm. Hector was set on negotiating a Lamb Karahi on-the-bone and without the unnecessary Ballast.
Just after 18.00 this evening I entered Little India. I related what I desired to the Chap behind the counter, he was a stand in, Mein Host was due back shortly. On cue he entered, I introduced myself, gave the Calling Card, showed the Website on the LG and praised my last Curry from these premises.
I outlined the Dish of my desire making it clear I did not want a Stir Fry with big blobs of Onion and Green Pepper, could they serve a Desi Karahi? There was a nod. I also offered a fallback of Jaipuri Lamb (£8.50) – Garlic based, cooked with aniseed, black cumin, maze, shredded ginger with yoghurt. I had wondered if this would be as tasty as the ingredients suggest.
I was informed that the Menu is about to be changed, Dishes withdrawn. The first of these includes Lamb on-the-bone, it doesn’t sell. The Impressive Curry that had me return so soon will never be served again. Hector would have to settle for Boneless Lamb. The hoped for Karahi was abandoned, Jaipuri Lamb it would be. An above Medium Spice Level was asked for. Fried Rice (£2.50) would accompany, with Peas and Mushrooms only please.
Our conversation continued whilst I waited. The New Menu will include Kebabs cooked on an open grill, plus handmade Burgers. That the premises has changed hands recently was mentioned, exactly when was not forthcoming. There is ambition here.
The Bill
£11.00.
Opening the plastic container revealed a Mainstream Curry with Large blobs of Onion. Why were these here? There was no sign of – Shredded Ginger or Yoghurt – as the Menu description outlined. I did find sliced Mushrooms.
I spooned enough Rice, the rest can be used another time. As ever in a West of Scotland Takeaway, one Portion is enough for two. The Peas and Mushrooms would add the welcomed Diversity.
The Tender Lamb was Plentiful, well into double figures, each piece could easily have been halved, this was a Mass of Meat. The Masala appeared to be slightly Thicker than Mainstream, was I about to enjoy this as much as ten days ago?
The Seasoning was down, well down. The Spice Level hardly approached Medium. The Flavours …. where? Aniseed, Black Cumin? Sorry, there was not much happening here. The Onions were picked out, far too many.
I had discovered something potentially Wonderful ten days ago, already it has gone.