Edinburgh was calling, a Brewery Takeover at The Stockbridge Tap by Two by Two. If that means nothing read on regardless. The plan was to have Curry-Heute at Lazeez Tandoori in the Scottish Capital, my first Curry since total Curry Exposure in the UK Curry Capital. Lunch was required en route. If I did not go out my way to visit Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) soon, then 2017 could pass without doing so. That would reprehensible.
Having enjoyed my Punjabi Breakfast at Mughals (Bradford) last week, I desired something similar. Once the thought was planted, Keema Padora became the fixation. Could I go and just have a Starter? Why not?
Arriving around 12.30 a new Chap was washing glasses after a function held the previous evening, downstairs presumably. He showed me to a part of the Restaurant I normally do not sit in, he did not know – Hector’s Spot. When Jazzi came upstairs moments later he offered the Opperchancity to move, I decided to stay put. Jazzi was keen to tell me that he primarily works at what was the original premises in Ibrox – Punjabi. This has been re branded – Indian Brasserie, Hector has not been despite Bill inviting me. Now Jazzi has done so … and Bill is in London … Harlow perchance? I must spend more time in Glasgow.
The Keema Padora (£5.25) was ordered, an old fallback, Aloo Gobi would accompany. This is available as a Side Dish (£5.50) or Main Course (£6.95). The Side would do along wish Sparkling Water (£1.75).
I amused myself studying the table advert for New Year, Party Nights and the Menu for the Festive Period. Given the number of glasses being washed, they must be doing good business downstairs in the Function Room. Silvester at Punjabi Charing Cross?
Keema Padora
I could eat one every day, this is just Divine Food. The slight Sweetness in the Bread is complemented by the Dry Keema with an almost Methi-overdose. For those of us who love our Curry with Herbs, this is in a different league from just sprinkling a few leaves of Fresh Coriander, but not as Bitter as Saag/Palak/Spinach. The Seasoning is also what makes Keema Padora a standout, as it must be, but not to excess. There is just enough Spice to place this as something from the Indian Subcontinent. To come here and not try this would be like going to Las Vegas and not, actually, I’ll stop there.
There may not appear to be a lot of Meat, this is more than enough, especially when ordered with something else.
Aloo Gobi
I have eaten too much Meat and Masala in my recent adventures, it was certainly time to redress the balance. With a Thick Masala-mash, this was in effect a Potato and Cauliflower Curry. Both Vegetables were cooked to just the right side of – Soft. With Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander, this was nowhere near as intensely flavoured as the Keema Padora, then something happened.
With the Karahi as my plate, I stretched for another piece of Padora, some Keema dropped into the Aloo Gobi. Oh yes.
The Bill
£12.50 For Breakfast, an indulgence.
The Aftermath
The young Chap asked if I knew Hari and Jazzi. I informed him that I was the first customer at Punjabi Charing Cross. A well known and reliable Curry Website was able to provide the date: April 15th, 2011.
A splendid afternoon at the Stockbridge Tap spilled over into the evening. Hector did not have his Edinburgh Curry-Heute.