Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD), always good, sometimes excellent, and Marg’s favourite Curry venue – Butter Chicken! (£5.75) For Hector it’s Machi Masala (£5.50), consistently the best Fish Curry served in Glasgow. It’s a pity that after this amount of time, they persevere with Tapas portions. Maybe I should order a double portion as I did recently at Tuk Tuk? But then I would have missed out on Methi Keema Mutter ( £5.50) today. More Methi, a Hector cannot get enough of this Wonderful Herb.
Marg announced she was free for the second consecutive Sunday. Finding a decent Lunch in Byres Rd. proved to be difficult last week, suggesting Mother India’s Cafe was a simple solution. By the time the comedy football finished on TV, it was no longer – too early – for Marg to consider Curry-Heute. Half full, no queueing today, reservations not possible, another quirk.
The Menus were placed on the table in a flash, Today’s Specials included – Staff Curry – and Mutter Paneer (£4.95). Marg was tempted by the latter having enjoyed it at Sarina’s (Queensbury, Bradford) a couple of months ago. Will it have Mince? She asked me. No, just Peas and and Cheese. Aloo Gobi with Green Beans (£4.50) became Marg’s second choice. I asked what the Staff Curry was, more Chicken, no thanks. A Paratha (£2.15) and the Lemon and Cashew Nut Rice (£2.25) as ever the Accompaniments. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.95) completed the Order. Why was I paying way more than this for Water a few days ago in Köln?
Today we were sat at the far wall, Marg faced into the room which suited me. Sometimes taking photos here is a bit naff given the proximity of fellow diners, today discretion. The staff turnover is evidently high given that I never recognise anyone, just the famous faces on the wall.
A measure of enjoyment is the simultaneous arrival of the array, when the Fish comes last Hector is less than happy. Today all was well. The Paratha was Layered and Flaky, Perfection. Even Marg commented on this. The Rice portion looked Larger than that served previously, always tasty. Hector takes but a Soupçon, the Bread being my choice.
Machi Masala
The Machi Masala looked a bit different, perhaps it was just the light. I could eat three of these Tapas portions of Fish Curry, it was Magnificent. The Thick Masala was well Seasoned. The Spice Level was not challenging, sensible. The blast of Citrus could be what makes this a standout. Why am I here so rarely?
*
Methi Keema Mutter
I spooned about half on top of my Rice allocation, this was a very decent portion. There was no Masala, German Curry Chefs take note. Citrus on the palate was replaced by Methi. Mmmmmm, Methi. Why am I here so rarely?
Aloo Gobi with Green Beans
This is always an excellent – Side – when Restaurants serve it as such. This was the first time we have ordered Aloo Gobi at Mother India’s Cafe. With the expected Minimal and Thick Masala this had good level of Spice but was Under-seasoned. Marg made a valid criticism:
Sometimes I want it to be served hotter in temperature.
One suspects this is down to having six items ready simultaneously.
Butter Chicken
The reason why we were here, Marg’s favourite Curry, anywhere. Chicken, in a Soupy, Blended, Creamy Masala, the antithesis of a Hector Curry. Walnuts too.
This has a kick – exclaimed Marg. That it is not as Bland as served in the majority of venues is what attracts Marg.
It’s so good, does not disappoint, a great texture, creamy, spicy.
So it goes.
Somehow we still had Rice leftover. Marg suggested we take the end of the Aloo Gobi and Keema Mutter home. Why not, tomorrow’s Lunch.
Marg ordered an extra hot Latte (£1.85) to finish things off.
The Bill
£31.45. One can get more food for one’s £ at other venues, perhaps this is why I am not often here.
The Aftermath
Every member of staff bade us farewell as we departed. A nice touch.
What are the chances I shall return in January?