Hector The Enraged – There are no Curry Houses on the Southside, allegedly.
An acquaintance of Marg asked her last weekend for a recommendation for a – Girls’ Night Out – feathering Curry. My suggestion was greeted as – dirty – and – there are no Curry Houses on the Southside. I suspect the misinformed lady meant: there are few places where she and her chosen company can drink copious Prosecco, order Chicken Korma /Tikka Masala, screech like banshees and ruin everyone else’s evening. I thought the Silly Season was last month?
Apart from not sounding like a misogynist, I have decided my resolution in 2018 is to review the five or so remaining Southside Curry Houses not visited yet, plus the single venue north of the river, and so complete the coverage of this fine city.
Prompted by the above nonsense, I consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog and realised Albert Drive has not been visited in years. The much lauded Lahore Kebab House (196 Albert Dr, Glasgow, G41 2NH ) was well overdue a return visit.
Arriving @16.15 the three tables were empty. Mein Host was behind the counter on his phone. This gave me plenty of time to study the – Desi Dishes – on display.
It was as if the Lahore Kebab House has become stuck in time, the Dishes looked the same, and the prices have not changed either. Who has not put up their prices since 2014?
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Mein Host stood opposite me on the other side of the counter. Having read the script from my first visit, I asked which was the Lamb Karahi (£7.50). I was told it was the corner tray nearest me. I had spotted the Kofta Anda also, I’ve been trying to track this down for months.
Can I have a Large Portion of Lamb Karahi and a Medium Kofta Karahi (£5.50) with a Soft Paratha (£1.80) ?
Initially I think Mein Host thought I was asking for the entire tray of Karahi. Having established I was sitting in, he assured me that a Portion of Lamb Karahi would be more than enough. I had to take the advice. When will Hector have his Kofta Anda?
Taking in the surroundings once again, absolutely nothing has changed at Lahore Kebab House. Three Chaps came in for Takeaways whilst I waited. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
A Large oblong plate of Lamb Karahi was presented with a Modest Salad. The Paratha was brought by another Chap, a Chef?
The flatness of the plate meant I could see all instantly. Fourteen pieces of Meat, three of which were on-the-bone, a decent ratio. The now customary Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Leaves were complemented by Coriander Stems and slices of Large Green Chillies. This was quite a plateful, Mein Host was correct, I would have struggled to eat more than this.
The Paratha was served – Whole – and featured some layering. It was not – Flaky – as was hoped for. The Paratha appeared to have been made from Wholemeal Flour which does not lend itself to flaking.
The Salad was mostly Onions with some Cucumber and Tomato. A Herb had been sprinkled over some of the Onions, what was this? It was not Coriander or Methi, whatever, it was seriously Tasty.
As I tore into the Curry I realised that this was – Comfort Food. More Manchester Northern Quarter than my Recommended Southside Curry Houses. The Meat was Soft, Tender, but still required a good deal of chewing. Having sat in the Blended Masala, the Meat had acquired the Flavour, this was very enjoyable.
The Masala had a decent Spice Level, the Chillies gave momentary – Kicks. The Seasoning, ah the Seasoning. Chef had this absolutely right, and so the Full Flavour of the Meat and Masala emerged. The Coriander Stems added a bit of – Grittiness – to the Texture as did the Chillies and Ginger Strips. The Masala may have been a bit – Oily – for some, perhaps Rice may have been a better accompaniment for this Lamb Karahi? The plates were cold and so the food cooled quickly, next time I’ll ask for – Hot Plates.
Next Time
Already a cunning plan was forming in Hector’s mind. Mother would love this Lamb Karahi with Rice but the volume would defeat her. Next week I shall return and ask for this with Kofta Anda, sorted.
Mein Host came across to enquire as to my level of enjoyment. I had to ask about the Herb on the Onions.
Mint, nowhere around here does Salad like this…when I’m having dinner I must eat the Salad – he informed me.
The Bill
£9.30 The same as last time.
The Aftermath
I showed Mein Host the first review of Lahore Kebab House.
Is that me? – he asked. When did you take that?
August 2014.
It’s good to be precise.
I announced that I would be back with my Mother next week. In the era of fortnightly Curry with Mother, we have only had Curry on the Southside, so much for Fake News.