Hector was summoned into the City earlier than normal for a Saturday spent in Glasgow. I arrived at Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) @13.30 and took my usual spot at the far wall facing back towards the counter. A family of three had just arrived.
The new table-mats were clocked instantly, a New Menu, with new prices. The camera was straight into action, the Ambala page on this will have to be updated. Prices have increased by up to £2.00 depending on one’s choice. Korma has increased by £1.49, as if anyone would come to Ambala Deli Bar for a Korma (£9.99). Desi Karahi Gosht (£10.99) has gone up the full £2.00. Where was my Curry, the reason I was here? There was a new waitress who dealt with the family then disappeared. Hector was waiting to ask a fundamental question:
Where’s the Handi gone?
The Young Chap who has usually served in the last year or so joined us.
Where’s my Handi gone?
The new Doris pointed to the Desi Karahi Gosht:
It’s the same thing.
Oh no it’s not, I could tell the Ambala Handi apart from any Curry put in front of me, even blindfolded.
Adressing the Young Chap:
People come here for the Handi…if it’s not available…
People still come – I was assured.
Well of course they do, but the thought of losing what is, according to a well known and reliable Curry Blog, one of the most outstanding Curry Dishes served in Glasgow, the UK, anywhere…. The Village Curry House let the Laal Lahori disappear when it was renovated/expanded.
And so Hector’s order was given:
Lamb Handi on-the-bone, Spicy (£11.99) with a Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.20*).
I made sure – Chilli and Coriander – was noted.
I spotted a paper Menu on the counter. The Waitress informed me that this was – The Takeaway Menu. Ah, different prices. The camera was back in action.
I took more time to study the table-mat Menu. Turkish Kebabs were on both sides, space for the Handi then? The – go Large – option has also been lost along with the Handi. Vegetable Karahi is no more. The counter used to have a special sign permitting the ordering of the Karahi Gosht by the kilo or half kilo. Gone.
Chapattis are now £1.30, Naan £2.20, and Mince Paratha £4.70.
OK, prices have been stable at Ambala in my two years of visiting, UK inflation is running at around 3.0%. The price increases are not a problem, can anyone guess what is bothering me?
The Lamb Handi arrived with the Naan. The Naan was halved, I keep forgetting to express my preference for a – Whole Bread. The Naan was flat, it had only risen marginally at one edge. This was not the Quality I have come to appreciate here. There was no Coriander. I had been clear.
Handi Gosht
Smell it! Taste it! This was simply Magnificent! If any of the Restaurateurs in Deutschland that I have visited in the past week are looking … this is Curry.
Green Chillies accompanied the Standard Toppings – Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. I recognised the Tomato-rich Minimal Masala which shrouded the Meat. How much Meat? Impossible to tell as I ate from the Karahi itself. There was a lot of Lamb here, Tender Lamb, which gave back the taste of Herbs and Spice.
The Spice Level was significant even without the inclusion of the Chillies. The Seasoning, however, was a bit down today.
The Overall Flavour of the Ambala Handi Gosht is so distinctive. The Musky Flavour took me back to the Souqs of the Middle East and North Africa.
The Waitress came over to check on my progress.
I had to celebrate the magnificence of the Handi, but then point out the missing Coriander on the Naan. I was immediately offered another Naan. There was no way I could finish this one, never mind start another. I heard her relate to the kitchen staff that she had asked – twice – for Chilli and Coriander.
I continued with my ever so Wonderful Handi Gosht. Defeat was soon staring me out. The Lamb was finished, a Soupçon of Masala had to be abandoned. Hector was replete.
The Bill
£14.19. I suspect the £2.20* for the Naan was lower than I should have paid for a Naan with Garnish.
The Aftermath
I think I still have Ahmed’s (Mein Host) email – was my parting comment to the Waitress.
Indeed I do, Ahmed was emailed from the bus as I headed north across the river. Ahmed was back in no time at all:
Yeah you’re absolutely right it was a big mistake by printers they took some of our famous dishes out, a lots of customers are asking same thing.. but don’t you worry you will get same thing of your choice on same price you were getting…
There could be more…