There is another life I could have had. Shawlands Curry would have been a more regular event had I continued visiting nearby Walton St. Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be. It was Stuart who first spotted The Indian on Skirving Street (15 Skirving St, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3AB, UK) around the time it opened in December 2016. Located on the upper floor of a two storey building in a side street may not be perfect, however, the building is recessed giving the Opperchancity for clever signage. Anyone walking along Kilmarnock Rd. from Shawlands Cross will spot it.
Hector is here today making another step towards the completion of Southside Curry Houses, a couple more to go excluding – Chains.
The Indian on Skirving Street is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and opens at 16.00 otherwise. This is an hour later than Hector’s preferred eating slot, however, with evening activities commencing later tonight, this fitted in well with the plan for today. At 16.30, I was the Lone Diner. An ever so charming Lady greeted me upon entry, the voice had me won instantly, more of a – Scottish Lilt – than the local accent. I shall refrain from using the term – Waitress – her aura suggested a position of importance. I was shown to a window table for two around the corner from the main dining area. Window dressing.
I was asked if this was my first time here, on admitting this I was informed:
It’s Tapas, but the portions are quite large. I suggest two or three, but you can order as you go along.
Tapas, just what I didn’t need after last week in España. A 330ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.85) was ordered, I studied both sides of the Menu card. Comparisons with Mother India’s Cafe would become inevitable. There was no – Machi Masala – the Fish Dishes did not entice me, however, after last night at The Village I had to have King Prawn Methi (£6.50). Prawns with Methi, Mmmmm. How many?
The Lady came to take the Order.
Lamb Handi (£5.50) was greeted with – Good choice.
Yes, this will tell me a lot about your Curry – was my considered response.
Lamb Biryani (£5.50) will solve the Rice/Bread dilemma.
So, three Tapas Curry Portions. The Lady was back a few moments later to inform me that the Prawns had not arrived.
OK then, something with Vegetables and no Capsicum.
She suggested the Kharee Pakora (£4.00), usually too wet for my liking. Cauliflower and Potato (£4.00) fitted the bill. But the Kharee Pakora had Methi… Hector should have paid more attention.
The Lady returned once more:
Our Biryani comes with Peppers, shall we leave them out?
Yes please.
Are you OK with Onions?
Sorted. I would be in a bad way trying to eat Indian Cuisine if I had a problem with Onions.
The Handi and Biryani were brought first with a Raita for the Biryani. The Aloo Gobi came a few minutes later. The photographic ritual completed, it was time to tuck in. Given where I was sat in the Restaurant I doubt that my camera had been spotted. I was facing into the large dining area which must seat around fifty, quite a sizeable venue..
Lamb Biryani
It was the Moistness that struck me first. I tend to order Biryani abroad as a way of securing Vegetable Rice. This was a tactic which worked well in India and may well be when I had my last Biryani. Seven decent sized pieces of Meat were present, along with Blobs of Onion, the Ballast. I did well to avoid the Capsicum then. The Biryani had a good level of Flavour given that it was essentially Meat and Rice. The Raita was used because it was there. People expect some sort of Sauce accompaniment with a Biryani I suppose. This Biryani was good enough to work on its own.
Lamb Handi
That this only had five pieces of Meat puzzled at the start. However, I soon came to realise that four of these would require halving, this was a decent Tapas Portion.
The Masala was definitely on the Thin end of the scale, blended as is the custom for (too) many venues. Having been taught – Indian Cooking – by two Punjabi ladies, I never blend a Masala except when I have to make Korma for Marg and her guests.
The Lamb was Soft, Tender, very well presented. The Ratio of Meat to Masala was acceptable. The Flavours emerged from both the Meat and the Masala, this was a Flavoursome Mainstream Curry. Having had – Desi-style – last night at The Village, I had to accept this for what it was. Had it been prepared with Lamb on-the-bone then who knows?
Cauliflower and Potato
The Quantity was Perfect for a Vegetable Side Dish. The Freshness of the Vegetables stood out. After the Handi the Flavours here were much more subtle. The required Diversity of Texture had been attained. This was a good – Accompaniment – to the Meat Dishes.
Does it meet with your approval?
Absolutely, yes.
I have been asked the customary question so many times, but never so graciously.
When it was time to clear away, I pointed to the empty dinner plate:
You can draw your own conclusion.
Dessert, Coffee, was mooted.
I’m happy with this – holding up the remnants of my Sparkling Water.
In my own time I went up to the Bar to pay, set up the LG to show the Website, and produce the Calling Card
The Bill
£16.85. Better value possibly than Mother India’s Cafe.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card did its job, Curry-Heute was introduced.
You have been open around two years? – I asked.
December 2016 – was the reply, so not as long as I thought.
When I informed the Lady that her own words would appear here she wondered what she had said, then remembered my words:
You said the Handi would be a good way to judge our Curry.
I suggested that a – Handi – can be anything Chef wishes it to be. Lamb cooked on-the-bone was then mentioned.
Ah, if you wish to experience the Best – Lamb Handi – on-the-bone then you must go to Ambala.
The Flavours lingered long on the Hector Palate. A Pleasant Meal, a Pleasant Experience. Only Curryspondent Neil will know the person this Lady reminded me of….Hilary.
