Driving along Calder St. and past Yadgar, I was amused to see the balloons celebrating – Curry-Heute’s 100th Yadgar Review – were still inflated and in situ. I wonder if any diners since Saturday have asked? Hector had another venue in mind for today, a new one.
It was the day – The Beast from The East – blew in when Hector first spotted Tandoori Grill House (170 Darnley St, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41), how long had this been in existence? Does it sell Curry? Hector is on the case.
With the – Tunnock’s – sign high, big and bold on the exterior, I wondered at first if sitting in was an option. A lower banner confirmed this. Takeaway and Sandwich Shop – is the description given by another source.
Do you sell Curry? – I asked the Chap behind the counter.
He pointed to the Dishes on display under the counter and talked me through them. Chicken Karahi, Mixed Vegetable Curry, Aloo Keema Mutter, and then Seekh Kebab.
I asked for a plate with Keema and the Mix Veg with one Chapatti. In these few seconds it was clear that Mein Host was pleased with my choice, the smile never left his face, this was the time to introduce myself.
The Calling Card was handed over, I stated that I thought I knew every Curry House in Glasgow.
How long have you been here?
Over a year – was the reply.
Tandoori Grill House is therefore long overdue some Curry-Heute generated publicity.
Sparkling Water was available, however, I chose Tap Water in order to be clear on the price paid for the food.
I asked if I could take photos and then took my seat at one of three tables. The place was set up to take twelve, though another twelve chairs were stacked in two piles on both sides of the room.
Signs on the wall had Aloo Keema Mutter with two Chapattis at £5.00 and Mixed Vegetable Curry with two Chapattis at £4.00. I like these prices. Mein Host came over to verify it was a Chapatti I desired, not a Naan.
The Order was brought, half a plate of Keema and half of Veg Curry on a plastic plate with a plastic fork. The Chapatti was served on a brown paper bag which sat atop a crockery plate. Why not put the Curry on this?
This is Desi – said Mein Host, presumably explaining why this meal looked markedly different from the Mainstream.
This is why I am here, this is what I prefer. I don’t want Soup.
I started with the Keema which was decidedly lacking in Potatoes and Peas, Keema then, Chicken Keema. With Oil rather than a Masala this was as Dry as Keema should be. Sadly, I started to pull out pieces of Capsicum, Red, Yellow and Green. They had done their damage and had distorted what was a new Flavour Experience.
The Chapatti was a good size, Wholemeal style. The Vegetable Curry had Potato, Peas and Carrots in a Minimal Masala Mash. This was an instant winner. The Flavour was enhanced by the lack of Capsicum, the Spice and Seasoning were spot on, this was very impressive. I have oft considered the role of Carrots in Curry, they add something quite special. I conjectured once that Yadgar may use Carrots to achieve the unique Flavour in their Goshat Karahi, they say not. The Carrot lingered long on the palate, most pleasant.
Mein Host was back, he was keen for me to state that this food was not too Spicy. He presented me with a container with three pieces of Vegetable Pakora and two pieces of Chicken Pakora. I established that he is the Chef. He will cook Lamb (on request?) and does Handi as well as Karahi. What had been a warm welcome was reaching even higher levels. Give Hector food, it is reviewed, and so now I can comment on two more examples of the Fayre at Tandoori Grill House.
The Vegtable Pakora was well fired, double cooked? The consistency and ingredients were identical to that achieved through the Recipe given on this Website. Standard Vegetable Pakora, very tasty. The Chicken Pakora was, well – Chicken in Batter, what else? – I noted, then there was a blast of Cloves. Interesting. Thank you.
The Bill
£5.00 I love these prices.
The Aftermath
I promised to get this Review posted as soon as.
Chicken Karahi
Chicken Pakora
Chicken Seekh Kebap
For my next visit I may well have to sample the Chicken Karahi if this is the Meat which prevails at Tandoori Grill House. I would definitely have the Mixed Vegetable Curry again.
