Last night as I posted a photo of my sublime Karahi Gosht served at Karahi Palace, my niece Caroline in Aberdeen informed me that she and her friend Laura would be staying over tonight, hockey related matters. With Marg busy on her own hockey duties, it was up to me to entertain them this afternoon.
Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) was today’s venue. On the train across the city I showed the Ladies the Ambala Menu on a well known and reliable Curry Website. All was set.
A Chap whose name I have to establish recognised me on entry. We were shown to a window table. He and the Lady who served me last time would take excellent care of us this afternoon.
Handi Gosht has disappeared from the revamped Menu. Ahmed, Mein Host, was in touch with me after my last visit to assure me that all of the Ambala Favourites are still available despite the menu hiatus. My preferred Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.99) is not on the Menu but is charged at the same price as a Garlic Naan. I asked for a Portion, not Large.
Caroline ordered Lamb, a first for a niece/nephew in Hector’s company. Bhindi Gosht (£9.99), a first given that she was not familiar with the term – Bhindi. Laura chose Garlic Chilli Chicken (£9.99). They would share a Pilau Rice (£2.99) and a Cheese and Garlic Naan (£4.99). This combination again is not on the Menu and was charged as a Cheese Naan.
A Cola (£1.50) was added, then Caroline asked for an outrageous – Chocolate Milkshake (£3.99). Who has a Milkshake with Curry? Caroline!
Noises Off
I could hear the whirring in the background. Then the Chocolate Milkshake was presented. It was thoroughly enjoyed and provided a refreshing coolant during the Curry, I was told. Chocolate Milkshake, you don’t get much for £3.99.
The Main Event was upon us. Two generous portions in their respective Karahi, then Hector’s Handi Gosht arrived in the large Karahi. Behold the half kilo! (£13.99)
The Cheese and Garlic Naan was set on a board, a meal in itself. I would be astonished at how much of this the girls managed. It must be an Aberdoom thing. The Rice was Peas Pilau, again a large portion, enough for two, or more as it would turn out. More than half the Rice would become a Takeaway.
I cannot recall having Rice before at Ambala, my choice of Curry tends to require Bread. The Rice was coloured, this gently Spiced, Flavoursome Rice I have experienced at other Southside Curry Cafes in Glasgow. It looked good, I will find out how it tastes one day soon.
Garlic Chilli Chicken
This may well be the first Ambala Chicken Curry to appear in Curry-Heute. Served in the customary Thick Ambala Masala this almost looked – Interesting – from a Hector perspective. Laura did her best, with the Rice and Naan she had a mass of food to get through.
There’s a lot of Meat – she stated early on. Only Lahore Karahi comes anywhere near close to serving Curry of this Quality in Aberdeen. Neither Laura or Caroline have been there, perhaps this may change?
That was so good, the level of Spice...
I deduce this was to her liking.
*
Bhindi Gosht
I have never seen so much Okra in/on a Curry. The Lamb, served on-the-bone, was in there too. The Masala was in the Minimal category, as I seek in Curry. Caroline says she likes a lot of sauce with her Curry but was more than happy with what was presented here.
The more Okra that Caroline ate the more there appeared to be. I watched Yvonne struggle with a mass of Karela here once, perhaps they overdo the – Interesting Vegetable. A significant part of the Okra would be taken away also.
I’ve just got too much – Caroline announced halfway through her meal. I don’t know anyone who could have finished this quantity of Okra at a single sitting.
I’m fed – was her concluding statement.
If Caroline is brave enough to come down for more Glasgow Curry, Yadgar next time. Then she will discover what – being fed – is all about.
Observations by Hector aside, both girls enjoyed their meals.
Handi Gosht
This just looked Magnificent from the start, the Oil was already separating from the Thick Masala Mash when it arrived. The Vegetable Oil used at Ambala may be the root of the distinctive Ambala Flavour. There was so much Tender Lamb, again served on-the-bone by request, I did not bother counting it. It was a matter of judging when to stop and have a worthy portion to take home.
The Chilli and Coriander Naan was served whole, yay! It was also a sensible size for one. Beautifully Soft with the correct degree of firing, and a good balance of Chilli and Herb, it was sheer pleasure. I had to be careful not to overindulge on this Bread.
The first dip of Naan into the Masala was proof of why I was here, and will always return. The Spice Level today was perfectly pitched, relief in some way after yesterday’s enjoyable visit to Karahi Palace. The Seasoning was spot on, enough to reveal all the Flavours contained in this Karahi.
This is – Visit #20 – it is almost exactly two years since I first set foot in these premises, Ambala was an instant hit. As the tally of visits grows, it should reveal the high regard with which I hold the Cuisine served here. The Flavour in the Curry, the Handi especially, is among the very best in Glasgow.
As we ate, the Waitress approached more than once to ensure all was well. It was.
The Bill
£51.43. Who orders Milkshake with Curry?
The Aftermath
The staff had momentarily disappeared as we departed, no chance to express our thanks. Thank you.
And so to the State Bar, the next part of the girls’ exposure to Hector’s life in Glasgow.