Hector the Retired, has volunteered to work at the Paisley Beer Festival for two days this week. Jim, one of the main organisers and a regular fellow diner in these pages was keen to go for Curry-Heute. Normally Jim comes to Glasgow to experience genuine Desi Cuisine. He was apologetic in advance for the state of Curry in Paisley before a venue was even selected.
Two years ago I had a reasonably enjoyable Methi Gosht at the Koh-I-Noor. Last year I visited Paisley’s oldest Curry House – Raja Tandoori – twice. More of a Takeaway, they do what they do, far be it for me to criticise such a well established and honourable establishment.
Google Maps was consulted, the nearest untried venues to Paisley Town Hall are Takeaway only. We agreed upon Multan Tandoori (5 George St, Paisley PA1 2JB). Jim has been there, but not for some time, as written above, he prefers to have his Curry outside of Paisley.
It was just after 20.00 when we entered the almost empty Restaurant. Three Diners occupied a window table. We were shown to a booth on the opposite side. Neither Jim or I could be regarded as – slight. It was a squeeze, never comfortable. The place was otherwise empty, so why did the Waiter show us here? We coped. His choice.
Jim spotted the Desi Lamb (£10.95) first. Homemade style – claims the Menu, this should provide a decent representation of what Multan Tandoori can offer. I almost changed my mind to be different and have Methi Gosht (£10.95). I noted their Lamb Karahi (£8.75) was described in a manner pleasing to Hector, i.e. no Capsicum. Why are the – Specialities – appreciably cheaper than the – Specials? Desi Lamb it would be.
Jim would have two Chapattis (£0.95) whilst for Hector, Mince Pratha (£2.95) would be another good test of the Multan Fayre. A Sparkling Water (£1.95) and Cola (£1.95) would complete the Order.
Note, we had no clue as to the price of Drinks at the time of ordering. There is a full Bar at Multan Tandoori, not that this had to be manned during our visit.
The Waiter took the Order and appeared to struggle with – Mince Pratha. Keema Paratha – did not help either. My request for a guarantee of – no Green Peppers – was noted.
Poppadoms and Spiced Onions were provided without comment. Lately I have not been bothering with these, however, as the wait for the Mains continued, I gave in. Not bad at all.
Jim remarked that the Curry was taking a suitable preparation time. I related Marg and I’s visit to the Turban Tandoori (Giffnock, not Glasgow) some years back. I ordered Desi Lamb, it came in moments, far too soon, unsurprisingly it was poor. We must return and see if they have improved, after all, Turban Tandoori is – The Best in Glasgow 2018. (?)
The Curry and Breads arrived. As with the Drinks, the Waiter placed the Breads in front of the wrong person. I was keen to see inside the Paratha. Peeling back one of the slices (why not serve it whole?) I was pleased to see grains of Keema, not the pink Donner-like nonsense that too many venues serve. The Mince content was substantial, the Overall Flavour of Bread and Meat was very satisfying, well Seasoned, a meal in itself, almost.
Desi Lamb
Soup – was the first observation, far too much Masala. Dipping the Bread, it was difficult to assess how much Meat there was in there. My strategy became one of dealing with the Paratha and Masala then let the Lamb reveal itself.
Jim’s first comment was to praise the – Quantity. And so we ate.
Tomato Seeds were abundant in the Blended Masala. Although excessive, the Texture was Thick enough not to dismiss this as – Soup. The Seasoning in the Masala was – OK – but below that which lets loose all the Flavours. There was a decent Spicy kick. I recognised the dominant Flavour, same as Raja Tandoori last year on my second visit. It wasn’t Achari, not Tamarind either, but something – Tangy.
The plentiful Lamb was very soft, very Tender. One could not detect Flavours coming from the Meat, or any Spice either. This was too much of a case of Meat and Spice being strangers until very recently. The Masala was doing all the work, in time it became monotonous. This Curry simply lacked depth of Flavour. I have to ask the – Big Question – in what way was this a – Desi Curry?
I became aware of the fact that apart from our three fellow diners, there was no activity front of house. The tables beside us sat with debris in situ from earlier customers until we had almost finished. The – Customary Check – on our progress was never made.
With Rice we might have managed more of the abundant Masala. In the end we both had to leave some.
Nothing to write home about – was Jim’s verdict on his meal.
The table was cleared, no exchange of banter.
In no way had this been – The Best Dining Experience in all of Scotland.
The Bill
£30.65. Jim told that for his last Curry in Glasgow, he was charged above – Menu Price – due to an ongoing shortage of Lamb. This was not the case in Paisley.
The Aftermath
Normally I hand over the Calling Card, there was no-one to give it to. We departed, there was nobody to thank.
The electric sign outside had to be photographed. Who does not commit – typos? Chortle. Hector has Curryspondent Neil proofreading these pages. Neil is usually one or two posts behind which is of no comfort to the keenest readers.
Why do I mention this? Look at their sign…who was responsible?
