Hector last visited the Shish Mahal (60-68 Park Rd, Glasgow G4 9JF) back in 2010, there was no rush to return to one of Glasgow’s oldest Curry Houses. That evening my meal impressed, my fellow diners did not have such a good experience. Friends have been having the Lunchtime Menu here for some time and have recommended this, so why not give it a go? It’s shopping day with Mother, a Lunchtime Menu is ideal.
Arriving at 13.30, a half hour before the end of the lunchtime session, I found thirty diners spread across the two rooms. On my last visit we were shoehorned in, there appeared to be much more space today. The laminated Lunchtime Menu was brought, or rather – Menus. On one side was the – Maharaja Lunch Menu (£9.95) – with the – Sultan Menu (£8.95) – on the reverse.
Our Waiter was upon us rather quickly, before I had time to fully appreciate that many of the Dishes on offer were indeed from the Main Menu. I decided to follow the model which Mother enjoys at The Village and so looked for Pakora followed by a straightforward Lamb Curry. Original Onion Pakora was chosen for Mother from the – Sultan Menu. Madras Gosht – looked to be the simplest – Lamb Curry. The Waiter was concerned that this Curry might be too – Hot – for Mother. He suggested Bhoona Gosht on the Maharaja Menu. We would both have this, with Machli Pakora being my Starter.
Six diners sat at the table to my left, we were sitting closer than we would at any other venue. The bonus was that I could see all of their Order. The Portions impressed, though after the full sized Naan served at The Village last week, I failed to see why the Shish Mahal charges an extra £1.50 for this.
The Machli Pakora had four decent sized pieces of Haddock in a Spicy Batter. Fresh – was noted instantly, this Pakora oozed Freshness. Strangely, the Seasoning was lacking. I poured some of the Red Sauce onto my plate, it was Watery, approaching tasteless. This disappointed, I was hoping to give a boost to the experience. However, I still enjoyed my Fish Pakora. Did I mention – Fresh?
The Onion Pakora came as six pieces, four Large, two Tiddlers. I have paid a Fiver for portions of this size at other establishments. Four pieces proved to be enough for Mother and so I mopped up the remainder. This Pakora was exactly as described – Onion. It was peculiar to have a Vegetable Pakora without Potato. It looked lacking and tasted accordingly. Too much Batter to Onion – was Hector’s verdict.
I’ll get my coat…
Hector had to pop out for a moment to buy another parking ticket, our Mains would be served after 14.00. We would be here longer than anticipated.
On my return, two plates of Rice and two plates of Curry sat on the table.
Bhoona Gosht
Eight good sized pieces of Meat sat in a suitably Thick, and not Excessive, Masala. The Rice Portion was well judged, sensible. I decanted the Curry to the Rice, Mother did the opposite.
The Meat was Tender to slightly Chewy, this is not intended as a criticism. The Curry lacked Seasoning, the Spice Level was decidedly – Safe, what one would expect in a Buffet / Lunchtime Menu. After the full-on Flavours experienced in my last outings at Sarina’s (Queensbury, Bradford) and Kobane (Huddersfield), this Curry was nothing to become excited about. This did not have the depth of Flavour one hopes for. Still, there was nothing not to like. It was Curry, Hector likes Curry.
I enjoyed that – said Mother as she finished the final grains of rice.
Not too much, and I liked the Rice too.
Ice Cream or Tea/Coffee? Mother asked for a cup of Tea, Hector had neither.
I note that the Lunchtime Menu is available until 16.00 on a Saturday. I shall certainly return at my regular 15.00 slot and perhaps even try – Chicken Tikka Masala, after-all, it was invented here. For more demanding Dishes, I think I would stick to the Main Menu.
The Bill
£19.90. A far better price than when I dined here last.
The Aftermath
We were not last out, indeed a Lone Diner had arrived at 13.45. Every Waiter bade us farewell. I quite like it here when the place is not wedged.
