After a lengthy trip, the choice of venue for the first Glasgow Curry has to be carefully considered. This time the accolade was given to Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP). Lamb Handi would be the normal order, today Hector was after something different, a Fish Curry. A Fish Curry in Glasgow? There are too few venues which serve something worthy.
Howard ordered the Fish Karahi (£10.99) here last year, what came was bland, under-seasoned. Today I would take no chances – extra Salt and extra Methi.
Ambala was almost empty when I entered @17.30. The Waiter stood up to greet, handshakes were exchanged, my usual spot secured. The Menu is still printed on the table-mats, so no updates with the Ambala Classic Dishes restored.
My Order was placed with the required tweaks. I have had mixed experiences at Ambala with Paratha (£2.99). The Menu states – nice’n’crispy – not how Hector desires his Paratha. Ahmed, Mein Host instructed me some time back to ask for – Layered and Flaky. Who wants a Biscuit?
The Paratha was more than a Hector could ever manage. Decidedly – Thin – at least it was – Flaky. Layering was minimal. There was a sheen, a Buttery finish.
Fish Karahi
I have learned not to take the Toppings of Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips for granted after my recent exposure to Italian Curry. The melange of Fish and Masala was surrounded by a watery residue.
The Kick was apparent from the start, but where was the Seasoning, the Methi? The hoped for depth of Flavour was not there. The powerful Butter Flavour from the Paratha was masking anything from the Fish and Masala. Some of the Fish was still in sizeable flakes, too much had turned to pulp. It is this latter feature, I am told by many a Chef, which puts Restaurants off serving this Dish. I had to abandon the Bread to ascertain what Flavour, if any, this Fish Karahi had to offer. Not very much – was the conclusion. The peripheral liquid had to be addressed. On closer examination this was found to be Oil. Ambala use – KTC – a Quality Vegetable Oil which usually adds to the Overall Flavour. I mixed the Oil into the Masala, not a good idea. What was already too wet became even wetter. As experiences go, this was not too pleasant. Hector’s next Curry may well feature Lamb.
The Bill
£14.00.
The Aftermath
Marg phoned, I couldn’t answer, how does this new phone work? The unstable LG has gone, Huawei is now the brand of choice.