Glasgow – The Village “Curry House” – A Slow Burner

Lunch with Mother, and time to return to The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). I was surprised to see one of the Managers on duty this early, all shall be revealed.

Mother’s Order would be simple, her usual Lahori Lunch (£5.95): Vegetable Pakora followed by Lamb Curry with Basmati. I decided to return my roots – Lamb Desi Kourma (£7.95) accompanied by Mushroom Rice (£2.50). The Manager would be our Waiter this Lunchtime, he asked if I preferred on-the-bone or Boneless, then confirmed – Desi Style.

Two Poppadoms and Spiced Onions arrived promptly, a surprise, we do not usually get this at Lunchtime.

I had to ask why he was here so early. Many of the staff are on holiday, indeed The Village is short of staff at this time. I was asked if I knew any students who might need short term employment. The word is out.

Four large pieces of well-fired Vegetable Pakora were accompanied by a Salad that looked more elaborate than the norm. The Red Onions added a splash of colour, the Salad became what Mother tackled first. A piece of Pakora came my way, this was well-spiced but slightly Dry. The Red Dip took care of this. A decent Portion for a Lunchtime Menu Starter. Usually it’s three pieces of Pakora. We were doing well today.

Mushroom Rice

Ironically this is where the generosity ended. When the Mushroom Rice arrived I was taken by the small size of the Portion. Normally I am commenting upon excessive Rice Portions, this was a decidedly – Sensible – Portion.

Lamb Curry

With the Rice served on the plate, the Quantity matched the Mushroom Rice. I spotted five pieces of Meat, the norm. Mother made no comment whatsoever about her Curry. Finally – I’m beaten – was declared. A small mound of Boiled Rice remained on her plate. Enough food for an eighty five year old, however, Hector’s needs are greater.

Lamb Desi Kourma

Topped with sliced Almonds this makes a change from the usual Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips in other selections. I counted ten bits of Meat, three of which were on-the-bone, a sufficiency. I took half of the Soupy Masala to set up for the customary photo.

The first tasting suggested more Korma than Desi, this was quite a Creamy Masala. The Spice was there, the Seasoning was lacking. Where was the anticpated – Citrus Blast – which is the key feature of a Desi Kourma? I waited for the Classic Village Curry Taste to come through, was Chef on holiday?

From my seat I noticed something that may have been present for years, bottles of Wine and Bier. But – The Village – has no license. I enquired:

Cobra Zero, if it’s cold enough you can’t tell the difference – I was informed.

Really? Also, who would be mad enough to order alcohol-free Wine? How much?

The Bill

15.95 Still great value.

The Aftermath

Thirty minutes later the – Classic Village Curry Taste – emerged and remained on the palate for some hours. Ridiculous, most enjoyable. Keep your distance.