Last Friday Hector spotted that the premises which were once Shahed’s (until 2015) had been re-branded and Curry was being served. The name – KoolBa – was recognised, Glasgow’s Iranian-owned Curry House in the Merchant City. We now have KoolBa Union Street (78-80 Union St, Glasgow, G1 3QS). I introduced myself to Fattah, Mein Host on Friday, I texted yesterday to say I would come to visit today at 15.30. Dr. Stan announced this morning that he would join me.
Fattah greeted me as I walked in the door. I had the choice of every table, it would be another thirty minutes before more customers arrived. This remains my preferred time of day to eat. Our conversation from Friday continued. Union St. is a main Glasgow thoroughfare with a line of Bus Stops outside the Restaurant. The scaffolding on the adjacent premises has been in situ for years. Rumours of a new Hotel being built remain just that. More scaffolding across the street makes Union St. a sorry sight. This should be an excellent location for a Restaurant which sells Pizza, Kebabs and Burgers in addition to Mainstream Curry Dishes.
Dr. Stan arrived, introductions were made, time to discuss our Order.
I showed Fattah a photo of a Karahi Gosht as served at Karahi Palace across the river. He recognised that this was – authentic – and KoolBa’s would have Capsicum and Onion on top. Fattah admitted that they serve Curry to suit the Glasgow Palate, what the majority expect – Curry – to be.
Glaswegians like their Chicken Tikka Chasni – declared Fattah.
However, with notice, they can prepare Desi-style. I had given notice, what did they have for us? Methi Gosht was suggested by Fattah. Had he looked at recent posts in Curry-Heute? Hector has had two bad experiences trying to have Methi Gosht this month, one in Prague, the other in Peterborough, and here I am in a Persian Restaurant.
Chicken was dismissed – I stick to Lamb or Fish. This struck a chord, Fattah informed me that they had just taken a delivery of Fish today, Fisch-Heute? A Fish Curry was mooted. Who would have which Curry? Fattah suggested we share. What is it with sharing? Is this becoming an acceptable custom? I asked for a Paratha (£2.50) to accompany, Fattah then listed other options. Dr. Stan would have a Spicy Vegetable Paratha (£3.00). We agreed to share a Starter – Fish Pakora – (£4.50).
The Waiter came to take the Order, he is from Bombay, an opperchancity for Hector to say he has been to India. Two Soft Drinks (£2.50) were ordered in addition to the above. Our Curry selections and the Parathas were not on the menu. For the record, Bier and wine were available.
Fish Pakora
The Portion was four decent-sized pieces of Fish in a Spicy Batter served with a Salad Garnish and a Dip. The Freshness of the Fish impressed immediately. The – whiteness – inspired me to guess this was – Haddock. The Spicy Coating complemented the Fish, this had full on Flavour. This was as good a Fish Pakora as I have ever encountered, a pity I had decided to share.
We were asked if we were ready for the Mains which is always appreciated.
The Bread arrived Quartered and in Baskets. Serving Bread this way loses the impact of – The Whole. I was glad to find a Layered and Flaky Paratha. The Spicy Vegetable Paratha had more Girth, Dr. Stan was pleased with this.
Methi Gosht
The Lamb was on-the-bone, this I had not expected. As Fatthah had said, with notice they can prepare – Desi-style. Fresh Coriander and Onion topped the Thick, Rich and Minimal Masala. Syboes are appearing everywhere presently. If all Chefs would adopt this instead of adding Capsicum, Hector would become a – Very Happy Curry Hound. The cooked in Herbs were strewn through the Masala. This is how I desire my Methi Gosht, a Masala with Methi, not Meat sitting in a Mush of Methi/Spinach.
This Curry had the appearance of – Perfection – so I decided to have the Fish Curry first.
Fish Curry
Dr. Stan had taken his share, three pieces of Fish was my allocation. Again I guessed – Haddock – sitting in quite a Soupy, Blended Masala. Finely chopped Green Chillies were mixed into the Masala, these hit hard from the first intake. The Spice Level was Magnificent, not OTT, but many would have found this demanding.
Ginger – I said aloud, Dr. Stan concurred.
There was a slight Sweetness, similar to that in Prawn Curry. The Seasoning was below what I look for, but perhaps more Salt would not have suited this particular Masala. This was a Powerful Curry. Given the nature of the Masala, it would have been better accompanied by (Vegetable) Rice. Three hours later Dr. Stan made virtually the same comment.
The Road of Bones
I was pleased to find – Sucky Bones – in the Masala with the Bone Marrow still in place. This always adds extra Flavour. The Masala itself appeared to be Tomato-based. I have to admit that I was initially struggling to taste the Methi Gosht after the Fish Curry, more Sparkling Water (£2.50) was ordered. This helped clean the palate.
There’s a hint of Yadgar – I observed. Yadgar have set the Standard in Glasgow for Flavoursome Masala.
More Spinach than Methi? – proffered Dr. Stan.
The Methi Gosht did not have the same – Kick – as the Fish Curry. I may have benefited by eating this Curry first. But, one keeps the best (sic) to the end.
Dr. Stan’s well chosen words:
I was surprised how spicy the Fish was, I thought it was the Lamb at first.
The Lamb was a Lamb Saag, wasn’t it? It was good, I enjoyed that.
The Bill
£28.00 The four Soft Drinks were Complimentary, thank you.
The Aftermath
The conversation continued:
Fattah confirmed that my observations were correct: the Haddock, the Tomato-based Masala. On telling him that I was surprised to be served Lamb on-the-bone he confirmed that this is only available with a day’s notice. He extolled the benefits of having Lamb Curry this way, but again repeated that this is not what the majority of Glaswegians seek. I hope that Curry-Heute can do its part in making people aware of what is available. Fattah told us of his Special Dishes – Dish of Day – on Facebook. Venison Curry is certainly something to look out for.
Once outside I made a point of looking at the door to the Takeaway. This still has – KoolBites – brand by which these premises were known pre – KoolBa.
£5.00 for a Pizza? Why are people not queuing along Union Street?
I shall certainly be returning to KoolBa Union Street, I feel a good connection has been established here. Next time I shall give notice:
Please prepare me – Something Special – Desi-style – without Chicken or Capsicum.
The Menu
Update August 2020
KoolBa (Union Street) has gone, leaving the mother shop on Candleriggs.