Howard informed Hector at the weekend that Namak Mandi (21-23 Bridge St, Glasgow G5 9JB) are now hosting a good value Lunch Buffet (£4.99). Being – Lidl Shopping Day – with Mother, this was the perfect opperchancity to investigate.
We arrived shortly after 13.00 and were shown to the extension, here sat some thirty people. At this point I knew nothing about the Quality of the Fayre, but it was evident that – the price was right. 
We took the only table for two, the majority of the tables being set up for family groups which was very much how our fellow diners presented. I checked with the Young Waitress, we were good to go.
Chicken Wings and what looked like a Biryani were the first trays encountered. I put some of each on Mother’s plate, the Rice only on my own.
As ever, Hector was not rushing to eat Chicken. Plain Rice and a Daal were next, I took some Daal. Some – is usually enough. Howard had told me about the Pakora Curry, this was passed by, always too soggy, a waste of good Pakora. Pasta and Salad? Next.
A very interesting looking tray of Bhindi and the hoped for Kofta loooked like the star attractions for Hector. I gave one Kofta to Mother and a soupçon of the Bhindi. I loaded my own plate with Kofta and again took a soupçon of Bhindi. Had there been Kofta Anda, my plate would have been filled to overflowing at this point.
Finally, what looked like a Chicken Heart Curry filled the remaining space on both plates.
I took two pieces of Bread from a plate which was being constantly topped up.
Mother’s Buffet
There was an immediate statement of approval, the Chicken Wings were reportedly – Delicious. I do not recall Mother ever being exposed to Okra before today, it was not for her. There was no comment made about the Kofta though she did say that she found the remainder to be – Greasy. The bulk of the Masala on her plate came from the Chicken Curry which had been shrouded in an Oily, Blended Masala.
Hector’s Buffet
Straight into the Kofta – Spice and Seasoning, Perfect! I had avoided spooning the accompanying Masala which was of the same consistency as the Chicken Curry. The cuts of Chicken baffled, they were not – Chicken Hearts – possibly pieces of – Thigh – cut small. A Standard Curry, nothing to excite. I have cooked Okra often and know how difficult it is to get the texture right. Having sat out, the Bhindi Curry had gone too soft, inevitable. I found a huge Black Cardamom in the Bhindi and fortunately avoided biting into it.
Daal is Daal, I presume some would enjoy this with Bread alone. This was as good a Daal as I have encountered, moderately Spiced and Well Seasoned. Having spotted – pieces dark – in the Biryani I had assumed – Lamb. I was surprised to find a stone, from a Plum. Plum Biryani, tasty, a great idea. (If anyone has not sampled the Plums on sale in Lidl presently, 29p each, get out and get some, best ever.)
Meanwhile back in Curryland, it was time to get stuck into the remaining Kofta. There was a distinct aromatic Herb Flavour emanating from these which took me aback for a few moments. I missed the usual accompaniment of Spinach – Kofta Palak – or Eggs, – Kofta Anda.
This was quite a plateful, I could have gone back for more. For once, restraint was shown.
Mein Host came over and greeted. Mother was introduced, and the story told of how she introduced Hector to Curry at a very early age. I gave him my verdict on the various Dishes. As of Monday, I was told, Soup and a Dessert will be added to the Buffet. The Dishes on display will also rotate. Hopefully the Kofta will be ever-present.
The Bill
£9.98 I know of nowhere else in Glasgow where two can eat for this.
The Aftermath
Mein Host had taken the cash, we chatted further. He was keen to hear my Mother’s verdict. Also, he asked if I would be writing this review. I said that I was overdue a return to revisit the Lamb Charsi Karahi, and that the next visit would be the significant #5.