Glasgow – Desi Cafe – All change, already

The Prelude

In a departure from the normal Curry-Heute Blog format, Hector begins today with news of an important development for those of us who love our Desi Curry as served on Glasgow’s Southside. Chatting with Ahmed, Mein Host at Desi Cafe (140 Allison St. Glasgow G42 8RP) he told me that he has ended his partnership with all at Desi Curry Palace:

Ikram is next door – is how he put it, and then proceeded to show me the recently built partition wall separating the two premises. Ahmed has applied for planning permission to convert the kitchen in Desi Cafe to a more – open style – and also set up an area for Takeaways.

After three years, Ahmed wishes to go alone and sell Desi Cuisine only. Next door can sell the other stuff – is more or less how Ahmed put it. I concluded there will be no Burgers, Pizza or even BIR-Curry sold at Desi Cafe. There will be a new Menu, and possibly a change of name. Glasgow could do with a – Desi Karahi House.

This means I shall have to revamp my page on – Desi Cafe : Desi Curry Palace – but only when all the changes are complete. The Reader may recall I had a tour of the premises courtesy of Ikram as Desi Cafe was being converted from a former Tea Room.

Curry-Heute

Today is Lidl Shopping Day with Mother, it has been a few weeks since this incorporated Curry. Mother was able to work out where we were headed as I parked the Passat off Allison Street. We entered Desi Cafe @13.30, two Diners only were present, one chap I recognised. We acknowledged each other as I sat down. From where did I know him? From here possibly. I approached the counter to see what was readily available. The usual Palak, Chana, Chicken Curry and Aloo Gosht on-the-bone were on display, no Kofta Anda.

Ahmed emerged from the kitchen, shook my hand and then talked me through the Dishes. Two portions of Aloo Gosht (£5.00), one portion of Boiled Rice (£1.50), a Chapatti (£0.60) and a – small portion – of Aloo Gobi were ordered. The latter looked irresistible.

Another Chef and even a Waitress were on duty this Lunchtime, however, it was Ahmed who dealt with us throughout our visit.

Ahmed brought a Jug of Water, cutlery and two glasses containing Pukka Napkins on a tray. Usually these have arrived in a more haphazard manner. Was this the first clue as to – the times, they are a changin’? Two warm plates came next, he remembered Mother’s intolerance.

Reheat completed, Ahmed brought the food, the Aloo Gosht was a major surprise.

Aloo Gosht

Normally presented in separate plates, the two portions of Aloo Gosht arrived in a single Large Karahi. I would count the Meat as I divvied it up, two Huge Pieces of Potato protruded from the Oily Shorva, this was Classic Desi Curry.

The massive plateful of Basmati was on an even hotter plate, logically I spooned off what I required ensuring there was enough for Mother who had declared she was – starving – (no need to inform social services).  From this she ate.

I decanted seven pieces of Meat on top of the Basmati, gave Mother this with one piece of Potato and a sufficiency of the Shorva. She tore in. Seven pieces of Meat were left. Hector ended up with two bones, Mother – one.

This is lovely – remarked Mother long before I managed to taste anything.

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Aloo Gobi

As anticipated, this Small Portion was decidedly generous. More Potato, and Cauliflower in a suitably – Dry/Thick Minimal Masala – featuring Fresh Coriander.

The Vegetables were perfectly cooked, Soft, far from pulp, and the Flavour of the Cauliflower came across quickly. The presence of two sources of Potato altered the dynamics of the experience, each had absorbed their respective Masalas. Hector had ordered well.

The first dip of the Chapatti into the Shorva summed up why we were here. The well seasoned Desi Curry Flavour was there; the Spice was enough, there is no need for Curry to go beyond this level. The Lamb was very Tender but still required chewing. My respect to Chefs who can get their Meat right on the edge. How many samples do they have before they take the Meat off the gas?

In terms of Quantity of food on the table, the Chapatti was probably not necessary. However, I kept returning to the leftover Shorva in the karahi to extract all the Flavour. Tomato-rich – I noted, so simple. As I speculated as to the presence of Onions in this Masala, the Delivery Man came in with a sack of Onions over his shoulder. Just how cheap are these wholesale? £7.00 max a sack in any grocer in Govanhill/Pollokshields.

Ahmed checked on our progress twice. There was nothing more he could offer us. Mother loves the attention. She likes coming here.

My nose is running – was her concluding observation. A Spicy Curry, but not silly.

Hector was left with Shorva in the karahi and Shorva-soaked Rice. It was remarkable how different the taste was in each. There is always the dilemma, Curry with Rice or Bread? Both may be the answer.

The Bill

£15.00 A rounded figure I suspect.

The Aftermath

Mother’s coat was on the second I finished eating. Having paid and told us his news, Ahmed escorted us to the door. We’ll see what happens next. I suspect Curryspondent Archie will be chomping at the bit.