Forth Street is always a hive of activity with a place of worship, a Cash&Carry and of course Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP). Today I spotted two new businesses which have recently opened, Barfia (really!) and Baker’s Delight. More on these later, Vegetable Curry was foremost in Hector’s mind.
Arriving at 15.15 I sensed a different atmosphere since my last visit. The décor has been improved, a bit of psychedelia on the walls. Every table was set, a bit more formality in this decidedly – informal – Curry Cafe. I particularly liked the new glasses, quite distinctive.
The table mats with Menu inscribed had gone, the Menu has changed again. I told the young chap who came to serve that I would need more time to study this. In the end I realised it was more a change of layout than content, though one new Dish did stand out: Lahori Chaska Karahi available in the half kilo (£15.99) and the kilo (£24.99) in Lamb or Chicken. An hour’s notice, or wait, is required for this. The Handi Gosht was again noticeable by its absence.
Another Chap came to take my Order: Vegetable Curry (£6.50) and a Paratha (£2.99). Hector has had this moment in mind since Monday when Swarg (Bamberg) failed to serve their Lamm Karahi with the usual array of Vegetables. I asked for a – Soft Paratha – as I have previously been instructed to do, else the advertised – Crispy – would have been served.
I had time to take in the new surroundings, the wall behind me will have to be photographed next time if it is quiet enough. Free Wi-fi – was boldly advertised. I checked this out, it works. The – old timers – occupied their usual table near the door, three sets of families were my fellow diners. A large bottle of ketchup was on every table which tells us what is consumed by many visitors, and it ain’t – Curry.
Vegetable Curry
The first time I enjoyed this at Ambala was Visit #2 when it was called Mix Vegetable Curry. I was happy to see it still served in a karahi. Chilli Powder had been sprinkled over the Ginger Strips on top of the Mash. I could not use the term – Masala – none was visible. This was decidedly a – Mash – with Potatoes featuring prominently overall.
The Paratha looked – huge – and relatively Thick. Why had it been sliced? It is my pleasure to break the Bread. An attempt at – Soft – had been achieved, the Spiral, Layering and Flakiness were present. The Paratha was thicker than I would have preferred. This was an – OK – Paratha, they have done better. Maybe I should stick to the always reliable Chilli & Coriander Naan when I dine here.
There was a lot of Potato, never a bad thing in a Curry. Peas, Sweetcorn and Diced Carrots were also included. Diced Carrots… The Curry was very Hot so care was taken for the first few minutes. The Spice Level was – Moderate – I noted, this had to be revised upwards when the full – Kick – engaged. The Seasoning was variable, then I realised it was the Paratha that was adding that something extra. A Naan would not have accomplished this.
I took another photo to show the lack of peripheral Oil. Usually Vegetable Oil collects around the edge of the karahi, this simply was not happening.
Around the half way mark I had to abandon the Paratha. If I was ever going to finish the Curry no more Bread could be taken on board. It still comes as a surprise that a Vegetable Curry can be this filling. Towards the end I unearthed a single Big Bean of a type I could not identify. There was but a stain of Vegetable Oil left on the base of the karahi. This must have been a truly – Healthy Curry.
This turned out to be an even better experience than I had envisaged. The Flavours from each of the Vegetables worked well together along with whatever Herbs and Spices were in the – Mash. Again I highlight the lack of Oil, proof if ever required that Curry does not have to have an Oil Slick on the plate or copious Masala. This was a worthy alternative to my usual Meat extravagances. No doubt I’ll start dreaming of Lamb Chops soon.
The Manager came over for a chat as I was nearing the end game. He remarked that he had not seen me for a while. I told him I had been in Germany in the past week and had visited what I regard to be Continental Europe’s finest Curry House. I commented on the new Lahori Chaska Karahi.
We cook it from scratch – he informed me.
That the Handi Gosht is still not on the revised 2018 Menu had to be brought up, again.
The Boss has told you – you can have it any time.
It was good to confirm this. At the end of the month, the opperchancity to order the Lahori Chaska Karahi by the kilo may present itself, unless of course a Curryspondent steps up before that.
The Bill
£9.49 Amazing value for the Quantity I had consumed.
The Aftermath
I crossed the road and looked into Baker’s Delight. It is a Cafe serving Bread-based snacks. I saw Za’atar mentioned on the board, a mix of Herbs I have been bringing back from Israel since the 1980s and now add to Curry as well as Spag Bol which was the original use. To have a dedicated Bread Shop is always advantageous, it would presumably be rude to buy one’s Bread here and take it across to Ambala to accompany one’s Curry.
On the same side of the street back towards Albert Drive is Barfia which appears to be a bespoke Sweet House catering for Trade or Functions. Well, that is the impression given. Are they sure about the name?
Forth Street is always a hive of activity, parking can be difficult.