Visits to Kirkintilloch have become regular this year thanks to Quality of Ale now being served at – The Kirky Puffer. With a 14.00 kick-off, Hector studied the opening times of the Kirkintilloch Curry Houses. Jasmine – An Aromatic Indian Restaurant (93-99 Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1JD), formerly the Regent Brasserie, is closest to The Kirky Puffer.
As a former resident of Lenzie, Kirkintilloch has been known to Hector since the nineteen sixties, the town has changed, the approach roads in particular. My last Curry here was at The Indian Cottage (10-12 Kilsyth Rd, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G66 1QL), a converted kirk, some thirty years ago. This may be one for the future if open Saturday lunchtimes.
Jasmine intrigued, the only photo I had seen online showed the window tables. The décor suggested a Curry Cafe, Hector was in for a big surprise. Having walked past the premises, I had to consult the still reliable Huawei to confirm the locus. Jasmine is an upstairs venue, but where was the entrance? It is not on the main street but around the back on Broadcroft. The Broadcroft, that was a pub, once upon a time.
At 13.30 I climbed the stairs from the car park. There was a Bar on my right as I entered with a private dining room opposite. Mein Host led me along a passageway which was significantly more than a corridor. With tables on both sides, this could be a waiting area, or just a place to have a drink. I was shown to a window table. The Menu card was already on the table, no xmas cracker for Hector.
A conversation was already being established with Mein Host. I introduced myself as a – Curry Tourist – and stated that I would be taking photographs. This was acknowledged, not a problem.
The Standard Dishes were all represented, the – Main Speciality Dishes – became the focus of my attention such that I missed the – Daily Special. The Lamb Karahi (£9.25) had all the correct ingredients and did not mention the dreaded – Ballast. A Chapati (£1.00) was the intended accompaniment.
Mein Host showed the next arrivals, a couple, to a window seat a few tables behind me, then came to take my Order. Deciding to give a prescient warning, I described my abhorrence of Green Peppers and Big Blobs of Onion in a Karahi. Too often have I failed to delineate and ended up with a Stir Fry, or have simply avoided Karahi altogether.
I know what a Karahi is, and I’m sure you do too – I put to him.
It was agreed, no Peppers or Onions, Chillies of course are a different matter.
On asking for a Chapatti he suggested two.
One should be enough – I said – as long as they are not this size – I placed my forefingers some 10cm apart. The Chapattis at Jasmine are apparently that small, I changed to a Paratha (£2.15), surely better value than two small Chapattis?
Kerching!
Having seen the Bar I departed from my usual Sparkling Water and asked for a pint of Soda Water. There was no Drinks Menu, so prices were unknown. A pint of Soda and Lime arrived, not what I had asked for. Lime in Soda Water, an opperchancity to charge silly money.
I had time to take in more of my surroundings. A Disco was set up in the corner behind me. I wonder how lively Jasmine gets of an evening. A Four Course Festive Dinner (£19.95) was advertised on each table, plus another menu for that day towards the end of the month.
December 25th, back in the Helensburgh days, Hector could be found in the small hours at the Akash sitting with the taxi drivers. Every day is a good day to eat Curry. Akash, gone forever it appears. I met Irfan the former Waiter during the week, he does other things now.
A chap dressed for the kitchen brought the food. His smile suggested he was proud of what he had set before me.
The Paratha was quartered (why?) and covered in Butter. There were two distinct layers and despite being slightly Crispy to start, there was next to no flaking. It tasted like a – Sweet Chapatti. This was a very poor Paratha compared to what I had midweek at Kebab Mahal (Edinburgh), there should not be such a dichotomy. Its saving feature was that it was served – Hot, as was the Lamb Karahi. Hector always appreciates really – Hot – food.
Lamb Karahi
Behold the Masala. There was a lot of it, so much I had trouble counting the Meat. Seven became eight decent sized pieces of Lamb, some of which I had to half. There was a lot of Curry in front of me.
There was a minimal sprinkling of Coriander Leaves on top of the Thick, Blended Masala. I could see the Tomato Seeds, the Oil started to separate, I was back on more familiar territory. The Seasoning impressed from the first mouthful, so important. The Spice Level was Moderate and only built slightly. I could have done with some Chillies.
I spooned some of the Masala and had it as – Soup. There was a lot of Masala. The Pedigree was there, I could taste a melange of Spices, there was nothing not to like here. The Meat was suitably Tender and did not give the impression that it had just met the Masala at the time of serving.
The Paratha was abandoned at the three-quarter mark, my limit. The Sweetness was becoming off putting anyway. Mein Host came to ask his customers the usual question:
It’s OK – was my precise remark. This was acknowledged with a nod.
It’s great! – came from behind me. I wonder what they had.
As I finished my meal, Mein Host asked me to rate his Curry as a percentage. I told him I don’t do that, I either enjoy a Curry or really enjoy a Curry. The Calling Card was given and the Curry-Heute Website shown. I advised him that there are hours of reading here. He asked me to name my favourite venues: Yadgar – I believe was known to him, Karahi Palace and Ambala Deli Bar maybe not. He mentioned Mother India.
Maybe twenty years ago, now they don’t have to try – I proferred.
I think we were on the same page here.
I praised the Seasoning in the Lamb Karahi but did have to broach the question I knew he wouldn’t answer. Apart from being served in a karahi, in what way was what I had been served a – Karahi? It was a Rich, Mainstream Curry.
I wonder how the Karahi differed from say your Rogan Josh (£9.50)?
There was no answer. If visits to The Kirkie Puffer continue to be regular, I may find out. I would not rule out a return visit.
The Bill
£14.90 This means the pint of Soda and Lime cost £3.50. Really?
The Aftermath
I walked across the Forth & Clyde Canal to The Kirky Puffer.
A pint of Soda Water please.
No charge.
Menu