Glasgow – The Pedlar & Spice – Casual Indian Dining & Takeaway – Visit #1

Hector has not eaten at Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) since October 2017. Curryspondents have told me in the interim that changes were afoot, Hari, Mein Host, had retreated back to the Mother House in Ibrox. On North St. they insisted Hari was still here, however, it was apparent that the staff had changed since I once considered myself a regular here.

In 2018 I did stick my head in the door a couple of times, typically in passing late at night. A New Menu was mentioned, it would be sent to Hector when ready. Yesterday, Curryspondent Doug informed me that the premises had been re-branded as – The Pedlar & Spice. A New Menu was tracked down online featuring Pork and Venison, though there was no more detail as to what these Dishes might actually be. At £15.00 for these Chef’s Specials, someone is potentially making a huge mistake unless the Rolls Royce of Curry is being served. It was time for Hector get on the case.

Google had today’s opening time as 16.00. I phoned last night to verify the opening time.

Hello, Punjabi – is how the phone was answered. Interesting. I was told 16.30.

Hector arrived at The Pedlar & Spice at exactly 16.30, the door was locked. Lights were on inside I decided to wait. The still reliable Huawei kept one amused. News of a visionary lid over the M8 at Charing X felt more than a coincidence. Ironically, outside these premises is where the M8 is at its shallowest, so people could still not flock across the motorway from the train station.

Taq, Mein Host, arrived at 16.55, not a good start.

I reintroduced myself so that I would get the low-down on what was happening, I was remembered. Taq referred to – Uncle Hari – which means there is the dilemma of treating The Pedlar & Spice as a start-up, or do I classify it as a continuation as I did with P.J.’s / Heera [closed] around the corner? Time will tell.

The premises were Spartan, the glass partition with – Punjabi – was still in situ. New lighting (no lampshades) and more rustic tables were the first signs of something different. The walls were essentially – bare.

I took the small table on the raised seating area instead of my usual spot, less clearing required. The conversation with Taq was ongoing, what would I have? I mentioned the New Menu, but this is still a work in progress. The online menu is a function of having other Media recognise the re-branding. Trying to access it at the time of writing caused havoc on my PC, beware!

I mentioned Pork. I informed Taq that Dr. Stan and I were once served Pork Curry at a Glasgow Curry House but this was never written up. Taq knew exactly where, and who was responsible for this. Taq has no issues with serving Pork Curry, he feels that it is time Glasgow had something new. Those who have read my recent posts will know that Hector is presently – Lambed-out, – a Chicken Curry feels inevitable, possibly – imminent. Pork Curry? Bring it on!

At this point I would not be doing Curry-Heute justice by not referring to a recent post for Pork Vindaloo cooked by my good self.

Taq also mentioned – Venison. I would like to think that I played a part in planting the seeds of Venison Curry being served on these premises some years back. Hari said they needed a special saw due to the way the bones splinter. Taq went downstairs to establish what was available. No Pork, no Venison. The Menu that I saw last year, and still looks quite makeshift, was brought. The Sparkling Water was ordered.

It was back to the beginning, Lamb Karahi (£11.50) with a Paratha (£2.50?). A Garlic Paratha costs £2.50. I took the offer of Lamb on-the-bone and sought the guarantee that no Capsicum would make an appearance.

Back to the beginning? In the early days of Punjabi Charing Cross, the Karahi Gosht was sampled and then the Methi Gosht. I suggested that these should be combined and so – Lamb Gurmeet – was born, named after the Chef.

Having told Taq this story, I asked if he knew of Chef Gurmeet, another member of – The Family – I was told. Where is he now? I should have asked, next time.

Taq mentioned Starters. He offered me Chicken Hearts and Livers with great enthusiasm. I had to decline, Hector cannot abide Liver.

The food was presented at 17.20, the Lamb was sizzling on the karahi, the Paratha was served – Whole. Yay!

Lamb Karahi on-the-bone

The Thickness and therefore Dryness of the Masala Mash immediately impressed. Onion slices were visible and something green and chopped small. In the dim light I could not tell if this was Syboes or Chillies. The Meat was a combination of Chops and Ribs, no Sucky Bones here.

The Paratha pleased, The Layering and Flakiness were there, this is what I hope to receive when ordering Paratha. Surprisngly, I would eat all but a sliver.

The Karahi was Hot, care was taken, eat slowly, Hector! Scooping the Masala revealed an Earthy Flavour. Initially I could see Oil collecting on the periphery, then it disappeared, this must have been taken with the Masala. The Meat was suitably Tender, something one tends to take for granted until one encounters the horror that was presented at delhi2go (Manchester) last week. The pile of Bones grew, there was plenty to eat here. The Spice Level was never demanding, the Seasoning was a bit below the ideal, but then Hector was waiting for the – Methi Blast – which would never come. Having this again I would order it as I do at Karahi Palace – extra Methi and Seasoning.

Taq came over to check on my progress having served the latest arrivals.

The food is Hot and the Paratha served whole. This is how I like it.

He told me that some people ask for their Bread to be cut up, at least this can be done. Get tore in – was the remark from one of the Ladies at the adjacent table who also shared my appreciation of Bread served – Whole.

As I finished the Masala at the base of the karahi I considered the availability of this proper Karahi Gosht i.e. Desi-style and served on-the-bone. No other premises north of the River Clyde serve this.

On seeing I had stopped eating, Taq questioned the small piece of Paratha which I had abandoned.

Did we get the Meat to bread ratio wrong? – he asked.

I never finish a Paratha, unless it’s far too small. This is the most Paratha I have eaten in a while.

The Bill

£15.00 A round number.

The Aftermath

Taq assured me that the – New Menu – will start next week, with weekend opening times for 09.00 to accommodate the Breakfast. Again, from the online Menu, I ask who would pay over £10.00 for a Scottish Breakfast when a Wetherspoon’s Breakfast is never far away. For a Punjabi Breakfast, well that’s a different matter. I draw the Reader’s attention to Mughals (Bradford) for ideas and a guide to what could be paid.

Keema Padora for Breakfast anyone?

We discussed opening times and how people’s Curry eating habits have changed. Gone are the days of Curry after the Pub, unless one is in Bradford or Manchester. Taq sees the need for a change of staff in the middle of the day to enable the Breakfast plans.

We need definitive opening times.

I was invited to go downstairs to see what will soon be a – Gin Bar. I look forward to seeing the banners advertising this. The Bon Accord is next door.

Meanwhile upstairs, more pictures on the wall and strategically placed plants will appear. No shades for the light-bulbs are planned. Time will tell.