Tomorrow night will see Hector create a mass of Chettinad Masala with the view to cooking a Lamb Chettinad initially. With the taste of Chettinad firmly planted in the mind, the autopilot took Hector to Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) this afternoon. In November, Banana Leaf was found to be closed on a Saturday afternoon, Hector ended up across the street at Shah’s Kitchen. Mein Host assured me today that Banana Leaf is open every day except Tuesday around noon, though sometimes it is later when he has to go and shop.
Thanks for coming – was the unusual greeting from Mein Host as I entered, one expects this as a farewell. At 16.00, Hector was the Lone Diner. I took the middle table, the most comfortable of the three. In the overflow room next door all the chairs were still piled high. One day I’ll get to sit in the big room.
Lamb Chettinadu with inclusive Rice (£7.99) plus a Paratha (£1.50) was the Order. This Curry needs Rice, or does it? One could easily have two Parathas. They may tick all the boxes, however, the Parathas at Banana Leaf are decidedly small, but perfectly formed.
I lost track of time whilst I waited. The wait was not a long one. The Rice serving was Sensible, a plateful, no more. I looked at the Curry, this was far from my normal Punjabi Cuisine.
Lamb Chettinadu
Seven good sized pieces of Meat were arranged on top of the Rice. I took around half of the Blended, Soupy Masala and smothered the Lamb. I had to start by dipping Paratha into the Shorva. Mmmmm – all expectations were satisfied. The South Indian Smoky Flavour came across immediately, success. The Spice and Seasoning were both exactly as I would desire them – testing, Peppery. When I make my own Chettinad Masala, I will not be holding back on the Peppercorns.
The Meat was firm but Tender. The sense of the Meat belonging to the Masala varied. Initially the Lamb appeared to have absorbed the Flavours from the Masala, latterly, this was lost. When Chefs count out the Meat, do they take some from the top of the pot, and some from the bottom?
Next time, I’ll splash out and order a Vegetable accompaniment. This Chettinad was very much just Meat and Masala, but the Masala packed so much Flavour. I should eat this more often. Tomorrow!
The Bill
£9.49 A modest price for a proper feed.
The Aftermath
Did you enjoy? – asked Mein Host.
Yes, always. I’ll need to try the Fish, do you do Fish Chettinadu? (knowing full well it is not on the Menu, why?)
No Prawn and Chicken.
He mentioned the Fish Moilee, I was sold on this, next time.