It’s Wendy’s birthday, Wendy had vouchers for a Curry House in Giffnock. Giffnock has a Glasgow postal address but is actually in Renfrewshire. Confusing? Especially so when Giffnock is classed as being in – Glasgow – every time a certain Curry House wins an Award. Who wins awards? Marg and Hector experienced the Curry that was served at The New Turban Tandoori (2 Fenwick Pl, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6UF) nine years ago in the first year of Curry-Heute. The Curry was decidedly poor. Why have so many Awards gone to a Giffnock Curry House in recent years?
For reasons nefarious, it was left to Marg to make the booking. Wendy, Peter, Marg and Hector arrived bang on 19.30. Peter was puzzled by to the locus.
The Curry here was shocking last time – I said to Peter as we entered.
Peter took Hector’s advice and showed the Curry Vouchers to the Waiter as we were being shown to a table in the near empty Restaurant. The Waiter glanced at the vouchers:
That’s not here – we were informed.
So, where?
The vouchers were for Turban Tandoori (Station Rd, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6JF).
The Ladies were caught in two minds, stay and honour the booking or listen to Hector.
Let’s go down the road, it’s a Tuesday night, the quietest night of the week.
Marg remarked in the car that she had never seen me so keen to leave a Curry House.
Hector was already on a high, a new Curry House on Curry-Heute, and the opperchancity to review an Award Winning Curry House. There is no secret in Curry-Heute that Hector questions the efficacy of these Awards, so many better venues in Glasgow never get a look in, it’s always the same names, and never an Award to either of the two finest sources of Curry in Glasgow: Yadgar and Karahi Palace.
Hector was not shortlisted for Curry Lover of the Year 2019, at least this year it went to an individual, not a company.
Entering the impressively busy Turban Tandoori, the Curry Vouchers were presented and acknowledged; we were shown to the last remaining booth in the main room.
Menus were brought and Drinks sorted. Marg and Hector would share the customary large (750ml) bottle of Sparkling Water (£5.25), Peter chose a large glass of Red Wine, Wendy a Soda & Lime. On sampling the Wine and being impressed,Wendy subsequently ordered a glass also.
Lamb Desi (£11.95) stood out, this would surely show what the Chef at Turban Tandoori is capable of? Peter would have this also. Marg spotted something with – Mint – which is quite ironic given that this was close to her choice on that ill fated visit to The New Turban. Lamb Dhahi (£10.95) it would be. Marg had spotted Haggis Pakora (£5.95), Starter, and was becoming like a dog with a bone. Only one Starter would be ordered, we all agreed to share, as required.
In Europe, Fish Curry generally costs less than Meat Curry. I was taken aback by the prices in the – From the Ocean – section of the Menu. Wendy was caught in the net, Dohlanshakti (£17.95) is a mix of Prawns. Prawn Curry, possibly the easiest Curry to prepare: take some Base Masala, chuck in some Prawns, no more cooking required. I know the price of Prawns and how many one gets for the equivalent price/weight of Beef Steak. Prawn Curry is a waste of Prawns, there, it is written.
Daal – was mentioned across the table. I described what a Turka Daal (£7.95) is, the collective decided to try the alternative – Turban Special Daal (£7.95). Eight Quid for what is essentially – Thick Lentil Soup? They’re having a laugh.
When the Waiter came to take the Order, it was verified that no Capsicum was part of the Lamb Desi. I enquired also about the Desi Rice (£3.95). The given description sounded like – Jeera Rice – so Marg and Hector would share Mushroom Zeera Rice (£3.95) which would provide the – Interesting Vegetable – and should also guarantee Cumin Seeds. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) completed our part of the Order. Wendy and Peter agreed to share a Garlic Nan (£3.50).
Inflated as some of the prices felt, at least the Bread was at an – acceptable – level, no Abderdoom Bread prices here. Turban Tandoori is a markedly different venue from Hector’s usual haunts – table cloths, hot and cold running waiters – fitting for a special evening. We were here – to dine.
I watched Tandoori Platters being brought into the room, even Marg remarked at the wondrous aromas. One day I shall eschew Curry and go for a Tandoor, aye right.
Haggis Pakora
Six Haggis balls, I hope their removal didn’t hurt, were cradled in a Poppadom. Strips of Raw Onion, a wedge of Lemon and some Greens acted as a Garnish. This was not what Hector is used to in his oft frequented Curry Cafes.
Haggis Pakora, perhaps invented at Mr. Singh’s India, is something I do not get. It is only a variant surely of what is served in any Glasgow Chip Shop? Haggis is already Spicy, perhaps the Batter is Spiced further?
I liked the Seasoning, this was promising.
I enjoyed the Haggis Pakora – Marg related at the end of the meal – a change, enough to share.
We were all hungry, everything was shared, then devoured.
A different Waiter brought the Mains in two batches. Both the Paratha and the Naan had been quartered, why? I must remind myself to ask for Bread to be served – whole, it makes such a difference.
The Naan was a proper Tandoori Naan, nothing like the Rogni/Kulcha I had enjoyed at Khyber Pass on Saturday. The Paratha disappointed. The – Swirl – was there, it was more Crispy than Flaky and showed few Layers. Too Thin, nowhere near the best.
Mushroom Zeera Rice
Marg was in – Raptures – check the date. There was more than enough for two to share, Wendy managed what was left after Hector and Marg had taken – enough. The presentation of the Rice was impressive. The multicolours, the Mushrooms, other bits were in there too. I should have paid even more attention, the customary photo of the Rice spread across the plate was omitted this evening. This was seriously good Rice, packing an array of Flavours.
Lamb Dhahi
Mint leaves topped what appeared to be standard Blended Masala. The Lamb Dhahi looked no more than a Mainstream Curry. Marg was immediately impressed, I took a sample of the Masala. There was a quite distinctive – Tang. Mint is not Hector’s thing unless it is shrouded in Chocolate. The Mint did not dominate, the blend of Flavours was full on, the Soupçon impressed.
Marg – I really enjoyed the mint and fresh flavour of my Curry. It was unusual for me. Very tender meat, and went very well with the Rice, which was full of – things.
Dohlanshakti
This looked wonderful. The pot was piled high with solids, Prawns of differing sizes I was told. Once more I was invited to have a sample. I took some of the Masala only, in keeping with my views on Prawn Curry. Again there was a – Tang – but a markedly different one. That the contents had indeed – come from the ocean – was most apparent from the poweful Flavours. How much bland Fish Curry has Hector been served over the years? This Masala served with Tilapia (not on the Menu) could be very interesting. (Hector is not a huge fan of Monkfish which is on the Menu.)
Wendy – Fantastic choice, I liked the mixture of prawn sizes.
Lamb Desi
Topped with Fresh Coriander Leaves, here was another classic Blended Masala. The Lamb stood out, so the ratio of Meat to Masala was favourable, we did not have – Soup. I counted the meat into double figures as I arranged the Lamb over the Rice. Only one Bone was encountered, a solitary – sucky bone – which I left in the reserve Masala. I observed Peter had the same, so where did the rest of the Bones go?
This Meat is Stunning – I exclaimed after the first piece was swallowed.
Marg was taken aback – he doesn’t often say that.
The Seasoning was at the level Hector seeks, nothing held back. The Spice Level was no more than – Moderate. As I ate on I noted that the full Flavour of this Dish was actually coming from the Masala, not the Lamb. I have written about outstanding Lamb in the last year starting with Kabana (Manchester), Lamb is going through a purple patch. This was truly Tender, melt in the mouth. The initial Flavour and Texture were indeed – Stunning, but what had marred my total enjoyment? The Daal!
Turban Special Daal
Quite simply, there was nothing – special – about this Daal. It was too thin, watery even, one could not stand a spoon in this. Hector had his – Soup. Give me a Five Bean & Lentil Daal Makhani anytime, not this. I suspect that the Daal may have acted as a – flavour filter – and actually minimised the intensity of the Flavours in the Lamb Desi.
When Peter gave his verdict on the meal, his opening statement may go some way to support my observations.
Peter – Very tender lamb, but found the seafood to be even tastier. All three had different but lovely flavours.
Wendy had more to say:
I enjoyed the Lamb which was very tender. I might go for that next time.
It looks as though Wendy and Peter may well return to Turban Tandoori.
The Bill
£98.05 My thanks to whoever provided the £40.00 worth of vouchers. Any gripes about the prices were cast aside.
The Aftermath
I took the cash and vouchers up to our Waiter who was busy resetting the tables. We were the last diners on the premises. As I handed over the Calling Card, and introduce myself, so the Waiter who had brought the food came rushing over.
This is Hector! He writes the Curry Blog!
This was Jai Singh, brother of Danny who invited Hector to the – Grand Opening – of his Restaurant – Danny Singh’s Ghandi – back in 2014. It was Jai who greeted every guest on arrival that evening, and managed to feature in the million photos taken.
I didn’t recognise you (when you came in), you’ve lost weight.
Hector likes Jai.
We quickly discussed the food that had been served this evening. Jai described how he weans people into more potent Masalas when they order Tandoori Fish for example. They apparently offer something different at weekends. Jai asked about how we had come to be here, I brought him up to date, even mentioned – The Other Place. Turban Tandoori won – Curry King – at the Scottish Curry Awards last week.
I had told Wendy and Peter on our arrival at Turban Tandoori that as Hector had never been here, they should not expect any special treatment as experienced at Akbar’s (Glasgow) for Marg’s birthday. Suddenly we were being offered Birthday Drinks on-the-house. Three large glasses of Red Wine were promptly produced. Marg would have to wait a bit for her extra hot Latte.
Jai gave me the heads up, an improvised Birthday Cake was presented to Wendy. Cheesecake, Hector eats Cheesecake. Yay! The Coffee was also as hot as Marg likes.
A big thanks to Jai for turning the evening into something very special.
Marg took the photo with Jai, Hector and our Waiter, then departed. Finally I met the Chef and the Proprietor. We quickly discussed the lack of impressive – Fish Curry – in Glasgow. I’ll have to get back here and see what they can come up with. It’s Hector’s Birthday next week, maybe someone will present a Curry Voucher?
Finally, research has confirmed that there are two Curry Houses in Giffnock with essentially the same name both established in 1982. What are the chances? They are not connected, so Hector was told in both establishments. I note the signage at The New Turban has dropped – Tandoori – since our visit there in 2010, however, as many Sources still call it by the original name, the confusion is likely to continue.
Turban Tandoori wins Awards and probably deserves to do so.
There is Quality Curry in Giffnock.
Turban Tandoori – Menu extracts
