Finding Quality Curry in Glasgow on a Friday lunchtime is not so easy. One will have more success waiting until after 14.00, however, this was the time Hector was meeting the Chaps, Bunkers were required in advance. I assumed, wrongly, that Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) would be open at 13.00 as advertised on Google Maps. Surely it is in the best interest of all retail outlets to check what is published and adjust accordingly?
I was in the mood for something – Smokey – but on going to Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD) would be happy to have something – Fishy. Machi Masala (£5.80) is the Dish which keeps Hector coming back. The Main Menu had Kedgeree (£6.50) as a – Friday Special. Smokey Fish and Rice, that should resurrect the original aim of the day. With Tapas portions served at Mother India’s Cafe, there had to be something else.
The separate Menu – Today’s Specials – had one Lamb Curry only – Patina Lamb. Ironically, as much as Hector loves a Curry with Herbs, Mint is the one Herb I can do without. Lamb Karahi (£6.20) has been enjoyed here in the past when the offending – Ballast – has been withheld.
Three young girls were serving, one always wonders about their level of training and therefore familiarity with the Fayre. And so Hector was served. The Waitress wasn’t sure the Kedgeree was ready, she would check. I asked for the Lamb Karahi without Capsicum and a Bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.95). The Waitress was back momentarily, the Kedgeree was on, the Capsicum was already in the Karahi. Lamb Saag (£6.20) was the fallback, Herbs. With the Kedgeree confirmed I felt no need for Bread. A Paratha (£2.15) would have accompanied the Machi Masala had I ordered my usual. Prices have increased since my last visit.
By the time I had given my Order, the main dining area was full. Curry enthusiasts no doubt, but not the people I usually rub shoulders with. Hopefully they will discover Curry-Heute and be tempted across the River Clyde to the land of bigger portions and smaller prices. However, one has to accept that Mother India’s Cafe is probably the best Curry outlet in the West End. Note how many years it is since Hector set foot in the mother shop.
The two Dishes arrived, the lid on the Lamb Saag created a moment of suspense.
Kedgeree
This is a rarity in British Menus. I do cook this at home using online menus. The last time I had this in a restaurant was in York, that was a disappointment, too wet, and not enough. Today’s Kedgeree did not have the unwanted Shorva, however, the Rice was surprisingly – Stodgy. This is not the Kedgeree I was brought up on aboard ship in the 1960s.
Topped with a Fried Egg and not the more typical Boiled Egg, a few pieces of lightly smoked Fish sat on the bed of Stodgy Rice. The Spice Level was no more than – Moderate, the Seasoning was below what I would expect in a Fish Dish. The positive was the Smokey Flavour. Enjoyable, I was just getting into it when it was finished. West End prices, this is why Hector is usually found on the Southside.
Lamb Saag
I ate from the pot, why bother decanting when I had no more Rice? Five large pieces of Meat sat in an appropriately Dark, Herb-rich Masala. I write often of my preference for Masala with Herbs rather than a mass of Herbs. There was a clever balance here, just enough Masala to convince that this was how I like it, but a very visible mass of Herbs. The Spinach I could taste, however, I felt there had to be more in there. I know Yadgar use five different Herbs in their Saag/Palak, this was along similar lines.
The Seasoning registered from the start, this had the makings of a very decent Curry, a pity it was Tapas, a plateful of this would have gone down very well. Perhaps it’s about time I visited the other outlets in this chain to secure the full portion. The Texture of the Meat was Beautifully Tender, but as is too often the case, the Lamb was taking rather than giving flavour. I am more used to the Meat sitting in the Masala and on display a la Southside Curry Cafes.
The Bill
£15.65 I had been served by Sepi, thank you, Sepi.
The Aftermath
Being here without Marg was strange, she was off doing other things. Little did I know when I left Mother India’s Cafe that there would be more Curry-Heute and Marg would join us.