Four Glasgow Curry venues the length of Allison St. are discussed in this Blog entry. Curryspondent Archie contacted Hector to advise that Waris at Deira Lahore (631 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 8AE) was asking after – Hector. This, therefore, was the first port of call this afternoon, alas Waris was not on the premises. I asked his colleague to pass on my regards. Waris is a famed Chef and Restaurateur in the Southside having previously worked at Lasani Grill and Desi – Curry Palace.
On my way back along Allison St., I dropped by Basharat G’z (223-225 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8RU) the former Lasani Grill, and for a few weeks only this summer – Al-Anwar. The story is told here.
Archie had also informed me that Ahmed, Mein Host at Desi Cafe (140 Allison St. Glasgow G42 8RP) was renovating the premises he had opened firstly as the extension to Desi – Curry Palace, before declaring independence. I waked in to Desi Cafe at 14.10 to find Ahmed customer side of the counter, supervising the renovations. What used to be the serving area and connecting passage between the two premises is being turned into a further seating area. Seating may also feature on the opposite side, meanwhile a chap was busy in a room off. When Desi Cafe was set up, a second kitchen was installed, forward thinking? How I separate these two premises in my Recommended Curry Houses should be simpler than solving the Irish Backstop, there is now a hard border. It will still take time.
Archie had told me that a new Menu would be available soon. At this time the new Menu is on Ahmed’s phone, however, it now appears on Curry-Heute (see below) as a preview! This features traditional Punjabi Fayre served at breakfast time on a Saturday and Sunday. Oh to have this on one’s doorstep.
In my handful of visits here, I have only ordered the ready Curry, the plan was for one day to give the Karahi Gosht challenge, however, at £29.99 per kilo, perhaps not. Today, having spotted the Aloo Gosht and the Daal Makhani, I asked for a portion of the Lamb and Potato Curry and a small portion of the Daal. One Chapatti and a Mango Rubicon would accompany. I shall have to extend – The Curry-Heute Campaign – to have all venues stock Sparkling Water.
Ahmed asked after Mother who has accompanied me on previous visits. I explained that she can no longer eat Curry, or Chocolate. The Lady who fed Hector – Curry – from a very early age, can no longer cope.
The young chap who has seemingly been ever-present at Desi Cafe, brought the food. My immediate reaction was – Oily! A quick stir of both the Dishes sorted that. After last night’s feast at Annaya’s (Helensburgh), I felt one Chapatti would be enough. The appetite was soon found to be back already, I nearly ordered a second of this very fine example of a Chapatti. Restraint was shown, for once.
Aloo Gosht
Oily, yes. Shorva, yes. A contradiction to Hector’s Curry norm, yes. But no. One has learned to accept this style of Desi Curry, even going as far as using a spoon to take the Masala. It was Shorva, so treat it as – Soup.
Six pieces of Meat plus one and a wee bit pieces of Potato looked like a small portion. OK, it wasn’t huge, but then neither was the price. The Spice Level was moderate, the Seasoning appeared to grow, the Flavour was recorded as – Powerful. My notes show the Meat as covering the range of – Chewy-Tender-Soft. One Sucky Bone stood proud, the marrow was taken in the time honoured manner. A simple Curry, well done.
Daal Makhani
I had asked for a small/half portion, I had more Daal than I had Aloo Gosht, or so it seemed. Piping Hot – the Earthy Flavours stood out despite the Seasoning being below the level I prefer. This was as close to a Creamy Curry as Hector goes, it’s always a pleasure to find a Daal of this Quality. Why do I find Daal so inviting these days?
The Bill
£8.00 Here are the prices, try and make sense of how my meal was only £8.00.
The Aftermath
As previously reported, I noticed that one of Glasgow’s longest established Takeaways – Shahed’s (712 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2AD) was closed, boarded up. On seeing activity this afternoon, Hector was on the case. The notice in the window advertising for staff, declared a September re-opening. I tried to engage some of the workmen, no chance. Then I saw a young chap who was clearly overseeing the work. This was Zahid, younger brother of Shahed, I have dined at their home.
They thought it was about time the premises were renovated. Renovated, gutted, torn apart, and due to be totally rebuilt inside plus a new frontage.
Will there be seating?
I was assured a couple of tables will be set up. Success, another addition to the Southside Curry Cafe scene. Hopefully, they will provide crockery and cutlery, and not have one eating from polystyrene with plastic forks, as was the case at their short-lived Union St. premises.
I had to mention Al-Anwar which opened in July and was gone in the blink of an eye. Zahid mentioned the shortage of Chefs and the difficulty in getting them to come from the Indian Subcontinent. Why not train your own? – I put to him, and mentioned Dera (Manchester) who train Eastern Europeans to take on the job of Tandoori Chef etc. They are prepared to work for less than the £35K that Zahid mentioned.
To be continued…
Meanwhile, here is the preview of the Desi Cafe Menu
