There are four Lamb Specials served at Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) all priced at £7.99 including Rice or Bread. Lamb Chettinadu and Aatu Eraichi have been well covered in Curry-Heute, Smokey Curry, but very – Soupy. The Lamb Korma is unlikely to feature in this Blog, unless a fellow diner orders it, that leaves the Lamb Saag. For research purposes, the Lamb Saag had to be sampled.
My guess was that Banana Leaf would not serve the Meat and mass of Herbs with little sign of Masala, that I try to avoid. Surely, with the copious Smokey Masala that prevails in the Dishes seen to date, Lamb Saag would be Masala primarily, with Spinach.
Arriving just after 16.00, the door was open, a different chap was in the kitchen area. Hector would be the only customer this Wednesday afternoon. Chef smiled and took my order at the counter. Lamb Saag with Rice (£7.99) plus a Paratha (£1.50). I could not help but notice the huge pot of Onions waiting to become Masala. I asked Chef if he had prepared all of these. He assured me he had.
Your eyes? – I asked, wondering what hell he had gone through.
Experience – was the reply.
Here was a photo opperchancity, Chef indulged me. I was happy to note that tinned Tomatoes are also used.
For the first time in I don’t know how long here, I was asked if I wished a drink. Water jugs were on the table which is not the norm. He refilled the jug. The Water was on the warm side despite the chill in the air. Is autumn coming already? When will the rain stop?
Chef brought the Curry and Rice. The Rice towered above the rim of the pot, way more than a Hector could eat. The Paratha arrived moments later, what a Paratha!
Lovely Paratha – I remarked to Chef.
Thank you.
In my visits here with Clive, we were given Parathas of this Quality: White Chapatti Flour, Soft, Flaky and served – Whole! In recent solo visits, whilst the Parathas have impressed, this was back to exactly what I seek in a Paratha. Was it all down to Chef? The Paratha may have been on the small side, however, I knew I could eat a whole one, and I had the Rice to tackle.
Lamb Saag
Behold, exactly how I hoped this Palak Gosht would be served! The Banana Leaf Masala was most certainly there in abundance, the green flecks showed enough Spinach, not too much. Decanting the Meat first, I counted seven large pieces, at least three of which would be halved. This may well have been the largest portion of Curry I have been served at Banana Leaf.
In Europe, Palak Gosht can be too Creamy, in the Punjabi Curry Houses of the UK, too Bitter. This was closer to the European interpretation, and as Creamy as a Hector would tolerate.
The Lamb Saag was serevd – Hot! What Banana Leaf regard as – Medium Spice – may be too much for some, there was also a decent kick. The Seasoning was below what I hope for, however, for once it didn’t matter. This was different, I accepted it for what it was. It did not have the Smokiness of the Chettinadu or Aatu Eraichi, however, the Spinach was adding something else.
Meanwhile, I marvelled at the Paratha as I scooped the excess Masala from the pot. Hector was having fun.
Chef took a seat behind me to my left. He asked if there was anything else I desired. What a lovely chap. Simple things like this make the visit all the more memorable. In the past year, Banana Leaf has become a firm favourite venue north of the river.
The Bill
£9.50 Still very reasonable.
The Aftermath
Farewell, and back out into the rain. I hope to see Chef again soon.