It was Helen in Paisley who suggested that Hector visit her favourite Curry House – Indian Scene (82 Glasgow Rd, Paisley PA1 3PN). Who better to accompany Hector today than three Paisley stalwarts: Jim, Aileen and Alan? With no full on Paisley Beer Festival in 2019, this was Hector’s first visit to Scotland’s largest town this year featuring Curry. The 16.00 rendezvous was put back to 16.30 based on information on Google Maps. This information proved to be accurate. The late afternoon opening time explained why this was Alan’s first visit also, like Hector, he prefers to Curry earlier in the day. Jim and Aileen had both been before, they reckon Indian Scene is the best Curry House in Paisley, so why has Jim previously taken/sent me elsewhere?
The shutters went up at 16.28, in we went. Sandy, Mein Host, asked if we had been standing outside waiting, four diners, desperate for Paisley Curry. The Menu was brought, we decided upon no Starters, let’s get down to business. I suggested there was little point us all having the same thing. Having studied the online Menu, I had my heart set on Lamb Desi Style (£11.90), my usual caveat permitting. Jim said he has had this on a few occasions, but only as a Takeaway. This afternoon he would have Lamb Zalfrezi (£11.90) accompanied by two Chapattis (£1.40). For Alan, Lamb Jalandhar (£11.90) accompanied by a Nan (£2.90). Between us, we were ordering three of the four Dishes in the – Hotter Palate – section of the Menu. In the new Hector role as self-appointed – Paratha Police – one had to be ordered. At £3.10 for a Paratha, expensive, hopefully it would pass muster.
Aileen would order the Counterpoint Curry – Chicken Tikka Kerala – (£11.20) with Fried Rice (£2.70). Sparkling Water was available for Hector, (£2.30), the rest had Cola, various, (£2.50).
The Menu showed Indian Scene are taking allergies seriously. As I had read the description of the – Desi – so I expected no Capsicum. Sandy confirmed this would be so, and went as far as saying there were no Peppers in most of their Dishes. It is always reassuring when the Waiter knows the full content of the various Dishes.
There was time to take in our surroundings. A small seated area at the entrance for those ordering/collecting Takeaways is well secluded from the dining area. The dining area, in a decidedly narrow setting, has booths alternating with tables along the left wall, opening up to more tables on the right. The Bar and kitchen lie beyond. Sandy would later confirm that by 19.00 the Restaurant would be full, and at weekends, booking is necessary, as would be commensurate with being – the most popular Curry House in Paisley.
The Breads
Two standard Chapattis, Jim took care of them. The Naan was served in bits, why? Naan is so much better when served whole, let the diner – break the Bread. Light and Fluffy with burnt blisters, this appeared to be a fine Naan.
The Paratha Police were required today. A soft, Buttery Paratha, scored into quarters, it looked the business, however, I have to challenge the Bread Chef: in what way was this a Paratha? The required Flakiness was simply not there. Instead of layering there was one air pocket inside. No layering, no flakiness, no swirl, ergo – not a Paratha.
Lamb – Desi Style
With extra Peppers – joked Sandy as he passed the table. He had told me at the time of ordering that the Desi Style was distinguishable by having extra Garlic and Ginger. The Masala was suitably – Thick – with Herbs stirred in. The Syboes and sliced Green Chilli Toppins were a change from Ginger and Coriander, though I shall have more to say on the Toppings below. The Meat was large and just reached double figures, so a decent portion then. Aileen told me she had read criticisms of the portion size on another medium. This Curry cost roughly fifty per cent more than the Lamb Specials at Akbar’s (Glasgow) last Saturday. Akbar’s portions were also larger than at Indian Scene, so perhaps there is a point to be made here.
The Tanginess of the Lamb Desi was revealed from the start, a Mini-Achari was how this came over. There was a wee – Kick – the Seasoning was fine, but then it became apparent that the Seasoning in the Meat did not match that of the Masala. So how long had they been in each other’s company?
There was nothing here not to like, as with a Handi, Desi Style can be anything Chef desires. This was a competent Curry, decidedly – Mainstream.
Lamb Zalfrezi
Topped with sliced Green Chillies, and with evidently more Green Chillies inside, the Masala was otherwise indistinguishable from the Desi. When Jim took his first mouthful, there was a loud gasp on my right. Jim was taken aback by the – Kick.
Nearly a ring burner – he’ll maybe find out tomorrow.
The Chilli heat was not overpowering – Jim insisted, once he had adjusted to what lay before him – you can still taste the Spice.
Lamb Jalandhar
Once again, the same blended Masala, this time topped with Fresh Coriander. All three Dishes were therefore identical and were only identifiable by their Topping. I would have liked Syboes, Coriander and Green Chillies, one can never have too much – Foliage.
A blend of spices, just the right level of heat – was Alan’s verdict.
*
Chicken Tikka Kerala
A Chicken Curry with Coconut, not a Curry Hector is ever going to order. The Menu declared there was no – Dairy – so this was not a Creamy Curry. Once again, the same Masala, this time topped with Coriander. Clearly it was a Chicken Curry, there was abundant Meat.
Aileen mixed the Masala into the Rice to create quite a combination … that’s the way she likes it.
That’s twice I’ve had it – said Aileen – no ill effect to anyone who has a Dairy allergy. Lovely subtle blend of spices, with a hint of chilli.
There was no food left on the table at the end of the meal, every morsel had been eaten.
The Bill
£67.60 No Starters, four Soft Drinks.
The Aftermath
There followed quite a conversation with Sandy, Jim and Aileen also contributing. Hector had no Calling Card to give today, instead, Sandy photographed the Curry-Heute banner on the still reliable Huawei. I showed him Curry that I would regard as – Desi Style. Sandy reckons that if they served that here, the locals wouldn’t eat it. This is a statement I have heard often in European Curry Houses, but rarely in the UK. If described accurately, people will know what they are ordering and so know what to expect. The Staff Curry (£11.90) was mentioned which is only available on Fridays and Saturdays. Only ten portions are created, so it’s first come… This was also the only Curry with my preferred Lamb on-the-bone. I would like to try it someday, but knowing my luck, it would be a – Chicken Curry Day. Perhaps Sandy will invite me back especially?
Indian Scene has been in these premises for some thirty years. Sandy and his father have had it for less than two. They also have a Takeaway in Bearsden which is not far from Hector’s House, so I shall be visiting Bayleaf when the opperchancity presents.
In addition to India Quay, the extended family also have both Giffnock Curry Houses. Turban Tandoori provided excellent Curry and a memorable night back in April. In the early days of Curry-Heute, Marg and Hector visited The New Turban, we were not impressed. Sandy insisted that The New Turban does more business than Turban Tandoori which I still find hard to believe.
So, that is Paisley Curry covered until the Paisley Beer Festival is reinstated to its proper locus, unless Sandy gets me back for the Staff Curry with Lamb on-the-bone.
Menu extracts
