A second visit to Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) in four weeks? Hector and Marg are becoming regulars. Lord Clive of Crawley is in Scotland. This is Clive’s third evening but only his first Curry, Hector Curry-Heute may be losing his touch.
Uber John ferried Clive and Hector to Akbar’s from the nearby Grunting Growler, meanwhile Dr. Stan walked. Marg was late for the 18.00 rendezvous. Imran, Mein Host, was at the door to greet. Naveed was once again allocated as our – Waiter for the evening. We were shown to a table in the middle of the main dining area. The policy appears to be: fill this up, then open the raised seating area.
This isn’t like the places you usually take me to – remarked Clive who realised that this venue was a cut above the Curry Cafes which Hector mostly supports.
Naveed was keen to take a Drinks order, Hector was keen to stall until Marg arrived. Clive would follow Hector’s lead, this being his first visit to the Bradford Curry Franchise in Glasgow. There would have to be Lamb Chops (£4.45) which may be the best value presently available, anywhere. I envisaged ordering three portions given Marg’s propensity to purloin one of mine. Marg arrived just in time to veto this. She would have a Poppadom (£0.75) with the accompanying Pickle Tray (£1.50) though Mango Chutney was all she required. Clive and John decided a Poppadom was also necessary. Hector bit his tongue, paying for Poppadoms and Dips, aaargh.
Dr. Stan chose his customary Seekh Kebab to start, John could not resist the Mixed Kebab (£5.25) to which he would add the first of his two glasses of Red Wine (£4.25). If what was served was a – large glass – I’d hate to see a small one.
It has been a while since I had the Roshan Lal (£10.45), Clive would have the same. John and Dr. Stan opted for safe ground – Karahi Gosht and Spinach, they too have had this before. At £8.95 one has to wonder why this is appreciably less than the Roshan Lal. Marg, who was still playing catchup, repeated her choice from a few weeks ago – Karahi Gosht (£8.45). Again, check the price, the Mains are excellent value.
Naveed remembered the – no Capsicum – instruction. Asian Style – was requested by all, even Marg who found her Karahi Gosht to be – too Spicy – last time. John would limit himself to four Chapattis (£0.75), Dr. Stan and Marg would have one each. Extra Bread was guaranteed as Hector once again went for the Coriander and Chilli Nan (£2.85). Clive went overboard by ordering his favourite – Keema Nan (£3.50). This would be a first appearance of Keema Nan on Curry-Heute.
John had his Wine, the rest of us settled for Tap Water, one way to keep – The Bill – rock bottom.
The Poppadoms and Dips arrived, everyone except Hector took part in the frenzy. I’m not playing this game. Anyway, Hector was keeping the palate clear for the Lamb Chops, four, and the Hector was having four. Marg had made her choice.
Lamb Chops
Hot & Sizzling, I followed the stereophonic effect as they were brought from my right to the left of the table. I’ll try not to dwell on the fact that the garnish always has Capsicum despite my clarity re the Mains. Four well fired Lamb Chops, last time they disappointed, not tonight. These were back on form, as Succulent as required. The tongue tingled, the Spice was right there, even the Seasoning was noted.
I watched Clive take care of his portion, I knew what would be said at the end:
Not quite The Downsman (Crawley).
But half the price – I retorted.
These were excellent Lamb Chops, one truly needs the four to appreciate the full effect. It is written.
Dr. Stan and John devoured their respective Starters. Whilst the Mixed Kebab looked seductive, I wouldn’t swop this for Lamb Chops if presented side by side. Who needs the Pakora?
In the early days at Akbar’s, the Waiters gave updates on how long it would be between courses. This practice has gone, as have the rose petals which used to adorn the tables. Marg always remarks on their absence. I doubt if we, The Chaps, care about the latter.
The usual Chef brought the Mains, he is always happy to have his photo taken, so why disappoint? With the various karahi arranged on the table we had to use every bit of space to accommodate the – Bread.
The Bread
The Chapattis were in the traditional style as served since I first encountered them in the 1970s. Some venues serve the Thicker, Wholemeal variety, not here. These are Chapattis.
The Coriander and Chilli Nan was hung on the vertical stand. The Garlic which makes them dripping wet was thankfully absent. This was the Naan that has become my standard where possible.
The Texture was everything I seek, Thick extremities, reasonable girth in the centre, and rich in the – foliage. I would manage around half, Marg took a chunk, as did John who left about half of what I gave him. Even Chapatti John has a limit.
The Keema Nan was served flat and very importunity – whole. This too had a substantial girth, puffy even. The interior was not pink from what I could see, making it a perfect Keema Nan.
Despite the enthusiastic Bread Order, we did not leave too much, though John kept referring to a story involving loaves and fishes.
Roshan Lal
The Coriander topping was present along with the crucial wedge of Lemon, Squeezing the juice over the Masala adds such a lovely Citrus blast. The Masala was more abundant than one expects in a Bradford Curry and especially one at – Akbar’s served Asian Style, fortunately it was still far from – Soup. The Masala was – Thin. It should not have been served this way.
The first dip of Naan revealed – The Bradford Curry Taste. Sometimes in Bradford it can take a few mouthfuls for this to kick in. The disappointing appearance was set aside, just enjoy.
The Spice and Seasoning had to be spot on to create the authentic Bradford Flavours. Pieces of Tomatoes and Green Chillies were mixed through the Masala. Capsicum ruins this Curry, I know, it was served to me that way, once. The Meat was cut small, not quite as small as one get in the great Bradford Curry Cafes, perhaps that’s – ein Schnitt zu weit?
Across the table, Clive was coming to terms with his never ending Naan, and his first Bradford Curry – in Glasgow.
An ideal level of spiciness – observed Clive – didn’t set my mouth on fire. Lively, without being dangerous.
Hector still regards the Roshan Lal as Akbar’s – Signature Dish. Maybe one day I’ll try it in Yorkshire?
Karahi Gosht
Well, it does look identical to the Roshan Lal, so it demands the same criticism this evening regarding the Thinness of the Masala. I cannot remember Marg ever finishing a Curry here, usually a Soupçon comes in my direction. If I was offered any, it was declined, too busy taking care of my my own. Tonight Marg cleared her karahi, which simply proves that if she doesn’t indulge in Lamb Chops she can manage an entire Akbar’s Curry!
I did point out her comments from last visit when she simply couldn’t finish it due to the Spice Level. Tonight was a markedly different experience:
Plenty meat, in very edible cubes. I loved the coriander kick, and coped with my mouth on fire. I would have it again.
No doubt she will.
Having survived Hector’s Cooking for some twenty years, I know that Marg may comment on what she sees as an an excessive Spice Level, but it is rare that she is defeated.
Marg was also finished long before the rest of us. Had she missed lunch? Marg took the opperchancity to order a Milky Coffee (£2.50) which came in good time.
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
With the same garnish as above, this was visibly the driest of the three. The Spinach had been mixed through the Masala, this was not the mass of thick green herbs with meat chucked on top which Hector avoids. On receiving his Curry, John summoned Naveed and asked for chopped Ginger. Trips to Manchester have introduced John to the help yourself – Coriander, Chillies and Ginger in the Curry Cafes, the – foliage.
Dr. Stan emitted his usual – Mmmm – as he ate. Finally he gave some words:
Good spice, good balance. Maybe a bit too runny.
Runny? I wonder if we had been given our Order – Asian Style?
John loves Akbar’s, soon I shall take him for a Curry or five in Bradford:
Beyond excellent. Outstanding balance of flavour and spice with a lovely consistency, washed down by four four Chapattis.
The Bill
£91.00 Subtracting the Wine, five dined with Starters, for a very decent price.
The Aftermath
The cash sorted, we made our way to the exit. Even the staff who hadn’t served us, acknowledged our departure. This was Visit #20.