Once again Hector finds himself at Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD because Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) around the corner failed to open at the time previously told verbally to Hector, and as advertised on Google Maps. We arrived at 13.30, one hour after the best known opening time.
Tardiness has been experienced with increasing frequency, and not just in Glasgow, such that – Opening Times – has been added to – The Curry-Heute Campaign. People plan their day around the published business hours, then travel to find the premises closed. Does one then hang about in the faint hope that someone might open up soon? Lord Clive of Crawley was looking forward to some South Indian Cuisine once again in Glasgow, alas not to be.
It is over five years since Hector and Clive dined together at Mother India’s Cafe. Having reminded him that this is a Tapas Restaurant, we set about making our choices. For Hector, there always has to be Machi Masala (£5.80), Clive was happy to have this also. Having dismissed – Today’s Specials – the – Lamb Saag (£6.20) would be my partner Curry. It was only at the time of writing I realised that Clive chose the same accompaniment as five years ago – Methi Keema Mutter (£5.95).
No, Clive, there’s no Keema Naan or Keema Paratha.
Clive settled for a Garlic Nan (£2.25). Being in a somewhat belligerent mood, The Paratha Police were called into play (£2.15). A large bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.15) completed the Order.
On serving the water, Kathryn, our delightful waitress, found a coffee bean in Clive’s glass. The glass was whisked away, a replacement provided along with a small bottle of Sparkling Water. The brands differed, Kathryn wondered for a moment if that could make a difference. It was all Scottish water, no problem.
The main dining room was nearly full, it was good to see so many people out having early afternoon Curry, as it Hector’s wont. Perhaps some may read this Blog and be tempted to cross the River Clyde where Curry Disneyland is to be found?
Warm plates were brought to the table. We waited. The manager noticed that we had been waiting for quite a few minutes more. The now cold plates were replaced with even hotter plates just before the serving of the food. I’ll admit, one does not usually get service like this in my preferred Southside Curry Cafes.
The Breads
Both Breads were served whole, this adds greatly to the pleasure thus permitting one to – break bread. This is more than a hangover from Chapatti John’s mentioning of – loaves and fishes – last evening at Akbar’s. Bread should be served hot and whole, we were both impressed so far.
The Paratha was layered and flaky and showed signs of the central – swirl. This was the – Perfect Paratha, however, Hector had planned an even better one today at Banana Leaf where, depending on the Chef, they are made with White Chapatti Flour, not Wholemeal as at Mother India’s Cafe. The Paratha Police made no arrests today.
Machi Masala
Today’s looked to be a bit more – orange – than that which has been my staple diet here since they opened. On looking back at the photos over the nearly ten years of Curry-Heute, this is borne out. The – Battered Fish – is thankfully a thing of the past.
Four decent sized pieces of Fish were coated in the Masala. Beyond that, the Masala was far from excessive. The Spice Level was fine, however, the Seasoning was below the expected level, a feature of Fish Curry that baffles when found to be so. There was a blast of Clove which took me by surprise.
Lost its potency – was noted. What I have frequently described as the – Best Fish Curry I have found in Glasgow – lacked the bite, the Citrus was missing. Where was the wedge of Lemon? Still, Mother India’s Cafe may well retain its accolade. It is difficult to find outstanding Fish Curry in Glasgow. If only Banana Leaf did a – Fish Chettinad.
Lamb Saag
Six pieces of Tender Meat sat in the Dark, Thick Masala. Three of the pieces were substantially larger than the norm. For Tapas, this matched many a Southside Curry Cafe portion. Strands of Spinach had been stirred through the Masala, no doubt some Saag/Palak had been cooked in also.
The Earthy Flavour was very pleasant but as Hector can somehow remember the tastes of yesteryear, this was not matching the memory of what was once served here. Still, I would certainly have this again.
Methi Keema Mutter
The very definition of Dry Curry – is what I noted. Clive chose to decant both Dishes to his plate and so alternated between the Fish and the Mince, very strange. He ate every piece of the impressive Naan, that is if one likes Naan dripping with Garlic.
That was really good, both of them – was Clive’s concluding statement.
The Bill
£32.20 On the Southside, one can usually get much more Curry for one’s Buck.
The Aftermath
There was a delay of a few minutes after settling – The Bill. There was still a lot of Sparkling Water to consume.