Kofta Anda on Glasgow’s Southside was the plan for this afternoon, however, a special errand kept me north of the river. Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) would most certainly be open at 16.30. One month until the solstice and it was already getting dark when I entered this West-end Curry Cafe. It was not the usual chap behind the counter, but still, he appeared to recognise me. I took my customary seat facing the counter.
There are two Lamb Starters: Lamb Pepper Fry (£4.99) is clearly not for Hector, Lamb Chukka (£4.99) was not available last time I asked for it. Today I would try again. Lamb Chettinadu (£7.99) with inclusive Rice would be my Main Course. As always at Banana Leaf, a Paratha (£1.50) would accompany. The Parathas served here tick all of Hector’s boxes, occasionally one gets the very – White Paratha.
The chap took the Order, I asked for a Fanta (£0.90) and some Water, the latter to guarantee having a glass. Both came immediately, ah, a plastic – glass of Water. A jug would have been appreciated.
Being here before the teatime rush meant that Hector was, as usual, the lone diner. This could well be the latest I have ever eaten at Banana Leaf, I have still to sit in the larger room next door.
I couldn’t believe the Lamb Chukka when it arrived, the antithesis of everything I have ever eaten here.
Lamb Chukka
Behold, a Dry, Thick Curry, exactly in the the preferred style. Nine previous visits and I’ve always had – Soup. The Paratha accompanied the Lamb Chukka, it was just as well I had ordered this else I would have been eating Curry without Rice or Bread. Now we know.
I counted six decent sized pieces of Mutton, not bad for a supposed Starter. I scooped up some of the Masala with a piece of the Perfect Paratha. Chettinadu special spicy dish – said the Menu. At Banana Leaf the Chefs do not hold back on the Spice. Today, however, the Seasoning was way below that which Hector seeks. As a result the full blown – Chettinad Experience – was not happening. There was enough here to enjoy, perhaps to savour, but not enough to excite.
The Lamb Chettinadu and Rice arrived before I had finished the Chukka. I had to ask:
What is meant by – Chukka?
Dry Curry – was the reply. Chef then went on to list some ingredients. Clearly Coconut was present, I could taste this but for once, not in a negative way.
The Rice portion was huge, way more than I would ever eat.
Lamb Chettinadu
This is as – Soupy – as Curry can be. Friends remain puzzled by the extent to which I actually enjoy this, it’s all about the south Indian Smokey Flavour. I counted seven large pieces of Meat, the quantity was then down to the Masala, of which there was loads. The Lamb here was appreciably more Tender than in the Chukka. Again the Spice Level pleased, the lack of Seasoning did not. The anticipated Smokey Flavours did not emerge, there was still enough here to enjoy. It was possible that Saturday’s wonderful Curry at Syhiba (Wakefield) on Saturday had left such an impression, that nothing could follow it. In the following hours I realised that the taste-buds were not fully functional today, frustrating.
A group of four Indians placed an Order and stood beside me, eventually they sat at the table behind me.
The Bill
£15.50 A two Curry meal.
The Aftermath
One of the seated chaps asked if I had enjoyed my Curry and if I had ever ordered a Masala Dosa (£5.25). I explained that I am too fond of my Meat and Paratha. Chef brought out the Masala Dosa and placed it in front of the lady in the group. I had to ask, the photo does complete another missing part of the Banana Leaf Menu-jigsaw.
Update – September 2021
Since the end off Lockdown, I have been trying to have Curry here. Each time I have phoned I was told it was Takeaway only and they were moving to somewhere new in Partick. Alas, the Old Dumbarton Rd. premises have closed and there is no sign of activity elsewhere.
Update – February 2024
Somehow, in the last year, new Banana Leaf premises opened in the city centre, a break away.