OK, there’s no denying that New Gandhi Indian Restaurant (441 Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 8RW) is Hector’s latest project. The food is always excellent, just a matter of deciding to pay more than what the Hector has become accustomed to in the Curryland that is centred around Queens Park/Pollokshields, i.e. – The Southside.
Arriving at 14.58, I found a chap at the door vacuuming On reaching the top of the stairs, the place was in semi-darkness. New Gandhi is open all day on a Friday and Saturday, something was afoot. A young chap greeted me, there had been a function last night, I suspect that 16.00 was the intended opening time today. He told me that the kitchen was ready and it was the waiter who had been at the door, he would be with me shortly. Meanwhile a bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.20) was provided.
The Menu was brought, I still haven’t read it all, it’s the Punjabi Dishes that are of interest to the Hector. Today I was having the Fish Curry, however, Lamb Chops were also very much in mind. Could I find – Chops – on the Menu? Eventually, I found Tandoori Lamb Chops (£6.50).
*
The waiter apologised for his tardiness and took the Order. The Chops would be followed by Fish Tikka Masala (£11.95) and Mushroom Rice (£3.25). Realistically, one should be having – Bread – with Desi Curry, but having enjoyed the Mushroom Rice so much on my last visit, it had to be repeated. The waiter was surprised to see that I already had a drink. I settled down and waited for my Starter, alone in the bar room, alone in the Restaurant, or so it felt. That no other customer arrived during my stay suggested that people had other things to do today. The silly season is upon us.
Lamb Chops
One either has to give full marks for presentation or question why the business end looked so minuscule. Four Lamb Chops, well actually more like three three and a bit, sat at one end of the long plate, the Garnish and Dip occupying the remainder.
The Chops were beautifully cremated, the Tandoor was decidedly – on. These Lamb Chops were simply magnificent, burnt on the outside, cooked through, yet still still succulent inside. The full Flavour of the Tandoori Marinade hit the palate, the Spice, and the Seasoning. Yes, the Seasoning, full on, a joy to eat. These Lamb Chops were as good as the best, Lord Clive of Crawley would surely consider these a match for the wondrous Lamb Chops served at his local – Downsman Curry Club. Happy Birthday, Clive.
There was only one problem, three and a bit Chops felt too little a portion, they were gone all too soon. Not the largest of Chops, and I must compare them to the best Chops served in Glasgow until today, Akbar’s, where four Lamb Chops cost £4.45. Still, I would have to have these again.
The waiter asked if I had enjoyed them.
Just the way I like my Lamb Chops.
Excellent.
What a happy chap.
On the plus side, knowing what would follow, this portion of Lamb Chops did not fill me such that I would dread the Mains coming too soon. There was a suitable gap.
Topped with sliced Syboes, the Mushroom Rice was almost a meal in itself. This was way more than just Rice with Mushrooms, the colour was testimony to the Spices mixed in, not to have this would be a gross oversight. The portion size was well judged, enough to share, the right amount for one.
Fish Tikka Masala
Again topped with Syboes and a threat of Fresh Coriander, I marvelled at what lay before me. Chicken Tikka Masala, a Curry that only appears in this Blog when someone else orders it, yet, here was Hector having the Fish equivalent. The Menu confirmed that the – Masala Fish – was Haddock, so much better than the Fish typically served in Curry. Arranging the Fish and the Masala on the Rice, I felt there could have been more Fish for the price. Still, the ratio of Fish to Masala felt favourable. I left some of the Masala in the karahi, perhaps just to confirm that the small patches of Oil on the surface would not become excessive. I squeezed the wedge of Lemon over the Curry, a bit of Citrus is always welcome. The waiter told to me to ask for more Chillies if I required them.
The food was – Hot! – how food should be served. This was a true – Desi Fish Curry. As with the Karahi Gosht enjoyed here two weeks ago, I could taste that which took me to – The Village – all those years ago before they became an upmarket venue. This had the authentic Punjabi Flavours I seek, and in a Fish Curry. Could this be a Curry to rival the Machi Masala as served at Mother India’s Cafe? If so, then this was a truly outstanding Fish Curry, and served in Glasgow.
The Spice was there, there was no need for the extra Chillies. The Seasoning was within acceptable parameters, the Flavour of the Fish itself was not masked by the Masala. On taking the remnants of the decidedly not Oily Masala, I licked the spoon. Wow! This alone was a standout. With the distinctive Flavours from the Mushroom Rice and then the Fish, the mix was a transformation. Had I ordered Bread, the experience would have been an entirely different one, yet how could I pass on the wonderful Mushroom Rice? Next time I have this I shall have to be in the company of someone who will share Rice and Bread. By holding back some of the Masala for dipping, and still having the Fish and Masala as I had today, one could create an even bigger treat. I think Marg is due a visit to New Gandhi.
I found something hard and alien on my mouth, fearing I was about to bite into a Cardamom, it was quickly ejected. A rogue piece of Mushroom? A pity, I would have otherwise left an empty plate.
A Starter, a Main Course, the Rice, it is quite unusual to clear one’s plate, so either the portions were perfectly judged or there could have been more. Better not to waste food, so I shall cancel the negative comment.
How often have I written that it is difficult to find a decent Fish Curry in Glasgow? Today I found it.
Are you waving the flag? – asked the waiter from the bar side of the room moments after I had stopped eating. As he approached, he could not hide his pleasure. The table was cleared, the waiter said he was going to show the empty karahi, rice pot and my plate to Chef.
The Bill
£23.90 Appreciably more than comparable venues, however, I suspect the quality is guaranteed here.
The Aftermath
Even the Tandoori Chef received a mention. The kitchen staff were reportedly well pleased to see the evidence of my enjoyment.
On the bus back across the river, I messaged Danny Singh to express my pleasure of having dined once more at New Gandhi.
Thumbs up.