Hector was in two minds today, where in the Southside would I have my Saturday afternoon Curry? In the end, I alighted at Partick. Had the bus timings been more favourable I would have ended up at Banana Leaf, however, I walked towards Byres Rd and found myself at the Little Curry House (41 Byres Road, Glasgow, G11 5RG). Curryspondent Doug replied to my question regarding Masala Twist which has been closed for some six months. This leaves Little Curry House as the only venue actually on Byres Rd, Chaakoo Bombay Cafe have recently opened a new branch in a lane off, then there’s Ashton Lane.
I announced myself as being – one – and was shown upstairs. A couple were waiting for their Order. It was quiet mid afternoon, Hector’s preferred eating time.
The a la carte Menu was on the table with Tapas on the back. Various Deals were available until 16.00. I decided not to mess about, on seeing the Lamb Massalam with Methi Aloo (£11.00), my choice was made. I have had mixed experiences with Paratha (£2.75) on my previous two visits to this venue under this branding. The first time impressed, last time did not. It was time for The Paratha Police to investigate once more.
The Waitress took the Order, no mention of Spice Level. A Sparkling Water (£2.00) completed the Order. In the two and a half years since my last visit here, the prices have only gone up a tad.
The food was brought up to the mezzanine on a tray. The staff here must be kept fit.
The Paratha was of the – Wholemeal – variety and served quartered in a basket. Last time I specifically asked for the Paratha to be served whole and it was. I suppose it is up to the diner to insist on Bread being served whole.
The layering was there, the – swirl – visible. The Paratha flaked on further breaking. I ate more of this Paratha than I would normally manage, I found this to be a suitable accompaniment.
Lamb Massalam with Methi Aloo
Aloo Gosht with Methi in other words. The Masala was Minimal, it had not been blended, this looked like a worthy Karahi Gosht. On appearance, this was the closest to Desi Cuisine I have been served at Little Curry House. Expectation levels were being raised, however, the portion size did not overwhelm, especially when I decided there was as much Potato as Lamb.
The Meat was so – soft – a delight. The Spice Level was not challenging, extra Chillies would have given a bigger – kick. The Seasoning was – low – but after my midweek experience at Basharat G’z, any Curry would seem so. I alternated between Meat then Paratha with the Masala Mash. I gave the thumbs up when the Waitress came up to ask the customary question. Fenugreek Potatoes – was this the source of the Methi? This Curry had not just been thrown together from – The Big Pot.
The pieces of Meat were large, had I ordered Rice, then each would have been halved. What did not feel like a large portion initially, was proving to be substantial. I had to remind myself that this was not the half kilo. A half kilo? I could have devoured that today. The Flavours kept coming, the Masala Mash at the base of the karahi was carefully scooped up. I was really enjoying this.
I was surprised to find a bone, this definitely took this Curry well away from the – Mainstream. This truly was a Desi Curry, it just became better and better the more I ate. This was easily the best Curry I have eaten on these premises since the days of Mrs. Majhu’s.
I think I’ll have to come back soon, another project.
The Bill
£15.75 Well within acceptable parameters.
The Aftermath
I squeezed past more diners as I took my leave. I had not recognised any of the staff front of house or in the open kitchen. I assume Little Curry House is still operated by the Singh family, some of whom I met back in 2015?
Menu extracts
