Having been impressed by the Lamb Massalam with Methi Aloo (£11.00) served four weeks ago at the Little Curry House (41 Byres Road, Glasgow, G11 5RG), Hector was keen to explore more of their Menu. In the three previous visits, a lack of Seasoning has been the recurring issue, it was time to see if this could be addressed.
John agreed to be Hector’s fellow diner this afternoon, a rather early 13.00 was agreed, opening time. Eleanor was in touch midweek, declaring that she was in need of – Curry. Mags wasn’t missing out. At noon today, Yvonne announced that she and Craig would be joining us. So many people in the West End, something was afoot. Niki’s muriel (sic) was bathed in sunshine as I arrived at Partick Station. I had phoned to verify the 13.00 opening time and book a table for six, just in case.
We assembled outside, six other diners joined us, waiting for a Curry House to open, strange. It was a few minutes after 13.00 when the door finally opened. John decided that given the numbers, the meal would take a while, he bailed, very strange.
Craig declared he would have a Starter then the Tapas Deal (£10.95), a lot of food hopefully. Spiced Haddock with Tomatoes (£6.75) would be followed by Lamb Massalum with Methi Aloo on my recommendation, along with Chicken Tikka Shashliq and Rice. Yvonne also opted for the two Curry – Tapas Deal: Chilli Garlic Chicken, Methi Gosht and a Naan. Eleanor too was hungry and announced Traditional Veg Samosa (£5.95) followed by Lamb Massalum with Methi Aloo with Basmati Rice (£2.60). I assumed that Mags would also go for the Aloo Gosht variant, but said she doesn’t like Methi. We have been dining together for years, the first time I have heard this. Garlic Lamb with Mushroom (£9.50) was her choice, my fallback if my Order was not acceptable. A Paratha (£2.75) would accompany.
As two were having Starters, Mags suggested a Poppadom (£0.90) and Spiced Onions (£1.25). Yvonne was up for this. Who pays for Poppadoms? The Waiter had already approached to take the Order, it had taken us some time to make our choices, John must have been psychic.
Capsicum – I began – if I order Lamb Karahi (£9.50) will I see Capsicum, or is it blended into the Masala?
The Waiter assured me the – peppers – in the given description were blended in. I then asked if Chef could add more Seasoning than his norm, and my final indulgence – dry Methi sprinkled on top. This was not a problem. I had now set the challenge to establish if Little Curry House could serve up a Hector-style Curry.
Water – was the only drinks order. Five goblets were presented, not a huge quantity, fortunately a jug was brought some minutes later. All was well.
Spiced Haddock with Tomatoes
Served in foil, Craig unveiled the solitary Fish covered in a layer of Spices. The Shorva was decidedly – watery. It is likely that this may well have been a residue of the moisture from the Fish and Tomato. A couple of Onion rings were sat atop the Fish also.
Craig was in raptures about his Fish – Beautiful! – he exclaimed – light as a feather.
We were invited to take a Soupçon, generous, there was not a lot of Fish for £6.75.
There was a decent – kick – and not too much for Craig evidently. The Fish tasted of – Fish, how often has Hector written about Fish Curry not tasting of the primary element? Cumin was the dominant Spice.
Craig enjoyed his Starter, Hector was still wondering how such a small piece of Fish could cost so much. We have been spoiled over many years at Yadgar.
Traditional Veg Samosa
The pair, thankfully, of Samosas were accompanied by Chana Masala. The Chickpeas turned this modest Starter into quite a plateful and justified the price.
The Chickpeas were well spiced – remarked Eleanor – at the time of eating. Later she added:
The Samosas were very tasty. I particularly liked the chickpea sauce which had just the right amount of spice.
It took the Waiter two trips up the stairs to assemble the Mains. Warm plates had previously been brought to the table. All of the Dishes were served – Hot, a fact that was remarked upon by all, and thus appreciated.
The Breads were served in quarters, always a contentious point for Hector who prefers to – break bread. The Paratha was once again of the wholemeal variety.
Ace – said Mags, she only managed to eat half of her Paratha.
The Mushroom Rice was plentiful. The uniformity of the Mushrooms made me believe them to be tinned. Surely not? Craig was giving his inclusive Rice away to anyone who desired it, he had more than enough.
Garlic Lamb with Mushrooms
A minimal sprinkling of Fresh Coriander topped the abundant, blended Masala. Large pieces of Meat protruded. Given the quantity of Masala, Rice may have been the better option here. Mags found one bone in her Curry which surprised her. Lamb on-the-bone is always Hector’s preferred option. We were still not sure about the source of the Mushrooms.
A new dish to me – said Mags – Lamb very tender, full of flavour, I enjoyed it.
Lamb Massalum with Methi Aloo
Eleanor had the full portion which had decidedly less Masala than the Garlic Lamb. Ironically, Eleanor had chosen the Rice accompaniment. Craig’s Tapas portion appears to have more Potato than Lamb. When I had this Curry on my last visit, the Flavours from the Potatoes were the standout, Hector loves his Methi.
Very tender, lovely – was Craig’s report on his Dish.
Eleanor: The Lamb was **** and tender, the sauce was pleasant. Overall, a very **** meal. I had an empty plate at the end.
And the n*** word ain’t appearing twice in one statement in Curry-Heute.
Chicken Tikka Shashliq
This I didn’t sample, just as well, I suspect I would have hated it.
A Chicken and Capsicum delight – proclaimed Craig.
Not only that, the sauce appeared to be of the Chilli variety. I had my fill of that in Oranienburg last month.
Craig: Delicious, quite a basic Curry, very tasty.
If indeed it was – Curry.
Fish was the best – added Craig at the end of the meal. So, the Fenugreek in the Potatoes didn’t grab him then.
Methi Gosht
I cannot recall Yvonne ever ordering this previously. It can be quite a demanding Curry, especially when it is Herb-rich as presented here. As much as Hector loves his Methi, the preference remains for a Masala with added Methi. A Soupçon came my way, unfortunately I ended up with a forkful of Black Cardamom, not the most pleasant thing to puts in one’s mouth. I was pleased when Yvonne ordered this, it means I shall never have to.
Lovely – said Yvonne – though she did make hard work of eating it.
Chilli Garlic Chicken
The blended Masala looked a bit – Oily. As much as Yvonne loathes the collection of Oil in her Curry, she made no remark on this. With half of her Naan left, she declared:
The Tapas deal is very good. One of the dishes was enough for me.
The remaining Naan and all of this would form a – doggy bag.
We may never know how this Chicken Curry tasted. Was the Masala overloaded with Chilli Sauce? I was intrigued by the black specks, too large to be Onion Seeds, too smooth to be Peppercorns.
Lamb Karahi
Why this Topping is not made available as a matter of course puzzles. The – Methi blast – is a welcome part of many a Curry. Manchester has its – Foliage, abundant Herb toppings are such a welcomed an addition.
Needless to say I was impressed by the sight of my Lamb Karahi. The Masala was suitably – Thick – what the ratio of Onion to Capsicum was, only Chef knows. Why use the – dreaded green mush – at all?
The Meat was beautifully Tender, quality Lamb, requiring just the right amount of chewing. For once, I made no attempt at counting the large pieces, this was a decent portion. The Spice Level was impressive but not demanding which may explain why there were no complaints from across the table.
Every Curry I have had at Little Curry House has lacked Seasoning. My request today had fallen on deaf ears, this Curry was still lacking. As a consequence I have to question what Flavours I was meant to be experiencing? The taste-buds were working well today, the aforementioned – Cumin – and the – Black Cardamom – which I had after I had finished this Curry confirmed this. This Curry had nothing like the depth of Flavour I enjoyed here four weeks ago.
Were the – blended peppers – masking all?
When I uncovered a piece of Capsicum, that was the end. I had been quite specific at the time of ordering, that my Order was not fulfilled, frankly disappoints.
The Bill
£85.40 This was appreciably more than expected. The printout shows no sign of the – Tapas Deal – being honoured. The Naan (£2.75) should not have appeared. We covered the requested amount, there was next to no tip.
The Aftermath
Yvonne relayed the above to a staff member as we exited.
Five visits is the Curry-Heute norm for being added to – Glasgow’s Top Rated. Visit #5 to Little Curry House may be a long time in the future. Next Saturday it’s back to the Southside where top quality is guaranteed. Before then, there’s the not so small matter of the Manchester Beer Festival. Copious Curry will have to be consumed to soak up the ale.