Alan was in touch last night suggesting an evening of Curry & Cider in Dumbarton. Curry in Dumbarton is quite a rare event. I believed Dining Room @ No 10 to have gone, apparently not. Haveli eventually opened as a World Buffet, not a serious Curry House then, and so Hector has never been tempted to investigate further. Delhi Darbar was dismissed by Alan due to – red coloured Curry. That left Bollywood Lounge (61a High Street, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire, G82 1LS). Being a Friday, I suggested Alan make a booking, 20.00 was agreed.
At the top of the stairs two chaps were deep in discussion, one I would later establish was the delivery driver, he had a quiet night. Only three tables were occupied in the somewhat large premises, interesting. On the train journey down I had studied the Menu. Prices have certainly gone up more than the rate of inflation since I was last here three years ago. Last time I found the Menu to be almost the antithesis of what I seek in Curry, a predominance of Chicken Dishes and Green Peppers otherwise mentioned in the description of too many.
In 2016 I enjoyed the Lagan ki Boti, then £8.95, now £11.95. Having had this I felt something else was appropriate. Machi Masala (£13.95) was dismissed on two counts: why was it £4.00 more than in 2016, and having sampled a Soupçon last time, it was too Sweet?!
Hector had a brainwave!
The best way to avoid the dreaded Green Mush, was to choose from the – Vegetarian Dishes. These were available at £7.95 for a Main Dish and £6.95 for a Side Dish. Why order a – Side? I was also trusting that Capsicum, needlessly used in the Meat Dishes would not appear in the Vegetarian Dishes. Aloo Gobi and Daal Makhani therefore became my choices, with a Keema Paratha (£3.50) to accompany.
Alan who shares my abhorrence of Green Peppers in Curry, also commented on their abundance. Lagan Ki Boti for him plus one Chapatti (£1.10), safe, he asked for the Spice Level to be above – medium. Hector was happy to see what came. We would also share two Starters – Fish Pakora (£5.95) and Seekh Kebab (4.95).
A Strongbow tap stood proudly on the bar. There was no Cider in the house – Sparkling Water (£2.00) for Hector and a glass of wine (£3.50) or two, for Alan.
The waitress brought complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions. Dining this late, I was hungry and so for once took part in the Poppadom ritual. I ate my share of the Spiced Onions, Alan wasn’t too impressed by them, and – no Cummin Seeds – in the Poppadoms.
Fish Pakora
Six decent sized pieces of Battered Fish were accompanied by a Salad garnish, twelve pieces would have been better. Presumably Haddock, the Fish was fresh, the Batter well Spiced and most importantly, the Seasoning was there. Impressive Fish Pakora.
Seekh Kebab
A pair is standard. Three were presented, just as well, these were skimpy in girth. Alan remarked about the lack of Seasoning and that he would never order this again, I concurred. The Spice was there, however, the Kebabs were quite simply – Bland.
On enquiring about the locus of the – facilities – I was shown a door to a long corridor, and so began a sojourn that was comparable to that of a well known pub chain. Two buckets sat on the floor in the middle of the Gents, behold the leaking roof.
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We forgot to ask for the bread to be served – whole – Alan reminded me – it gets cold – otherwise. Who is this chap? His standards certainly match Hector’s.
The Keema Paratha was served in quarters. Being stuffed, the usual Paratha standards were not invoked. The Mince was Brown, the Bread was well Seasoned, two boxes ticked. I managed three quarters. The Chapatti was thankfully served whole and folded, simples.
Decent, despite being a bit thin – was Alan’s take on his Chapatti.
Aloo Gobi
Having enjoyed the best Aloo Gobi in Central Scotland courtesy of Yadgar midweek, the challenge was on. The bulk of the Dish was Cauliflower, the proportion of Potato was distinctly less. Sadly, the Cauliflower was pretty much – Pulp – not the texture one seeks. The Potato, when eventually uncovered, was slightly on the firm side, but fine. The base Masala featured Onions, not the Tomato a la Yadgar. The taste of Cauliflower dominated, I suspect the Potatoes could have been cooked a bit longer to absorb whatever Flavours the Masala was due to provide.
Daal Makhani
This I knew I would never finish, but the Aloo Gobi alone would never have been enough. With Kidney Beans accompanying the Lentils, the Masala Mash was Creamy as the nature of this Dish should be, however, it was strangely Thick. Again I could see Onions. I wondered if they had run out and mixed in some of the base Masala? Half Masala, Half Daal – is what I noted. Speculation.
The Flavours from the Daal complemented the Aloo Gobi and the Keema Paratha, Hector had in fact chosen a working combination. I could never ascertain where the – kick- was coming from, but the Spice Level did not disappoint. I had Seasoning, Spice and Flavour, so not a bad meal overall.
Lagan Ki Boti
Wow! – was Alan’s immediate reaction to his first sample of his Lamb Curry without Capsicum. Topped with salt – was the explanation for his reaction. Quite tomatoey, a bit burnt tomato – he continued.
Beneath the somewhat large strips of Fresh Ginger (only) one could see relatively large pieces of Onion protruding from the Masala. An acceptable mini-pool of Oil was forming on the surface. One Chapatti appeared to be too little to accompany this, I invited Alan to have the final quarter of the Paratha.
On the edge – was Alan’s verdict on the Spice Level, more would have been excessive.
I’ll keep going on the train – he concluded.
Hector concluded that it will be a long, long time before we have Curry again in Dumbarton.
The Bill
£54.80 This included £12.45 for drinks. I also believe the Daal Makhani was charged at £8.95.
The Aftermath
Those who were present on our arrival were finishing up, no more had arrived. If this was a typical Friday night at Bollywood Lounge, I fear for their future.
A well know pub chain a few doors down had copious Strongbow, Hector’s preferred post-Curry tipple.
