Last night’s Kofta Anda somehow whetted Hector’s appetite for – Spinach. With a restricted number of options in Glasgow’s West End open mid afternoon, the Lamb Saag as served at Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) was foremost in Hector’s mind. Alas, it was not to be, Banana Leaf was not open (yet?).
Open as advertised, unlike… was the title of my last post at Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD) when the same disappointment occurred. The small table which Marg and I tend to be allocated was once again Hector’s appointed locus. There were fewer tables than usual, the staff were wearing masks, Social Distancing was being observed, all was well.
Machi Massala (£5.80) was a given. Lamb Saag (£6.20) would be accompanied by a Paratha (£2.15) and a Sparkling Water (£2.95 !!!). Hector would have his Spinach!
Given how few diners were present at 14.30 on a Thursday afternoon, the wait was not long. Business was surprisingly steady.
I had great expectations for the Paratha, the standard here is high. What came was Light, Flaky, Layered, and had an acceptable Buttery sheen, not greasy as others might interpret the moistness. The negative was the use of Wholemeal Flour which Hector eschews in favour of – white. A decent Paratha, and only a crumb was left, so a good size.
At the point of ordering the prices of the Tapas portions did register. Compare the platefuls at comparable prices served in Kabana (Manchester) last week. I suppose one knows what one is getting here, and it is the West End.
Machi Massala
The blast of Capsicum hit hard. What have they done to my favourite Curry at Mother India’s Cafe? The Fish Curry, I have described for over a decade as being the best served in Glasgow, has changed. I had not noticed a solitary piece of the hideous Green Mush topping the Dish with the Ginger Strip. I had to stop ordering the Lamb Karahi here some years back when they declared that the Capsicum was already in.
Fortunately, after Hector’s palate had recovered from this unwelcome assault, the Flavour somehow faded towards – Pickle, this surprised. It therefore took a few moments to register anything – Fish-like. The Spice and Seasoning were there, the quantity of Fish was enough to justify the cost.
Does this mean a change of Chef, recipe?
Give Hector back his Machi Masala!
Or, is the plan to ruin the entire menu?
Lamb Saag
The portion looked tiny, but proved to be deceptive. Five pieces of Meat sat in the dark, thick, Masala. The powerful taste of Spinach came over instantly, success. The Spice Level was moderate at best, the intensity of the Seasoning compensated. The Texture of the Lamb covered the spectrum from Tender-soft to chewy. A double portion would have gone down well, but what a price that would have been.
The Bill
£17.10 Eating here must still be regarded as a treat.
The Aftermath
Mein Host confirmed that Mother India’s Cafe only opened yesterday for dining in after Lockdown.