Last Saturday’s Curry with Marg at Ambala (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) took Hector totally by surprise. It forced a re-write of the Ambala page on Curry-Heute, the Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi was outrageously good. In the aftermath, songs were sung, an almost immediate return was mandatory.
Four of us were due to meet today at Ambala at 14.00. Hector managed a connection at Glasgow Central which the Scotrail App did not compute as being possible. As a result, there was half an hour to kill in Pollokshields, an opperchancity to stroll along Albert Drive and take in the sights.
On reaching the premises which once were – Lahore Kebab House – I was surprised to see the conversion to – Aqsa’s – still underway after all this time. It was only on reaching the corner that I realised all of the ground floor premises were closed. A glance upwards revealed two missing floors behind the sandstone brickwork and no roof, another fire on Albert Drive. On April 1st, in the first few weeks of Lockdown, this second block at Albert Cross was destroyed, five months after the first. No casualties were reported.
The new Curry House on the opposite corner – Pir Mahal Cafe – is no more. This unit has become yet another grocer, adding to the impressive array of Halal butchers and grocers along Albert Drive. This leaves Halal Kebab House as the only Curry House on Albert Drive, though – Sweet Centres – appear to be blossoming.
Arriving twenty minutes early at Ambala, I was invited by the chap behind the counter to choose my own table. Two waitresses were on duty this afternoon, one recognised me, the – dippy – one. I chose a large table which accommodated six.
Given that the kilos of Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi (£24.99) can take up to forty five minutes to appear, I though it a good idea to get two ordered. Bread we could sort later.
Since last Saturday, some tables had been blocked off to provide greater – social distancing. The large table had been split by using chairs to create smaller units. No staff were wearing face coverings today, and if there was a form to complete on entry for – track and trace – I missed it.
I received a text informing me that we would only be three diners. I quickly had the Order reduced to 1.5 kilos. A half kilo is charged at a rather inflated – £15.99. I can see why the effort in producing this wonder dish may justify the price, however if one has already ordered the full kilo, well…
The waitress stayed to chat. I told her that she had done me a big favour last Saturday by bringing me – the wrong Curry. She claimed that the standard portion of Desi Karahi Gosht (£10.99) is also the Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi. When I next encounter Ahmed, Mein Host, I shall seek clarification. Previous experiences suggest otherwise.
Mags and John were punctual. This was – Chapatti John’s – first visit to Ambala. Three Chapattis (£1.30) were ordered, along with a Tandoori Roti (£1.20) for Mags and a Nan (£2.40) for Hector. Two Dips had been brought to the table, as there were no Starters, these would not be touched.
The early arrival had paid a dividend, the wait was well within acceptable parameters.
Why did I again forget to ask for my Naan to be served whole? Still, the Nan was all I could ask for, light and fluffy. Today I would manage all but a crumb. The Roti was appreciably larger than the traditional Chapattis. Good Bread, all were happy.
Lahori Chaska Lamb Karahi
Chef could have served the lot on one large flat karahi, thankfully, the Curry was served on two karahi of differing sizes. John opted to take the half kilo such that he could tear in and not have to wait to see how fast his – opposition – was eating.
Once again, Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the Masala Mash which was already releasing its Oil. Slices of large Green Chillies had been cooked in then some added as a topping also. All looked well, Hector is always under a bit of pressure, but unless the Chef had changed, all should be well. John loves his – foliage – a la Manchester. He wondered as to what would happen if he turned up with his mix of Coriander Leaves, Ginger Cubes and Sliced Green Chillies to smother the top of his Curry.
My fellow diners were immediately impressed. This Karahi was from the same hand as last Saturday’s. The all important Seasoning was there, the distinctive – Butteriness – from last week was less noticeable, yet the intensity of Flavour maintained. The Spice Level was well pitched, manageable by all one would think. The Meat was again as Tender as can be, – melt in the mouth Lamb – remarked Mags. For Hector, this was again the Perfect Karahi, a decent quantity, and full on in terms of Flavour. I can see many more visits in the coming months, yet I also have to be faithful to my other favourite venues. Then there is the matter of how good is Ambala’s yet to be tried – Lamb Shinwari? Hector also loves Afghani Cuisine.
John could easily have cleared his karahi, he had a cunning plan. John reckoned that by saving some of the Masala he could use it to make more Curry at home. And so there was a Takeaway Masala, but not before the waitress asked John if he desired more meat.
My fellow diners offered their comments at the end of this meal of exceptional quality:
John – Up there with the best. Perfectly balanced, great blend of spice and taste. Uniquely their own.
Mags – I agree, it’s one of the best I’ve had recently, amazing. I’ll come back here again easily, as long as it’s the same chef.
*
The Bill
£48.48 Ambala is registered in the – Eat Out to Help Out scheme, however, today is Saturday.
The Aftermath
I told the young chap who appears to be the manager once again that the Karahi at Ambala has improved beyond all recognition. The mature gentleman who is often seen sitting behind the counter, thanked me for my expressing my appreciation of the fayre.