Kofta Anda at Sheerin Palace was today’s planned Curry. The Kofta Anda was available as promised on a Wednesday (& Saturday), however, the seating area will not open until after Ramadan. I purchased one portion (£5.00) and told Marg – we’re eating somewhere else. Again I question the imposition of the present 20.00 curfew for indoor eating.
As we approached Eglinton Toll, Marg recalled how we had once stopped to check out Desi Dhaba Chaiwala (620 Eglinton St., Glasgow G5 9RY), this is what Hector had in mind. The decorated bicycle-rickshaw suggested signs of life. Having parked opposite the car wash it was apparent that there was definitely some activity in the hut which serves Curry. Three tables were set up outside, would we get to sit in?
A chap beckoned us in, a lady stood at the counter, no inside tables.
I’ve been trying to get here for months – I informed them. This was received positively. The lady talked us through the available fayre. The last two portions of Lamb Curry, not on display, were ordered. Mein Hostess described the Curry as not being – dry – so I asked if Rice would be the better accompaniment. There was no Rice. Two Chapattis it would be then:
I’ll make them large – she assured us.
We headed back outside, the chap wiped the table, for once not for Covid purposes, but probably more to do with possible aerial bombardment. Drinks were ordered and glasses provided, no Sparkling Water was available. Dining outside in Glasgow, at the end of April, risky. The sky was overcast, there had been a shower, we were taking our chances. The gods of Curry would surely look after us.
The reheat did not take long, the Lamb Curry turned out to be something else.
Aloo Gosht
Four large pieces of Lamb on-the-bone sat in a Shorva-esque Masala with eight pieces of Potato. The portion size was therefore OK, but the ratio of Meat to Vegetable was spurious, this most certainly was not Goshat Aloo. Marg had one piece of Meat more, there was an adjustment. As Marg is prone to do at home with Mince & Tatties, she mashed her Potatoes into the Masala to create – something else.
As the chap emerged from the hut with the Chapattis in a basket, the top one blew away, a comedy moment. As the photo ritual was supposedly completed, Marg noticed that the camera was set to black & white, start again. Not funny.
There was no point waiting for the replacement Chapatti, here we go.
Oh yes. The Seasoning was there, the Flavours came across strongly, a decent kick with Cinnamon.
Very tasty isn’t it? – I put to Marg.
Yes lovely, so tender meat.
Indeed, the Meat was wonderful, though twice the quantity would have gone down well. Meanwhile, time to appreciate that the Hector preference is to have not just Meat & Masala, so the Potatoes were also savoured. These had absorbed so much Flavour from the Masala. We each had a Sucky Bone, quality Curry, and very much in the Desi style.
Another, and Complimentary Chapatti, arrived. Sitting outside in 12ºC is not conducive to keeping one’s food warm. The heat from the new Chapatti revitalised that which remained, well timed.
Marg: – Tender Lamb, on-the bone with soft potato mashed made for a lovely textured sauce to go with the Chapatti. The Dish was full of flavour and added heat to the mouth.
As I entered the hut to pay, the lady asked how I had enjoyed my Curry.
It’s all in the Seasoning, that was spot on, everything else takes care of itself.
She nodded in agreement.
The Bill
£19.00 More than I was expecting given the quantity of Meat served up.
The Aftermath
This is what Hector has been denied through the long and many months of Lockdown. I gave the lady the Calling Card. With masks having been worn throughout our moments together indoors, there had been no recognition. On seeing the Calling Card, she insisted we had met before.
Where else have you worked? – I asked.
Paisley Road West – was the reply – Sizzlers.
It was agreed that there would be a photo, Marg suggested outside on the rickshaw. As she took her place, I consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog and found a photo of the Dear Lady whom I can now call – Zee (Zaytoun). Zee and her father, Chef Mohammed, ran the short-lived Cafe Sizzler, in the premises which were formerly the much missed Clachan. I recalled how Chef brought out a – Soupçon – before serving – and he always got it right – added Zee. What I had forgotten that my only visit to Cafe Sizzler was by invitation. Well, it was seven years ago.
Zee talked us through the Menu though a post Lockdown version with new prices is in the pipeline. Desi Dhaba opens early, or will do so again after Ramadan, to cater for Breakfast, both Asian and European. I of course was more interested in the Curry. They tend to alternate between Chicken and Lamb. On announcing that I have no interest in Chicken Curry I was invited to explain.
Chicken does not Curry – Zee agreed, though did qualify this by mentioning marinaded Chicken. She went on to describe a Paratha they serve with an egg cooking on top as I have seen done on a Neapolitan Pizza.
Zee was surprised that I was still Blogging after all this time. I expressed my hope that I will encounter Mohammed again at some point in the future. Marg likes the sound of his signature – Chicken Pasta. Lahori Breakfast anyone?
There’s more
I have been unable to ascertain the continuing operation of DumPukht Lahori, uncannily also on Paisley Rd. West due to Lockdown travel restrictions. The times I have phoned, the number has just rang out. I feared the worst. On passing this afternoon just after 16.00 the shutters were up, I pulled over. The door was locked, but not for long. Aqeel, Mein Host, was glad to see me. He has been opening at 16.00 and plans to open earlier, presumably, after Ramadan. Phew!
Desi Dhaba Chaiwala Menu (prices subject to change)
