Chapatti John declared his desire to visit Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) as soon as. Despite the many new Curry experiences which Hector has introduced to John in recent years, this remains his favourite Curry House in Glasgow. Dr. Stan was on board, he may be returning to form.
I arrived minutes before the 17.00 opening time and rendezvous. The door was unlocked, so in I went. Imran was there to greet me by name, there was no booking. I was led to a window table, by the time we departed, all window tables would be occupied. Window dressing, it always amuses.
I told Imran I was down in Bradford a week ago. He asked if I went to Akbar’s.
Why would I visit Akbar’s in Bradford? – and went on to recite the venues I had gone to.
The chaps were punctual, drinks were sorted: Sparkling Water (£2.25) for Hector, a Fresh Orange Juice (£2.50) for Dr. Stan and a standard glass of Red Wine (£4.25) for John. He had considered going large, but at double the price, he felt as if he should be getting the bottle.
Poppadoms? No thanks. Poppadoms? No thanks. Poppadoms? No thanks.
If Imran really wanted us to have Poppadoms, he should have sent them to the table as per the Dips. A positive feature of dining at Akbar’s which sometimes becomes a negative, is the intensity of service. The staff are trained to be attentive, but they can be relentless. Do people give in to this pressure to add extra pounds to their bill from the start? A rhetorical question.
Lamb Chops (£4.45), the best value Chops in the country, possibly, Hector cannot resist. John was nearly on board but changed his mind to Mixed Kebab (£5.25). For Dr. Stan, the obligatory Seekh Kebab (£4.00).
It’s years since I last had the Roshan Lal (£10.45), I made sure the dreaded Capsicum would be withheld. John and Dr. Stan both chose Karahi Gosht and Spinach (£8.95), nothing new there. John said he would limit himself to an initial three Chapatis (£0.75), Dr. Stan would manage one. For Hector, a Coriander and Chilli Naan (£2.95). All Mains were asked for in the – Asian Style. If one doesn’t, a lesser Curry is served. That is the way it is, even in Bradford.
As the window tables filled up, and food brought to those who arrived quite a bit after us, the forty five minute wait for Starters began to feel excessive. Eventually, the familiar sound of a sizzling platter was heard approaching.
Lamb Chops
Four Chunky Chops, all for me, always an extra special treat. The extremities were cremated to perfection, and the Meat cooked through also. Easily the best Lamb Chops served to Hector this year. The Spicy marinade clung to the Meat, tasty. All the pleasures of gnawing at bones, a dental appointment is due next week, Hector was taking chances.
Seekh Kebab
The Menu says – Chicken – this was hard to believe given the dark colouring. Again, these must have been well fired, and look at the size of them.
I enjoyed that – Dr. Stan offered spontaneously – they are good.
Has a year of Lockdown turned Dr. Stan into a chatterbox?
Mixed Kebab
One Chapli and one Seekh Kebab, plus two large Bhaji/Pakora. I would have expected more, even one Lamb Chop. Why the Bhaji? Whilst John enjoyed it, I suspect he knew his fellow diners had chosen better.
The wait until the arrival of the Mains was not too long, we were already late for our 18.00 slot at State Bar. Imran himself helped bring the Order.
The Naan is always a standout. No way could one man finish this, today Hector had two helpers. Having assured John that he could assist with the Naan after devouring his three Chapattis, he was up up for it. Even Dr. Stan got in on the act.
For the first time, at a table occupied by Hector, the Naan was finished.
Roshan Lal
The young waiter had come back moments after ordering to confirm I wanted Meat and not Chicken. The Menu clearly says Meat, this Dish would be pointless in Chicken.
The small cut Meat, in the Bradford Style, was covered in more Masala than one has in a Karahi. This is what I was after, three intense days in Bradford had put me off Lamb and Bread. Here was Hector, fully recovered, dipping copious pieces of the light and fluffy Naan into the rich Masala. The Herb-taste of Bradford was prominent, that is why I was here. The Spice hit hard, Asian style, this is what you get. The Seasoning was a good bit below the hoped for level, but let’s not have that spoil the moment.
Sliced Green Chillies and cooked Tomato were encountered deep down into the karahi, there was no let up in the – kick – therefore. When I had to wave the Naan flag, it was Meat and Masala only, not Hector’s ideal scenario, but payback for the Bread indulgence. John eats differently, he makes a sandwich with his Chapattis, The Man from Bradford and Hector both apply the Bread-pouch filled with Masala approach.
Karahi Gosht and Spinach
Served Bradford-dry, this has been John and Dr. Stan’s go to Curry at Akbar’s for some time. Hector had it on his birthday earlier this year. Masala with Spinach, the preferred interpretation, and again small cut Meat.
John was pleased that – bones – are not an issue here, he can eat all that is served. John concluded that this Curry was still right up there with the very best. The – still – was perhaps a nod to the many venues I have introduced him to. Dr. Stan concurred.
This may be the time to mention that Yadgar is open once again – to dine in.
The Bill
£57.00 Drinks, Starters and Mains, excellent value, excellent fayre.
The Aftermath
Not that Hector was ever a regular at Koh-I-Noor, but it is sad to see the premises boarded up. I was later reliably informed that Indian Gallery will not re-open. The World Buffet also on Sauchiehall St. is boarded up too. I bet the family of the Rawalpindi may come to see the error of their ways, if the story I was told holds true.