Two weeks ago, due to chaotic opening times at The Downsman (Crawley), Hector was denied a portion of what, in these pages, has long been regarded as the best Lamb Chops in the nation. The notion could only be thwarted for so long.
Lamb Chops have only been had at Ambala (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) once, back in 2018, on a particularity festive evening. Given the amount of work Zaheer, Mein Host does to also promote non-Curry Dishes on a certain social medium, the thought of coming here must have been subliminally planted.
I arrived at 14.30 to find one family group just finishing, two more sizeable groups would arrive during my stay. Is mid-afternoon dining becoming fashionable? The young waiter brought the latest Menu.
Whole Steam Roasted Lamb (£260.00) would have to wait for another day. Knowing what is planned for later in the week, I had already decided that I was not having Curry-Heute, two Starters was the plan. Lamb Chops – 4pcs – (£8.50) and Fish Pakora – 6-7 pcs – (£6.99) would be accompanied by a Mango Rubicon (£2.10) and a bottle of ice-cold tap water.
I watched the place fill, the waiter was being run ragged, help appeared, sorted. Hector had his water and fizzy drink, all was set.
Would both Starters arrive simultaneously, hopefully not. The Chops came first, accompanied by two Dips, yay.
Lamb Chops
I was expecting four, this looked like six, I counted four. These were seriously huge Lamb Chops. For Hector, and Marg, the perfect Tandoori Lamb Chop is cremated on the exterior, particularly around the bone shaft, but the Meat has to remain succulent. These four Chops were spot on, the seemingly extra piece of Meat dangling was an added pleasure. Burnt, succulent, Meaty, Umami! Akbar’s serve excellent Lamb Chops, these were possibly better, not possibly, definitely. These were the Lamb Chops I had dreamt about through Lockdown. Magnificent. There’s more.
The Salad on the platter added moments of Diversity/Distraction, the Chilli Dip too. The solitary Black Olive amused, the long, green Pickled Chilli was another treat. Hector was having fun. Thoughts of these Lamb Chops served as a Karahi – Lamb Chops Masala Karahi – (£12.99) came to mind. I’ve had this here once upon a time, again soon, please.
I was still enjoying my second Chop when the Fish Pakora arrived. As one knows from Yadgar, who serve the finest Fish Pakora on the planet, this is best enjoyed – piping hot – straight from the kitchen. Nothing was going to interfere with Hector and his enjoyment of his Lamb Chops.
Fish Pakora
I counted seven pieces, each a decent size, as I decanted the Fish Pakora to the metal platter which still had Salad remnants. The batter was a reddish-orange.
I feared the Pakora had cooled, it was still hot at the start. OK, it had lost its edge, but what a perfect partner to the Lamb Chops this would be. The Spicy batter was (importantly) well Seasoned, the soft, white Fish beautifully fresh tasting. Haddock, what else could it have been? None of that rubbery nonsense here. The Dips added even more Flavour, but as they were cool, they became detrimental. Abandon Dips!
The waiter stopped to ask the customary question:
Everything good?
Yes, great Chops.
There was a knowing smile in response.
Hector was full. In the past, how have I eaten this quantity of food then gone on to eat a half kilo of Karahi? Out of practice, or have those days gone? I may find out in three days’ time.
The Bill
£17.59 I know where one can have Curry for less than that, here.
The Aftermath
Zaheer acknowledged me from the kitchen as I went past to wash my paws. The plan is to be back here mob handed next week. I wonder what I’ll have?