There was a small congregation at the doorway of Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) as the four of us entered at 19.30 precisely. Those without a reservation were held inside. Hector of course, had planned ahead and once greeted by Imran, Mein Host, we were quickly led to our table in the far corner of the busy restaurant.
This is the biggest assembly of people I have witnessed at a restaurant in recent times. If people are going back out for Curry in Glasgow, this is where they are choosing. In passing, I admired Imran’s extra facial growth, very well groomed.
Navid, our waiter for this evening, introduced himself. He served us last time Alan, Tracy, Marg and I dined here together which unbelievably was two years ago. Perhaps we had better examine our diaries and arrange our next night out in 2022?
Menus were brought, as expected, there was an increase in prices, but not across the board. Sundries have been held to possibly reflect that at the Mother Restaurant in Bradford, they wouldn’t get away with charging the nonsensical prices otherwise charged for Bread in Scotland. However, beware of the Cheese & Onion Nan and Keema Nan both now £4.45. Chapattis remain a sensible 75p whilst Hector’s favourite Coriander & Chilli Nan is still £2.95, and given what comes, this is tremendous value!
Drinks
A Saturday night out in a licensed restaurant, even Hector foregoes his customary Sparkling Water. Tracy’s 330ml bottle of Cobra (£3.75) did not seem to be as good value as Hector’s pint at £4.00. Marg, who had the car, stuck to Cola (£2.25) whilst Alan decided he wasn’t messing about with glasses of wine when the bottle (£18.45) would do. The Drinks took a while to arrive, in the interim, Navid was back asking about Poppadoms. Knowing my fellow diner’s propensity to say – yes – the Hector was back on duty.
Normally Imran would send them – I informed him.
Navid pondered momentarily, said he would consult then changed his mind:
I will send them.
Success! And how it should be. They know we’re out for the night and The Bill will likely top £100.00.
Down to business. Despite Hector’s appetite being significantly reduced after Lockdowns 1-3, there was no way the Meat Chops (£4.95) could be passed over. Alan felt likewise. Marg announced that she would have one of mine, no change there then. Alan then declared no, Marg would have one of his. He too was worried about being able to do his Curry justice, or is it that waste-lines have expanded in the last eighteen months? As per last visit, Tracy went for the Chapli Kebab (£4.45).
For Mains, Hector went back to basics – Karahi Ghosht (£9.95) whilst Alan would have the similar Karahi Ghosht with Spinach (£9.95) as he did last time. Tracy would have the same but with Chicken (£9.95). The offer of Chicken Tikka Karahi & Spinach (£10.95) was not declined. For Marg, a repeat of my choice in this company last time, and a Curry, the recent memory of which I am still recovering from – Karahi Fish (£9.95). Coincidentally, Marg had Karahi Ghosht on our last couple’s night. Three Chapattis and one Coriander & Chilli Naan almost completed the Order. There was fine tuning to care of. Last time, Alan found his Karahi to be not as Spicy as he would have liked. Tonight he was asking for Medium-plus. I suggested he guarantee the – kick – by joining me in – Desi style. As ever, I asked that no Capsicum appear in my Curry. Marg, who shares my – loathing – was willing to take it as it comes, a good test.
We had Poppadoms and Dips, I took a sufficiency. We had Drinks, it was an appreciable amount of time before the Starters arrived, the place was that busy and departing customers were being replaced.
Meat Chops
Only one was recognisable as a – Lamb Chop – per se. Four, smallish, pieces of Lamb, well marinaded, not cremated, but still mightily tasty. Eating four was not a problem, there was no way our Mains would arrive immediately after our Starters.
Sharing – apparently part of the English language, was discussed by my fellow diners. I was too busy gnawing on bones to participate. Umami! Much fun. Hector must have Lamb Chops at Akbar’s, and still the best value anywhere.
Chapli Kebab
A pair of very well fired Kebabs, they didn’t last long.
As the table was cleared, Navid enquired as to how much of a break we needed, I chose the maximum on offer. When finally, we were ready, I called Navid over, he got things going. This makes Akbar’s a standout venue, the Mains come at the time of your choosing and they are going to be served – hot.
The arrival of the Naan is always a moment of celebration. This is as good a Naan as one has experienced in the extensive travels for Curry-Heute. The size impresses, but it’s the quality of the Bread: puffy around the edges, thinner in the middle for those who prefer it less doughy, and the sight of blisters forming. The Chapattis would be eaten, Hector’s Help would follow on. There’s also a Family Nan (£4.50), heaven forbid.
Actually, the Family Nan may well be part of Chef’s Challenge 1 (£14.95) for those who may be interested. I also note – Back To Our Roots – the Chop Handi (£9.90) must be be enquired about, one day.
Four Main Courses, four sets of comments expected, maybe not today, we’ll see.
Karahi Ghosht
Bradford Curry, the Meat is cut small so the count becomes irrelevant, there’s enough here, more than enough. As I stirred the Masala, there was possibly a bit more than one might be served in Hector’s favourite Bradford venues. Ironically, I have probably not been to Akbar’s at source unless I can confirm they were at their present locus back in 1996-7. If so, they were my favourite Bradford Curry House. No notes, no photographing everything in the pre digital era.
The Bradford Curry Taste! It was evident from the start. I could see no sign of Herbs, so maybe – Methi – is not the clue as to what makes it so distinctive. The Seasoning was a tad low, I didn’t care, I had the Flavour I was looking for, and the Spice Level was through the roof. Alan pointed out I had was taking in Chillies from the Naan, indeed. A word of warning, don’t order this unless one is certain of one’s Spice tolerance.
The Naan has to be mentioned again, it was the perfect accompaniment. No Garlic to confuse the palate, the required Herb supplement was given, the kick, the texture of the bread, all complemented the Meat and Masala superbly. In time, I had to abandon the Bread to ensure the Curry was finished. The Spice Level plummeted to something more kosher, time to relax, take in the final few mouthfuls. OK, more Naan to mop up the final film of Masala, here we go again.
The Karahi Ghosht was excellent in its own right. I have not mentioned – Oil – no need, any surplus had been well dabbed off before serving. I hope I have praised the Naan appropriately, however, this meal was definitely a classic example of synergy, what a combination.
Karahi Ghosht & Spinach
Topped with more Coriander than any of the other Dishes served this evening, the Herb content in the Masala was not overtly visible. This is how Hector prefers his Palak/Saag, not a mass of Green Mush.
Alan made no reference to the Spice Level this evening, however, on completion of his Chapatti, it was time for Naan, he no doubt shared Hector’s pain. A Soupçon was left over for Takeaway, Alan’s words were decidedly few:
Superb food and even better company.
Just the twenty five months since we last dined together.
Chicken Tikka Karahi & Spinach
Here the Herb content was more visible, but was still very much a case of Masala with Spinach. Tracy expressed her – amazement – from the start, Curry of this quality is no longer served in Helensburgh. I suspect collaboration, Tracy’s addition to these pages was also kept to a minimum:
Great food and even better company.
There was a bit more than a Soupçon left over, another Takeaway.
So it goes.
Fish Karahi
This is what a Fish Karahi should look like. Curry-Heute is not about damning other venues, especially my favourites, however, I am still getting over last Saturday’s Fish Karahi served at... Tonight, there was no peripheral Oil. I studied Marg’s progress, the Oil which did collect on top was hardly noticeable.
Flaked Fish, yet the pieces appeared discrete in the Masala. This is typically my go to Curry at The Kashmir Restaurant (Bradford), I know this style well. Indeed, as is written above, I had it here last time we four dined together.
Marg was playing the game:
The plate was full, plenty Fish for one. I enjoyed the Coriander with the Masala, and it complemented the Chapatti and the stolen Coriander & Chilli Naan. It wasn’t – wow – but good enough.
There was another Soupçon to go home also.
Does this mean that both Marg and Hector still seek the ultimate Fish Karahi that will blow us away with Flavour and Texture? It must be out there, somewhere.
Coffee for three was ordered: two Espresso (£2.95) and a Milky Coffee (£2.45). None for Hector, far too late. Then it was time to pay up.
The Bill
£110.90 a third of this was for liquids, which further highlights that the food is value for money.
The Aftermath
We were happy, the staff were happy, farewells … and maybe these two happy couples shall return together within twenty five months?