Curry north of the river was overdue, but where? Charcoal’s on Renfield Street was choice #1. Despite only three tables being occupied at 14.30, I was told they were fully booked. This I found hard to believe. As one who eats Curry regularly on a Saturday afternoon in this city, Curry Houses are never – full.
Rishi’s Indian Aroma (61 Bath St., Glasgow, G2 2DG) then came to mind, South Indian Flavours, much missed since the reportedly – temporary – closure of Banana Leaf. In passing, I noticed that Assam’s on West George Street has gone. A quick bit of research suggests they disappeared around the end of 2018. Hector cannot be ubiquitous. Assam’s, another of the city centre Curry Houses visited only once. Draw your own conclusions.
I estimated around thirty diners at Rishi’s, the clientele were distinctly different from that observed in the majority of Glasgow Curry Houses. Rishi’s is an Indian Restaurant.
Lamb Chettinad (£11.95) is why I chose Rishi’s. Going back three years to my last time, only the Chicken version was on the menu, but Lamb became possible. Lamb Chettinad is finally on the menu. Do I start a campaign to add – Fish?
To accompany, Mushroom Rice (£4.45), a hefty price for Rice. This was tempered by sensible pricing for Sparkling Water. I asked for the large bottle (£2.75) but only the standard half litre bottle (£1.45) was available.
I have no interior photos of Rishi’s to post today. There was always too many people in my line of vision. The light interior has been maintained, long gone are the days of dark booths.
When the Order was presented, I felt I was in Europe. The Rice portion, served in a large pot, was huge. Syboes featured as well as Mushrooms. Lovely Rice, but defeat was staring me in the face. One portion to share is therefore recommended.
Lamb Chettinad
OK, I knew I was getting – Soup, I’ve had this Curry here before. Curry Leaves were a feature of the Masala, I would set these aside, or at least, attempt to. With just a threat of Coriander on top, I would appreciate the Syboes even more.
On decanting the Meat, I counted five pieces, two of which could be described as – large. With the ratio of Meat : Masala heavily weighted towards the latter, it would be a case of eke out the Lamb. A wedge of half-cooked Tomato was present also, ballast?
The Spice Level seemed to be decent at the start, this was reviewed as I made progress: definitely a Spicy Curry. The anticipated blast of South Indian Smokiness hit the palate, wonderful! One wouldn’t have this all the time, but it makes a great change from the Hector norm.
The first piece of Meat was certainly – Tender – thereafter I was impressed by the softness of the Meat on my plate. I admire Chefs who can cook the Lamb to the edge, any more and it’s pulp. There was also a sense of the Meat giving back the Spice.
The abundant Masala meant I was able to eat way more of the Mushroom Rice than I expected. Without the Spring Onion and Mushrooms, this would have been Meat and Masala, not so interesting.
As I came to terms with the fact that I had ordered – Curry – as opposed to my usual – Karahi – so the seemingly excessive Masala began to be accepted. Why is Lamb Chettinad served this way in the majority of venues? I hope to have the driest Lamm Chettinadu known to Mann in the near future.
I said I had too much Rice, and where did all the Leaves go?
The next time I have this Curry in Glasgow will hopefully be at the new Banana Leaf where one is not charged in excess of £2.00 per piece of Meat. Who knows where and when Banana Leaf will reopen?
The Bill
£17.85 You can see why I prefer to cross the river.
The Aftermath
There had been no interaction with the staff other then the ordering and serving of the food.
Without further ado – people keep saying.
Today there as no – ado.