The Flavours from last Saturday’s Shadi Wala at Annaya’s Indian (Helensburgh) took me back to the days before Curry-Heute (B.C.H.) when there was almost a residency at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). Who goes to the same Curry House and orders the same Curry every week? In the early years of this millennium, Hector was at The Village sometimes three times a week having Lamb Desi Kourma. Today marks the 80th visit in Curry-Heute, there have been many more.
Despite being more – Soupy – than the Karahi that is the favoured Curry in this era, The Village – Lamb Desi Kourma (£11.50) still has its place in Hector’s heart. This wonderful Curry has not been enjoyed here by Hector in years, having become available only in Chicken (£9.95) on the House Menu, but strangely still available online as a Takeaway. Somehow, back in May, Dr. Stan managed to order Lamb Desi Kourma, today, Hector was determined to have it too.
Arriving just before 15.00, the ritual check-in was completed, the only Scottish venue I’ve been asked to do this, in ages. I was offered a choice of a window table or a bench table on the opposite side. Why sit with les autres when unnecessary?
The Menu does not appear to have changed, almost every other Curry House I have visited this year has increased their prices. The waiter, suitably masked, was not phased by my ordering Lamb Desi Kourma – on-the-bone.
Desi style? – he confirmed. That was an interesting statement, either a tautology, or something different was coming. Mushroom Rice (£3.50) would accompany along with a 330ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.90).
The Manager arrived, he greeted me with a long time no see. Yes, it has been two months, and this was only my third visit in 2021. Mr Baig, Mein Host, passed by, he too greeted. The chap, a Chef, who has to be the eldest son, also nodded in passing. Quite a welcome. A waitress brought complimentary Spiced Onions and a pair of Poppadoms. These were graciously declined. I have gone off Poppadoms.
A hot plate preceded the arrival of the food. I liked what I saw.
I have been critical of the price of Rice, and the portion size, at The Village for some time. Today, the Mushroom Rice was piled much higher than the bowl. On decanting, there was visibly a good portion, the Mushrooms were plentiful, and most importantly – fresh.
Lamb Desi Kourma – Desi-style
This was markedly different from any interpretation of this Curry seen before at The Village. The Masala was both relatively Minimal and Thicker than that served previously. Having decanted the Meat, whose count reached twelve, there was not much Masala left in the karahi. Back in the days of the – Soupy Kourma – Rice was absolutely necessary, today, Bread might have been the better option. The irony was not lost, Hector loves his Dry Curry, here it was.
The Ginger Strips and Coriander were a welcome sight. The foliage was complemented by a whole Red Chilli which I set aside. Hector wimps out?
The much anticipated Desi Kourma Flavours hit the palate, the Citrus to the fore. Midweek, as much as I enjoyed the Citrus in the Shatkora Lamb at Bo’ness Spice (Bo’ness), this had even more. There was Spice at a decent level, the Seasoning was there. Biting into a Peppercorn released a further burst of Flavour, then I encountered the first of a brace of Cloves. Whole Spices always set a Curry apart from the Mainstream.
The Meat was a mixture of on-the-bone and boneless. Five bones in all, plenty of Lamb. Who knows how long the Lamb had been in contact with this Masala? There was still a sense of belonging.
With the karahi scraped clean, it was necessary to eat some naked Rice. Fortunately the quality of this made the task less than onerous. The final mouthfuls, Rice with Masala, Lamb on-the-bone, were a delight. My pleasure was witnessed by none other than Mr. Baig himself, who joined me for the end of my meal, and then stayed for a lengthy chat. I’ll get the formalities done first.
The Bill
£16.95 I took the opperchancity to show the manager the Scottish Vaccination App which he was not aware of.
The Aftermath
… and the conversation continued.
Mr. Baig was aware that he hadn’t seen me for some time. That I have been abroad was relayed, hence the discussion about vaccinations etc. That people are still not coming out in numbers to dine is a major cause for concern. The Village premises are huge, staff have to be paid, wages have increased because it so difficult to get staff. When will this end? – was an oft repeated phrase.
Mr. Baig suggested I should go to Pakistan, with him even, he has a house. He showed me videos of the chaps who do food blogging. I assured him that if I ever went to Pakistan I would have to eat – everything. I brought up my appreciation of Afghan Cuisine also, mentioning – Namkeen. Mr. Baig marvelled that in Afghanistan they are able to cook without oil. The fat in their Meat is sufficient, apparently UK Meat does not behave in the same manner. On his mentioning the cost of Street-food, here was my opperchancity to bring up the Curry Cafes of Athena (Greece). €4.00 for a large Karahi Gosht, admittedly not the best of Meat, i.e. Mutton and bits. He stated that he could never serve Mutton, his customers would quickly realise the difference.
Big outlays, reduced income, it’s not sustainable.
When will – this – all end? And tonight Boris brings back PCR tests for travellers and also states that anyone coming into contact with someone who has the new variant has to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status. Having been slow to react a year ago, surely this is overreaction?