During Saturday’s visit to Ambala Pakistani Cuisine (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP), whilst we waited for our Curry, a platter of Peri-Peri Chicken passed our table. I resolved to try this – asap. Marg agreed to accompany Hector, as it happens, she didn’t fancy Curry today either.
Comparisons with Nando’s was the primary purpose of the visit. Hector has been enjoying Nando’s since 1994 when introduced to, I believe, their second outlet at Earl’s Court (London). Since then Nando’s have expanded across the nation and Peri Peri Chicken has been introduced to many a Curry House and Kebap Shop.
Entering at 14.00, the now familiar waiter showed us to the same seat as Saturday, once again, no businessmen were occupying their table.
Today, we’re not having Curry– I informed him.
Kebap? only Dessert? – was his reply.
He’s definitely on commission trying to get us to have Dessert.
For Hector: Half Peri Peri Chicken (£7.70).
For Marg: Grilled Peri Chicken Wrap (£6.20).
Both come with Chips, Marg managed to arrange a Salad instead of Chips.
The wait was appropriate, it should take a lot less time to grill Chicken than it takes to produce a worthy Curry.
Half Peri Peri Chicken
I’ll start with the Chips. Since the ritual of – adding Salt – to one’s dinner disappeared from Hector’s book of tricks over two decades ago, Chips have been relegated to – occasional – and are only ever eaten with Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise may have been available, none was asked for. These Chips were seriously hot, fresh, and remarkably tasty in their own right. What’s more, the bucket in which they were served had been heated. Good Chips, as verified by Marg who suddenly became interested. I never order Chips at Nando’s, double Spicy Rice for Hector when having a half Chicken.
The two pieces of Chicken were a decent size, Marg is convinced that Nando’s portions are shrinking. I started with the thigh-leg. Well-fired, as it must be, the Spice Level was not demanding, a sufficient kick. The Seasoning was way better than Nando’s, so a much tastier experience. The Meat was moist and given its dimensions, remained so throughout. This was a definite winner.
Saturday’s Salad had way more Pickles than previously seen at Ambala. This maintained, though Marg did point out that I had Black Olives, she did not. The customary two Ambala Dips were also on the table. Chips with Raita? Not really. The Red Chilli Dip served – hot – may have worked.
The breast-wing started well. However, once the top layer of skin and Meat was consumed, it became obvious there was a problem. At Nando’s, this is when the bottle of sauce on the table comes into vogue. Was I meant to have ordered extra sauce? If so, why? At least I would not be doing my intestines the usual damage that the bottle of Black Flag Sauce causes on every Nando’s visit.
What I was left with was a mass of white meat, significantly drier than the exterior, and back to why I never order Chicken Curry. It was – Chicken – that’s all. It’s not capable of doing any more.
I strongly recommend that anyone ordering Peri Peri Chicken, anywhere, gets a supplementary sauce as part of the order.
Grilled Peri Chicken Wrap
No Olives, and not overtly – Spicy – as Marg did not make her usual cry. For the extra £1.50, I felt that the Peri Peri Chicken looked to be a much better deal/meal.
Full of chicken pieces – said Marg – with plenty flavour, a lovely change.
There was no Dessert, our waiter did try.
The Bill
£13.90 Cheaper than Nando’s, probably.
The Aftermath
Mein Host acknowledged us as we departed. Ambala, two days out of three? No Curry-Heute? What’s going on? Trains permitting, normality shall be restored midweek.