The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was recently closed for refurbishment. I phoned last night to verify that they had reopened. Today, the Lahore Lunchtime Menu, slumming it after the comparative excess at Lahori Chaska last Friday.
Crossing the – Squiggly Bridge – the imposing Barclay’s Building appears to be in full swing, but there was no still no sign of the hungry hordes descending upon the Tradeston venues, perhaps I was too late? I did spot a new African Restaurant in the building behind Sholeh Persian. The Nigerian Spicy Beef Stew is always worth seeking out, the rubbery African Flatbread, maybe not.
Signing in for Track & Trace, we’re still doing this? It’s a year to the day when the Vaccine Minister told us emphatically that the UK would not be introducing Vaccine Passports. Well of course they did, so why not use them across the board to enter premises, as is the norm presently in Deutschland and Hellas/Greece?
Had I been given the Main Menu, I would probably have been tempted to order from that. At 14.15, the Lunchtime Menu still had fifteen minutes to run. Afghan Chicken Bites, never had these, interesting.
Once upon a time, I was offered Palak Gosht in the Lunch Menu. The simplicity of the current list leaves Lamb Curry as the only Hector Curry option. If other variants are possible, why not make this clear? I did take the – on-the-bone – option at an extra £1.50. A pint glass of chilled tap water was secured.
During the wait, I counted eighteen fellow diners, not bad for this time on a Monday afternoon. In time, The Village should be packed every day. Apart from more tables for two in the main dining area, I struggled to identify the changes after refurbishment.
Eventually, I realised that the Takeaway area had been blocked off with food cabinets. There was no sign of the previously discussed food pans for quick service. Then I saw the tiles on the outside wall, and another exit, however, that could easily have been there previously. The bottom line is: The Village Takeaway is on Nelson Street, the Restaurant is absolutely on West Street.
Afghan Chicken Bites
Three large pieces of a Red Pakora were accompanied by Salad nibbles and a Chilli Dip. Sesame Seeds were to the fore in addition to the – Red. On breaking the first piece open, I concluded that this indeed was Pakora reinvented. I could see a Vegetable Mash and no sign of Chicken, which actually pleased. I am not a fan of Chicken Pakora, after all, it’s just Chicken in batter. OK, Fish Pakora is the same idea, but what a difference the softer texture makes. Here too was a soft Mash 
of Vegetable and Chicken-somewhere, giving an astonishing depth of Flavour. The Spice was significant and further enhanced by the Chilli Dip. Three pieces, already I was wishing I had six. The third piece had a visible piece of Chicken, but was still surrounded by the tasty, crusty coating. Excellent, and the Sesame Seeds were a wonderful addition. The next time I make Pakora, I shall dip the Mash in Sesame Seeds.
Lamb Curry
Two simple words – Lamb Curry – not Hector’s usual go to selection. The Sucky Bones were a welcome sight, quality Meat. The Spice Level was adequate, the palate was already tingling after the Starter. Seasoning was not an issue, yet the hoped for – Classic Village Curry – taste was not forthcoming. This was closer to Mainstream Curry than Desi. The Shorva-esque Masala was absorbed by the Rice, for once – more Masala – would have been welcome.
With about six decent sized pieces of Meat, four on-the-bone, there was just enough to make this a meal. I was left with the feeling that for 35p more, I could have had a full-on portion of Karahi Lamb, with a Chapatti, a few metres along the road at Karahi Palace.
The Bill
£9.45 I can’t help thinking back to last Monday’s feast.
The Aftermath
Here’s the new exit, and the iconic entrance to the Takeaway on Nelson Street.
