Masala Twist (261 Hope Street Glasgow G2 3PS), almost a blast from the past. My only other visit to the Hope Street branch was not to these premises. Back in 2013, Masala Twist was further down the hill. My lasting memory was the outstanding Vegetable Paratha, the Curry wasn’t too shabby and Chef had been flexible and substituted Peas and Mushrooms for the otherwise abundant Capsicum. The Helensburgh branch has only been visited three times due to a lack of flexibility, also – Annaya’s – is presently the go-to venue for Curry.
So, Masala Twist (Hope St.) and why today? They are open from noon and stay open, thus Hector’s preferred mid-afternoon Curry slot can be catered for. Having studied their online menu, there was the feeling that they might be offering something beyond the Mainstream, hope street indeed. Mags texted yesterday, she too was up for a Saturday afternoon Curry, 14.30 was arranged.
Arriving first, the young waiter tried to squeeze me into the pit at the window, I wasn’t having that. Next, he offered a small table adjacent to three wuman, no chance. I gestured to the vast available space and was led the to the far end, adjacent to the bar. Above was a ceiling heater blasting seriously hot air. I would have melted sitting directly under this. By moving to the right side of the table, all was well.
I had already chosen my Curry – Rajahstani Laal Maas (£12.95) with a four Chilli rating. Chillies, Coriander, Whole Masala – potential, and no mention of the dreaded Green Mush which was prominent elsewhere in the Menu. In case the Masala was – Soupy – I decided on Rice and Bread. No way should I be able to finish both, however, the Paratha had to be sampled once again. Mushroom Rice (£3.50), a Plain Paratha (£3.25) and a small bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.99) would complete my Order.
Mags was punctual, she too sat on the side of the table away from the blast of hot air. Uncannily, Mags would order exactly what Marg would have chosen: Mince and Tatties (£12.95) with a single Chapati (£1.55) plus a bottle of Still Water (£1.99).
The young waiter had been keen to take a drinks order, I had held on until Mags arrived. Despite the full menu being printed on the table mat, we were offered a lunchtime menu.
Mags gave her order, now to ensure that Hector would not be served the unacceptable. Before announcing my choice of Curry, I told him that I didn’t want to see Green, Red or Yellow Peppers, – no Capsicum! He made a note then repeated – you do want to see… I put him right then asked him to ensure that the Laal Maas would be suitable. I was asked if I was allergic, – no, I just don’t want to see them in my Curry! He disappeared to the kitchen door where a confabulation got underway. After a few moments, Mein Host came over to declare that all would be well with my choice. There was an air of familiarity, was this Raman whom I met in the Byres Rd. branch, now Banta Wala, back in 2012?
Whilst we waited, I watched the place fill. The next diners were placed in the window pit. After that, the table I had declined, thereafter, the small table behind Mags. Five sets of diners, in a line along one wall, highly amusing. By the time we departed, the restaurant was remarkably full, it was great to see so many people out enjoying a Curry mid-afternoon. Maybe there is something here for everyone?
A young lady brought the food, I would most certainly eat all the Curry and hopefully do the Rice and Bread justice.
The Mushroom Rice was enough to share. I took a full plateful. Tasty Rice, tasty Mushrooms – Umami!
The Paratha was served in four pieces, the buttery sheen was apparent, layering, the spiral, flaky, all boxes ticked other than serving the bread – whole. This was a quality Paratha, I would manage around half, a pity because when I saw the Curry, I realised that this alone, would have been the ideal accompaniment.
Rajasthani Laal Maas
The Masala immediately impressed. This most certainly was not – Shorva – but a suitably Thick, and not excessive, Masala. Arranging the Meat on the Rice, the count reached double figures, decent-sized pieces of Lamb. The price was justified.
The first dip of Paratha into the Masala revealed powerful Flavours, Cinnamon and Cumin at a guess. Whole Masala? I found no whole Spices. The Seasoning was there, and the four Chilli rating was certainly justified. The Spice Level impressed, it wasn’t crazy, I doubt it would have caused many people distress.
The Meat was super-soft, beyond simply Tender. Excellent Lamb in terms of Texture, but it was not giving as much Flavour back as does the Meat in my most visited venues. The Mushroom Rice certainly added more Flavour to the meal, but then I felt that everything was becoming much of a muchness. Pleasant, enjoyable, but this Curry was far from making me want to rush back for more. It was a reflection of what is available in Glasgow’s city centre, decent Curry, but well short of the – wow! Meanwhile, across the table, Mags was tackling her mass of mince.
Mince and Tatties
Keema Aloo, nay this was Aloo Keema Mutter, there be Peas. This Curry impressed visually, enough moistness, no more, and no sign of an Oil slick. The Potatoes had been cut particularly small, such that the overall appearance was very much a plate of Mince. And there was a worthy mass, which again justified the price. The single Chapatti worked, a Paratha may have been an even better accompaniment. Mags’ verdict:
Keema Aloo Mutter, not soupy, flavoursome, I really enjoyed it and would have it again.
There was the sound of wee girls screaming, and again. Was the 2022 version of Donny Osmond across the road at the Theatre Royal? The waitress saw my puzzled expression.
Is someone in distress? – I asked.
It’s the function room upstairs – I was assured. Also, what was going on up there?
As I asked for – The Bill – I presented my Masala Twist loyalty card.
Is this still valid?
Sure, sir – was the reply.
A 20% reduction would make city centre prices more bearable.
The Bill
£38.18, however, this was reduced to £31.34.
The Aftermath
I asked our enthusiastic waiter if Raman was still part of Masala Twist. As I suspected, Mein Host who had spoken to us earlier was indeed Raman. My Calling Card was presented, Raman appeared momentarily. It is approaching ten years since we first met.
Raman told us that the Hope St. branch is where he puts in most time. The menu is due to be changed with South Indian Cuisine being added. Cue the opperchancity to mention Lamb Chettinad, and the hope that theirs will not be – Soupy.
Raman drew my attention to the Street Food section of the menu and highlighted the Bhatura. I have not seen these puffy, and sweeter, fried Breads in Glasgow, however, in Berlin they come with everything.
I shall certainly come back to sample the new menu, and let Marg have a go at her favourite – Mince & Tatties. In the meantime, Byres Rd. is calling.
Menu extracts
