On Monday, the plan was to take Marg to Bombaywalla – Indian Street Kitchen (186 West Regent St, Glasgow, G2 4RU) in order to sample the Keema Matar (£11.50). Alas, Bombaywalla is closed on Mondays. Consequently, Marg had possibly the best Keema Aloo she has ever experienced at nearby Curry Cottage.
We arrived today at Bombaywalla at 14.45, Sijin, Mein Host was absent. I would later establish that the Chef was not the chap I have seen on my previous three visits.
In order to enjoy a different perspective, I took a larger table on the far side. The restaurant was empty, our choice.
Marg asked for a large bottle of Sparkling Water. We were presented with two 330ml bottles of Still. Not only had the chap not understood our request, he had opened and partly poured the contents of each bottle into glasses. Not what we wanted, a jug would have done. At least the water tasted better than Glasgow’s tap water, as in, there was none. Bombaywalla operate a free BYOB policy can one bring a large bottle of Sparkling Water?
For Hector, today it had to be the Lamb Sukka (£11.95), a Curry that was a test of endurance when had last visit. A Malabar Poratta (£2.95) would accompany. This would be the much sought after – White Paratha. I only know three other venues in Glasgow which serve this.
Marg, who was having a dinner out this evening, decided to have a Frankie Wrap – Minced Lamb & Green Peas (£6.95). Hopefully, this would reveal the efficacy of the Keema Matar and not be too filling.
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The wait was appropriate, plenty of time to take photos from a different perspective. There was no conversation with the chap, his English was clearly not up to it.
Frankie Wrap – Minced Lamb & Green Peas
A substantial Wrap, accompanied by a simple Salad and a Mint Sauce. Marg identified the other contents beyond simple Mince and Peas:
A good size, full of minced lamb and peas with extra salad, especially onions inside. A good spice level, with a small salad. The mint dip was not used.
Across the table, Hector was having something completely different. The Paratha was as hoped for in terms of texture. But why so small? The temptation to immediately order another was overcome, I probably wouldn’t have finished two. I certainly wasn’t about to part with another £2.95. The Paratha should be larger, appreciably so.
Still, a White Paratha, glorious!
Lamb Sukka
In discussion with “Babu” at G-RAF last week, she confirmed that – Sukka – means – Dry. A Dry, Thick, Minimal Masala is of course Hector’s ideal Curry. Last time, the Spice Level was beyond – Vindaloo – the Seasoning off the scale. Surely that had not been the intention?
Topped with a mere sprinkling of Coriander, a whole Green Chilli protruded from the mass. I decided to decant to the plate, I didn’t count the Meat there was certainly enough. The knowledge that this could be another testing experience was foremost in my mind.
The Big Spice was there, the whole Green Chillies were set aside, enough. The Seasoning was taking no prisoners but not as extreme as before. This Curry had it all. The South Indian Flavours were to the fore. Marg had a Soupçon and remarked on the intensity of the Flavours. She has only tasted this level of Smokiness in the Chettinad as served at our favourite München Curry House – Indian Mango.
The Lamb was beautifully Tender. With minimal Bread, my custom of scooping the Masala with Paratha and eating the Meat alone, was the only option today. Maybe this Curry would also work with Rice. Even a share of the Masala Rice (£2.75) would work.
Coconut is not an ingredient I rush towards. However, a decidedly pleasant toasted Coconut was coming across. I am becoming used to this, it worked.
In terms of being a test, this time I passed. Today’s Lamb Sukka was moderate in comparison to last month’s, maybe it could be reined in a bit more. A remarkable Curry, certainly one I shall return to in the future, time will tell.
The Bill
£25.75 The price of Soft Drinks is not on the menu. Having been charged £1.95 for each of the unwanted bottles of Still Water, there was no tip.
The Aftermath
No Sijin, no chat.