Raunak Raseeli India (10 Clarendon St., Glasgow G20 7QD) was first visited at the start of this month, I promised to return with Marg. Having previously enjoyed the Delh Style Lamb (£7.95), Hector was keen to try the Laal Maas (£7.45) and let Marg loose on the Methi Keema Peas (£7.95).
We entered Raunak Raseeli at 15.20, Marg leading the way. This meant it took Rohit, Mein Host, that extra second to recognise the Hector. On taking our seats in the otherwise empty restaurant, Rohit addressed Marg by name, proof that someone had read Curry-Heute in the interim. Rohit went one step further and told us that a couple dined here on Saturday having read the first Raunak Raseeli post.
As with Visit #1, I ordered an extra Tapas portion, this time Lamb Rogan Josh (£7.95). The plan was to share this with Marg. As ever, Marg would have a Chappati (£1.45), whilst I took the Boiled Rice (£2.75) option. Last time, I established Rice would have suited my choices better. Two 330ml bottles of Sparkling Water (£2.25) completed the Order.
The Order was relayed to Chef Deena in the kitchen, Rohit returned, conversation ensued, the joy of eating mid afternoon, there is time to enagage.
In addition to (re)covering the Glasgow Curry Scene, I had to mention my Belgian travels last week. The standout being Chilli Grill (Brussel) and the tale of the Indian Restaurant in Gent which didn’t serve Curry, unless one was prepared to fork out €69.50 for the sharing menu. Consequently, Hector is back onside with – Tapas – well for today anyway.
I like the décor, lovely and bright – remarked Marg as she took in the wallpaper illustrating a variety of Spices. (Maybe one day in our own kitchen?)
The food arrived, my two Dishes had different Toppings, Rohit knew which was which. Was Hector being tested? I started with the one which I took to be the Laal Maas. Once a regular on the Specials Board at The Village, Laal Maas was one of my favourites before the renovation, then it disappeared off their menu. Hopes were therefore high.
The Chapatti was light and fluffy, risen. This would suit Marg, who did decline some of the ample Rice.
Laal Maas
I counted six pieces of Meat, two of which were appreciably larger, as I arranged the Meat and Masala over half of the Rice. Ginger Strips and a threat of Coriander topped the viscous Masala. The Masala appeared to be Tomato-rich which is how it was at The Village. Comparisons cannot be helped. One could tell by the appearance that this was going to be a worthy Masala, just a hint of Oil separating on the surface.
The Spice registered, not OTT by any means. The Seasoning was right up there, this was a Curry to savour. Spice can hit the palate hard, it’s unusual for the Flavours to do so to the same extent. This was a seriously powerful Curry, well flavoured, intense. A moment perhaps to reflect upon the plates of total blandness that have been served up to the Hector over the decades.
Slivers of Tomato were mixed through the Masala. The Meat was suitably Tender and was giving back Flavour too, i.e. other than the taste of the Lamb itself. This was a good choice. Rohit came out to check on our progress. I remarked on the powerful Flavours. He reminded me that Chef Deena comes from Rajasthan and therefore knows what he is about, what this Dish should be.
Methi Keema Peas
On seeing a couple of pieces of sliced Green Chillies cooked in, hence I waited for Marg’s usual declaration. For once it didn’t come. This size of pot would suit Marg, I insert this here to justify what follows later.
The Keema looked decidedly crowded in the pot with the Peas, the sprinkling of Coriander and even Potato reported. There was a definite moistness here, but authenticity had been maintained, this was not a Soupy Keema.
Marg ate the lot, and even took some Rice at the end, which she also devoured.
An interesting texture – Marg related – with the spinach (Methi?) but it added to the Keema with Potato and Peas. It was well spiced and worked well with the fresh, hot Chapatti. Very enjoyable.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Syboes topped this Curry, the Masala had a similar texture to the Laal Maas but was paler in colour. This was possibly even more Tomatoey and had a hint of Creaminess, so, somewhere in the middle of both Rogan Josh camps?
I took the remainder of the Rice and basically started over. Once more, six pieces of Tender Meat were present. I thought I was safe having bitten into a Green Cardamom, but no, a second got me too. This Curry was appreciably mellow, and as a comparison with the Laal Maas is inevitable, far less intense.
Marg did comment on me having two Meat Dishes instead of a Vegetable accompaniment. It might have been fairer to order say the Bombay Aloo (£6.45) as my second choice. I was expecting to share as Marg reminded me, too late. She had eaten her Rice, I had assumed she was finished. Oops.
I described to Rohit how Rogan Josh has gone from a very Tomato-rich Curry in the 1980s to something much more Creamy in the present era. This puzzled Rohit who insisted Rogan Josh is Onion-rich. Now I must add the proviso – in the West of Scotland. For Onion-rich we have Dopiaza.
The Bill
£26.04 Rohit had given a discount. Always appreciated, never expected. Let the Reader decide if it’s deserved.
The Aftermath
Marg and Rohit still had a lot to say to each other. I suspect Marg will be recognised next time if she again walks in first.
Two updates:
Karahi Palace is still closed.
The Wee Curry Shop (Buccleuch St.) is re-opening which may frustrate the owners of Curry Cottage around the corner on Cambridge Street.
Raunak Raseeli India – Menu extracts
