It has taken months of trying, as it always does, for Alan and Hector to find a Saturday night when the two couples would be free to dine, together. Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) was once again the chosen venue. Hint: Hector and Marg are overdue a night in Helensburgh.
The booking was for 19.00, we arrived a few minutes after, Akbar’s was stowed. I haven’t seen a restaurant this packed in years. Imran, Mein Host, greeted and asked us to wait at the bar until our/a table became free. I asked the rhetorical question:
How’s business?
Very good, you write, they come.
Hopefully, Curry-Heute does have some influence on people’s choice of venue. Bradford Curry in Glasgow, for those who can handle it, and the prices remain competitive.
Being a Saturday night, Hector was not having Sparkling Water: a pint of Cobra (£5.95) and a bottle of same (£3.75) for Tracy. Marg, the driver, had Cola (£3.75), eventually Alan managed to find a suitable bottle of wine (£21.45). (If there was a fifth pint, the price of the Cobra was less.)
I have known Alan for forty years, Cider is/was his thing, wine is taking some getting used to. He did admit to enjoying Früh Kölsch, at source, on a recent trip to Köln. There’s hope, but not a lot. More Bier would be ordered as the evening progressed, did I mention it was a Saturday night? This is where Akbar’s make their big profits.
Andy, from Romania, was our waiter this evening. He managed to serve us well without being too exuberant, as sometimes the staff here can be.
Poppadoms (£1.15) were declined, thank goodness. Of course had they arrived, as sometimes happens, they would have been appreciated by the ladies at least. Meat Chops (£6.70), as ever, would be the Starter, to share. Alan and Tracy’s version of sharing is two each. To ensure that Marg would not be put off her main course, Hector, the considerate, would split the Lamb Chops in a very fair: 3-1.
Alan asked for them to be – well done. The four of us like our Chops cremated.
No blood – I said to Andy. One wonders how flexible the pad is on which the Order was recorded.
Marg again came up with Karahi Fish (£13.40), to be accompanied by her customary Chapatti (£0.95), a repeat of the last Couples Night here. I trust it is the Bradford influence which keeps the Chapattis below a quid?
Alan and Tracy were both having Karahi: Karahi Gosht & Spinach £13.40), Karahi Chicken & Spinach (£13.40) respectively, accompanied by a Chapatti each.
On my last visit to Akbar’s I spotted, too late, the poster for Charsi Karahi (£13.90). Tonight, I was on the verge of ordering my usual Roshan Laal (£12.40) when I saw the new addition to the menu. Andy was quick to tell me that this is the best Curry on offer. The description of taking – your taste buds back to Pakistan – did puzzle. Hopefully this Tomato-based Karahi would reveal its Afghan origins, however, was I about to give up on the distinctive – Bradford Curry Taste – which is why we come to Akbar’s?
A Coriander & Chilli Nan (£3.95) completed the Order, well almost. All but Marg’s Curry were asked for – Desi – style. It is important that one does this.
Note, the lack of differentiation in price for Lamb or Chicken at Akbar’s, another source of significant profit. That Fish is not sold at a premium, is unusual in the UK. Meat or Fish Curry at Akbar’s, therefore way better value than Chicken! And surely better Curry.
The presentation of Raita and the Mashed Pepper Dip preceded the arrival of the Starters. Despite the ingredients of this Dip, I have no issues with it. The Recipe is here – Pakora Sauce 2.
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Meat Chops
The portion remains four, possibly the best value in the city. The Salad went in Marg’s direction, who needs this when Chops have to be addressed?
Whilst there was no – pink – the Chops were still not fully cremated. The Spice Level probably took us all aback. Yay! More Seasoning – was my next note, why have all this marinade without Salt? Was the Hector put off? Of course not, three Lamb Chops, devoured, it’s been a while. Alan:
Chops very tasty, well fired, but not enough.
Succulent as they may have been, more burnt bits please.
On previous visits, the waiter has given timed updates as to when the Mains would arrive. Not an issue tonight, bring it on.
The Mains were brought by an army, assuming these were lesser Chefs, does this not get in the way of producing other orders? Still, it makes the meal an event, I like it.
I have nothing to say about the Chapattis, once they were eaten, all eyes became focussed on the Naan.
Don’t even think about having any of my Naan, may have drifted through the mind.
Help yourself – Hector the generous.
The Naan ticked all the boxes, puffiness, burnt blisters. The Chilli and Coriander were abundant, but not invasive. Alan spotted the major issue, why was it hung – upside down? The panhandle, such as it was, has to be on the end to start eating from, i.e. the bottom. Next time – can I have a Naan served pointy bit down?
Karahi Fish
Served with flaked Fish a la The Kashmir Restaurant (Bradford), this would have made a decent lunchtime Curry, for Hector. The quantity looked appreciably more than the standard Bradford portion. Akbar’s is not open at lunchtimes, they’re missing a trick here. The minimal Masala did not have the Kashmir – Tomatoiness.
Very small pieces of fish – reported Marg – with a thick masala. A good kick and flavoursome. It wasn’t very fishy (to taste).
There was no Soupçon for Hector, who was far too busy. But, come on, another Fish Karahi without a pronounced taste of Fish? Bring back Krakow!
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
It must be the – Karahi – which prevents this as being served as a mass of green. This is how Hector likes his Curry with Spinach. Slightly spicier than normal – began Alan – I always order this, very enjoyable and finished all, probably because – shared the chops.
Sharing Chops, the jury is still out.
Karahi Chicken & Spinach
The lesser Curry:
The food at Akbar’s was up to its usual standard.
Tracy added further comments, best kept for a few lines yet.
Charsi Karahi – Meat
When one presents Hector with a flat pan of voluminous Karahi, there is instant happiness. A slice of Lemon and a Sprinkling of Coriander topped the Karahi. Green Chillies, sliced length wise were seemingly abundant. With Chillies from the Naan also, maybes not.
Stupidly, I counted the Meat, twenty plus, but cut Bradford small. This was a feast. I was caught in two minds, wait for the big Tomato-Charsi blast and give up any distinctive Bradford Curry Taste, or hope for both.
There was a serious kick, but the Naan must have come into play here. Seasoning felt on the low side to begin with, but slowly emerged, this was fine. The Bradford Curry Taste – was there, this was comforting, why we come to Akbar’s.
Tender Meat, Minimal Masala, more boxes ticked, if one can taste a smell, the overall experience was akin to visiting a Souk.
However, I have to ask in what way was this – Charsi? There was no evidence of a Tomato-based Masala, how did this differ from a Punjabi Karahi? Maybe I missed it, I could be wrong. Tell me more. Next time, Roshan Laal, without.
There was a scene reminiscent of Oliver Twist at the end, except, we did not want more. Didn’t we do well?
As we were out – to dine – there would be Coffee. Cappuccino (£2.95) for Marg, Espresso (£2.95) pour les autres. For Hector, the choice was coffee, or a night’s sleep, I chose the latter.
A splendid meal, but time to give part #2 of our fellow diner’s comments:
The staff were super efficient and friendly. Especially Andy our waiter. Downside, the toilets let it down a wee bity. Alan reckons that the gents loo hasn’t been fixed for yonkies. Guess there (sic) just mega busy.
I shall add my bit, no means of drying one’s hands, except bog paper. Surely they are aware the hand driers do not work?
The Bill
£134.90 Outrageous! Only half of this was for food. Tap Water next time!
The Aftermath
Hot hand wipes, the wind down. Imran had also checked on our progress and described the Charsi as their best Curry.
Namak Mandi were due to move around the corner, Hector must check this out. They serve authentic Charsi Karahi.