November has been a good month for Curry, Berlin, Bamberg and Manchester all came up trumps. Had assumed on my return to Berlin last week that South Indian Curry at Chutnify would be the fayre of choice. Then I discovered Punjabi Zaiqa, a game changer. Today, Hector decided he would have his South Indian Curry, Bombaywalla – Indian Street Kitchen (186 West Regent St, Glasgow, G2 4RU) was the chosen venue.
Between Charing X station and Blythswood Square, I passed the ongoing demolition, more 60’s crap not withstanding the test of time. I note that Horn Please has gone, a Tapas venue I never got around to visiting. Mowgli Street Food remains on the list, but I have visited the mother shop in Liverpool. No rush. Bombaywalla also serve various – small plates – and snacks, however, Hector was back for the Lamb Sukka.
Arriving at 14.30, seven diners occupied two tables. I took a corner table for two. Within minutes, more diners arrived, such that there was only one small table left unoccupied. Are more people coming onside with Hector’s optimum time of eating? We were a diverse group, one thing was certain, none of us were Polish. Hector was the only person aware of Lewandowski’s poached goal, courtesy of the Oppo.
No sign of Sijin today, it was a waitress who was front of house. There was a new menu on the table, with increased prices since my last visit in June. A glass of Tap Water was ordered, it tasted nothing like the bleachy stuff served south of the river.
Lamb Sukka (£13.50) and Malabar Parotta (£2.95) was the Order. An increase of 13% for the Curry, the Bread price was held. Given the size of Paratha, the price was already at the limits.
Poland 2 v 0 Saudi Arabia, Michal was a happy man when we met up afterwards.
Malabar Parotta, Bombaywalla is one of three Curry Houses in Glasgow known to serve this majestic Bread. White Flour, soft, layered and flaky, but why so small? Chutnify (Berlin) served me two for the same price earlier this month. Purchasing a second Paratha was obviously an option, however no way was Hector spending six quid on Bread. I had to eke out the Parotta, every morsel would be eaten.
Lamb Sukka
Hector was not put off by the sprinkling of Coconut on top. Beneath lay a sinister, dark, thick Masala; a Dry Chettinad, the holy grail of South Indian Curry? To maintain the heat of the contents of the bowl, I decided not to decant to the plate. Compared to the mountains of food presented last week at Punjabi Zaiqa (Berlin), this portion did feel a bit modest.
Hot food! I’m back in Glasgow. Bombaywalla’s Lamb Sukka could be the most challenging Curry served in this city. The big blast of Smokiness coupled with the testing Spice Level is what sets this Curry apart from the Mainstream. The Seasoning was under control, Hector met his match the first time the Sukka was ordered here.
There was also a distinct Flavour of Meatiness, such Tender Lamb, minimal chewing was required. Biting into the Lamb released more heat, just appreciate the complexity of the Flavours. Again, a highlight of many a Curry this month.
I picked out Green Cardamom and a piece of what I took to be Cinnamon Bark, whole Spices, always a sign of efficacy. Chillies were present, today I decided to tackle the whole Green Chilli and was surprised when it was not as fierce as anticipated.
I was in a dark corner eating a dark Masala. I could sense slivers of Onion, caramelised I deduced, given the Fruitiness that emanated from the Masala. There was so much going on here, then add the joy of the Beautiful Bread, a spectacular meal, a wee bit more Parotta would have had Hector in raptures.
The Bill
£16.45 City centre prices.
The Aftermath
The waitress was busy, a full restaurant on a Saturday afternoon. Had Sijin been present, I would have told him that after five visits, Bombaywalla is promoted to both – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – and – Glasgow’s Top Rated. Note, the only city centre venue currently to feature.