Hector let loose in Glasgow on a Wednesday? That can only mean one thing, Kofta Anda at Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Govanhill/Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8HQ).
The notion – took me to The Village on Monday for Kofta Palak, there was the realisation that today it could be interesting to attempt some sort of comparison.
Arriving it 14.45, five big chaps in their twenties stood in a line on my side of the counter. The scene was like something out of a Tarantino movie, what was about to unfold? Mein Host was on the phone, was he calling for assistance? I parked my coat on a chair in the dining area such that I could observe all. Two Takeaway orders were assembled, they paid, cash only, at Sheerin Palace, all was well.
The tray with Kofta Anda was on display under the glass counter, for once I resisted the Aloo Gobi. Mein Host took the Order: Kofta Anda, one Chapatti, one Meat Samosa. I returned to my seat, at other tables the debris from two previous diners was in situ, and would remain so. There is no ceremony here, there’s no menu or prices on display either, WYSIWYG. Things are different in Govanhill, double parking along Garturk Street is also OK. MOT central.
A chap brought a Chapatti from the kitchen, he looked around, as there was no-one else, he placed it in front of me. Large, Wholemeal, well fired in parts, this would do the job, albeit, there would be the inevitable splashes. One cannot have Rice with Kofta Anda.
Mein Host came through and addressed me in Urdu. I would like to think that I am well known in these parts, this was a first. Meat – Samosa was reconfirmed at the second attempt, in English.
Kofta Anda
Four Meatballs, only four? The Village served five and they may have been larger. Ah, but … here was the hard boiled Egg, the Anda. The Shorva looked to be its usual inviting self. This is Visit #20, Curryspondent Reybans put me in my place in early visits, Shorva is what this dish is all about. One needs a spoon.
The first intake of Shorva caught the back of the throat, Spice, Seasoning and Soupy, authentic Shorva. Desi Man! I cut the Meatballs up into smaller pieces, not necessary, but who wants this to stop in four bites? These Kofta had the required level of Seasoning, and seemed more – Meaty, one up to Sheerin Palace, Monday’s at The Village were somewhat lacking. The Meatballs here were better by far, however, The Village had the intensity of a Palak-rich Masala accompanying, so here the comparison has to end.
Why the Egg is such a crucial part puzzled for years. Maybe the hard yolk soaks up some of the Shorva? The Diversity of Texture? Whatever, it works. Kofta Anda at Sheerin Palace is always a treat. (available Wednesday & Saturday)
Samosa
At first I thought there were two, something to do with the fold in the pastry. Hot, greasy, the Samosa was packed presumably with Lamb Mince, plus surprisingly large pieces of Potato. Had it arrived first, I would have enjoyed my first ever Samosa at Sheerin Palace, but I had Shorva. Dipping the contents of the Samosa in the Shorva added even more Flavour, excellent.
Accompanying the Samosa was a Salad/Garnish. Two wee bits of Tomato, the last Tomato in Glasgow? Actually the grocers on Allison Street have loads, £3.00 a kilo, watch the prices in the supermarkets rise, and rise. For the record, there is no shortage of Tomatoes in the EU. Thank you, Boris, once again. Can’t wait for my next hour long queue at a European airport passport control.
I watched Mein Host decant the remaining contents of the tray of Kofta Anda into Takeaway containers.
The Bill
£8.00 Govanhill prices.
Mein Host had his coat on and was leaving as I approached the counter to pay. The amount was relayed to his replacement whom I recognised, and vice versa, but not from here.
The Aftermath
At 15.30 there were three portions of Kofta Anda left and lots of Tomatoes in Allison Street.