Chapatti John observed a few weeks back that we were well overdue a return visit to Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ). Indeed, it’s five months to the day since my last one, nine months since we three dined here together. On that day, we also had Marg and Clive in attendance.
A table was booked for this evening at 17.00, just in case. As we entered, people were already sat at window tables. I confirmed the opening time with the waiter, now 16.30 apparently. If Akbar’s opened at 15.00, Hector would be here – often! By 17.30, all the window tables were occupied, a strategy that always amuses. It’s still Ramadan, I’m sure Akbar’s would have been full by 20.00.
Dr. Stan sat opposite, Marg was meant to be here also, however, the journey south for a Hockey Tournament in Durham was brought forward. Retirement offers such flexibility.
As expected, prices have increased at Akbar’s, but by less than 10% for main courses, whilst the Starters appear to have been held. John pointed out that Chapattis are still under £1.00, few venues can claim that accolade. Akbar’s, Bradford based, can hardly charge more than can be tolerated in their own city.
Mohsin, our waiter for the day, mentioned Poppadoms.
Only if you’re giving, not selling.
John didn’t think that Mohsin understood my drift, five Poppadoms and Dips duly arrived. We would find out the answer later.
The Order was the same as nine months ago:
Hector – Meat Chops (£6.70), Roshan Lal (£12.90) – Peppers withheld.
John – Liver Tikka (£5.70), Karahi Gosht & Spinach (£13.40).
Dr. Stan – Seekh Kebab (£5.50), Karahi Gosht & Spinach.
Desi style.
I must try this – other Curry – sometime, but with sporadic visits, missing out on the Roshan Lal does not feel to be an option.
John initially ordered two Chapattis (£0.95) on the assumption that his Starter would be filling. He also knew some of Hector & Dr. Stan’s shared Coriander and Chilli Nan (£3.95) would come his way. In the end, a third Chapatti was ordered.
Drinks were limited to Sparkling Water (£2.50) and Orange Juice (£2.75). Abundant Tap Water was also made available.
The Creamy Dip, I did not sample until the last part of my Poppadom. This was surprisingly good, I should watch out for this in future.
John enquired as to the make up of the Green Dip, I informed him that the Recipe is on a well known and reliable Curry Website. A different waiter brought a bottle of Sauce. Primarily, this was to accompany the Starters. John was straight in, he was certainly impressed by its – fruitiness.
Meat Chops
Four Lamb Chops, possibly still the best value in this city. I didn’t ask for them to be cremated, I took my chances. Only one of the Chops had a big bone and was therefore recognisable. I know not what precise cut the remaining three were.
Succulent, an easy word to describe these Chops, – juicy – would be so much more accurate. These Chops were a joy, and one was suitably cremated. Cooked, through Tender, wonderful.
Liver Tikka
What a platter, John loves this. Chicken Liver is what he identified as sat before him. Thoroughly enjoyed, full of Vitamin A, but for Hector, hideous.
The Liver was so soft and succulent – John related – and mild.
Mild? That’s a new one. What about the Texture, that’s what I cannot stand, it’s not about the Flavour.
Seekh Kebab
Poor Dr. Stan, this looked sadly lacking in comparison to the above. Two tiny Kebap, but this is what he likes. At least this should not have ruined his appetite.
There was a suitable break between Starters and Mains. Having recognized us, the Assistant Manager came over to greet, hence the Poppadoms. We were told that Imran should be en route home from his vacation. At Akbar’s they know their regulars, the service is always friendly, attentive. I could name the place where Dr. Stan and I, et al, had breakfast on Thursday morning, stale bread, and a Host who was just being stupid. Hector does not aim to put firms out of business, though in Europe, I have offered to show Chefs how to make Curry. At Akbar’s the customers are always well looked after.
The Mains arrived, the Naan was last. Huge, soft, puffy, blisters, served whole, a delight. A pity that between three of us, we couldn’t finish it. John claims to have finished a share of the Family Nan (£5.95). His third Chapatti arrived hot and puffy, straight from Tawa to table. Maybe this is a good tactic.
Roshan Lal
This Curry never disappoints. If one knows the Methi-rich killer Bradford Curry taste, then this is the one to order. With the Meat cut so small, in the Bradford tradition, it means that one can have Bread, Meat and Masala, simultaneously. This is also a filling way to eat. In time, the Bread has to be abandoned, mustn’t leave any Curry.
The first mouthful gave the Bradford Blast, superb. The Chilli on the Naan no doubt upped the overall Spice Level, the Seasoning was sound. The Masala showed a hint of creaminess, presumably the late addition of Yoghurt. What a range of Flavours from the gorgeous, Herb-rich Masala, why am I not having this every week?
The Meat was super-soft, and also giving of Flavour. Eaten with the Naan, the first half of the meal was simply perfection. The second half makes one question the merits of a Starter and Naan, maybe a Chapatti would be more practical. But why deny oneself these pleasures?
Bradford Curry, so distinctive, and yes, Hector and Marg have dates in the diary for another visit in the near future.
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
I must try this Curry. With even more Herbs than the Roshan Lal, it must be a delight. Today’s version had visibly less Oil than the Roshan Lal, however, the base Masala looked the same. A classic Bradford – Dry – Curry.
I did here John emit a – Wow! – as he ate. Dr. Stan was almost exuberant:
Rich, spicy, very tasty … one or two tough bits of meat, mutton. Certainly very good.
John was almost in raptures:
Faultless consistency, and I don’t recall tasting better.
The table was cleared, I asked for – The Bill – when the rain stops.
It was chucking it down, many would be soaked in Glasgow this evening.
The Bill
£71.65 The Poppadoms were indeed Complimentary. He who asks, sometimes gets.
The Aftermath
Mohsin was thanked, and rewarded, for his fine service this evening.