Glasgow – Glassy Central – Mainstream or Desi?

A – Bank Holiday Monday – whatever that means, Hector is home. Unusually, Marg has no hockey and knows if she doesn’t come for Curry-Heute, she’ll not be fed. Glassy Central (285 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3HQ) has been visited a couple of times recently, Marg had yet to experience – Glasgow’s first Desi Pub – however, she has been to Times of Punjab (Renfrew) which Mein Hosts – Priya & Kinder – ran before Glassy Central.

At 14.30, Glassy Central was the busiest I have seen it, all the booth tables were occupied. We were led to the far end of the room, a table for two, with armchairs. The young waiter brought the Lunchtime Menu and the Drinks Menu. On my last visit, Rajesh admitted they make no money on the Lunchtime Menu, it’s in the hope that people have drinks. We were here for Curry, the a la carte was provided, but only after the waiter checked with the kitchen. At this point Kinder came over, serious customers, there was an air of half recognition. When Marg said – Hector – so he remembered me.

To date I’ve had the Chef’s Special – Lamb On The Bone (£8.95) and the Achari Lamb (£9.95). Marg called out Lamb Karahi (£9.95) first so there was no point in the Hector having the same. Marg is also a member of the – let’s avoid Capsicum club, we would ask. South Indian Garlic Chilli was her fallback. Lamb Garam Masala (£9.95) was the Hector’s choice.

Having enjoyed the Special Rice (£3.50) here twice previously, today was an opperchancity to share this with Marg and explore the Bread at Glassy Central. If only the Hector had read his own review for Visit #1 – this was not for sharing, a sensible portion for one. And so the Special Rice would be ordered with a Plain Naan (£3.00).

I asked Kinder if Capsicum would be visible in the Karahi. He said it could be withheld. He then admitted the Big Onions could not. He suggested Marg have the Bhoona.

Sadly, this makes me challenge the use of the term – Desi – at Glassy Central. If Chef can only produce the very Karahi which Hector absolutely avoids: i.e. stir-fried Capsicum and Onions with Meat added in and the Sauce poured on top, then Glassy Central can only ever be regarded in this Blog as a Mainstream Curry House, not – Desi.

Two 330ml bottles of Sparkling Water completed the Order. Glasses with ice were provided, a sweltering 18ºC outside! I’m still missing Lisboa and Lisbon Curry!

The Curry pots were brought first, neither of us could start until the Bread or Rice arrived. It is frustrating watching hot food going cold. After a few minutes the Naan came, and later the Special Rice. On seeing the Rice, I knew I should have checked, so let this be a warning to all – not for sharing – but ordering two portions?

Having just returned from Europe where abundant Rice is inclusive, that would hurt. With Cauliflower, Carrots and Green Beans, a tasty Rice. Marg took little more than a Soupçon, Chapatti remains her preferred accompaniment.

The Naan was poor. Served in quarters, thin, peely wally, far from being puffy and risen, the opposite of Hector’s vision of a proper Tandoori Naan. And it was small.

Lamb Garam Masala

A modest garnish of Coriander topped the tall pot. A suitably Thick, brown Masala shrouded the Meat which reached double figures. Still great value here on the base price for Curry.

The Lamb was decidedly Tender, one senses quality Meat being sourced here. There was a distinctive Flavour, however, if I write a House Flavour then I’m giving in to – Desi. With a slight tang, the Spice was definitely there, no whole Spices to identify. The Seasoning was below the Hector level of perfection yet the Flavours were coming across. Last time, I went out of my way to praise the level of Seasoning, and flatter Chef Krishna. Still, a tasty Curry, maybe I could class Glassy Central as Mainstream+?

Lamb Bhoona

The wedge of Tomato, and I suppose the flatter pot, distinguished this Curry from the Garam Masala. Otherwise, they were indistinguishable. The Hector Soupçon revealed no significant difference either. Like Hector, Marg cleared her plate, nothing was left:

A tasty dish with a smooth sauce, some chewy pieces of Lamb, but overall, very tender. I enjoyed the small portion of Vegetable Rice, however, the Naan was more like a Chapatti. (which suited Marg)

A quick meal – remarked Kinder when he saw the empty plates.

Maybe people do linger here longer, there is an array of Bier taps. Aspall Cider may one day entice, especially if the temperature does get seriously higher.

The Bill

£32.40. We could have spent half as much on the Lunchtime Menu.

The Aftermath

A quick chat with Kinder who highlighted that Glassy Central is once again open at noon, Sundays excepted.

The sign of a quality Curry is when the Flavour lingers long (hence the hatred of Capsicum). Today’s Garam Masala did just that. Mainstream perhaps, but I have enjoyed my three visits here. Desi? – the jury is still out.