After the second division Bangladeshi Curry had in Carlisle at the start of the week, a Punjabi Curry in Glasgow today was kind of obvious. There was little motivation for crossing the river this afternoon. The humidity was noticeable, thunderstorms were promised, heavy downpours throughout the day. Not that the hordes of the semi-clad wee girls, as The Urban Voltaire might have remarked, were taking notice. Their music festival at Glasgow Green was going ahead regardless, why not dress for the beach?
Bombaywalla – Indian Street Kitchen (186 West Regent St, Glasgow, G2 4RU) was today’s chosen venue. The Hector needed something with intense Flavour after the word – bland – appeared in these pages last time out. Even Hector’s home-cooked effort yesterday had way more Flavour than the Curry served at Shaha Tandoori.
Arriving at Bombaywalla at 13.35, an Indian couple were coming up the stairs, luggage being hauled behind. A solitary Indian diner sat at the window table. In time two more chaps would arrive, plus another solo diner, all Indian.
The young waitress brought the menu. As expected, prices have increased since my first visits here last year. Still no sign of Sijjin who was Mein Host in the early visits. My request for a jug of tap water resulted in a glass being provided. I asked for a jug again, success. It’s quite a climb from the low level platforms at Charing X all the way up to Blythswood Square. Humidity.
In April 2022, Lamb Kolhapuri was £9.95, today £12.95. I suppose they have to protect themselves against inflation, which empirically, I have observed is running at 20% in Curry Houses. Assuming a wetter Curry than my Punjabi norm, Masala Rice (£3.25) would accompany. My two fellow diners ordered Dosa. These I don’t get, a Crepe which appears to be mostly fresh air.
In my most recent visit to Bombaywalla I have enjoyed the challenge that is the Lamb Sukka (£13.50). The Malabar Porotta (£2.95) is the ideal accompaniment for this Curry. Ideally two, but that is quite an investment. I was therefore pleased to spot a meal deal: The Bombay Malayalee (£17.95) – Lamb Sukka and two Malabar Porotta. Bring it on!
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After an appropriate wait, the waitress brought the food. There was no need to send for The Guinness chaps. The Masala Rice contained fried Cumin Seeds, a simple addition, and already potentially more Flavour than Monday’s Mainstream Curry.
Lamb Kolhapuri
A mass of Coconut sat atop the brown Masala and protruding Lamb. I counted nine pieces of Meat as I decanted, all were a decent size. The Masala intrigued. Last time, this Curry was quite – Soupy. Today’s Masala was delightfully Thick, and having covered the Meat, there was not an excess remaining. Care would have to be taken if all the Rice was to be eaten.
There was a big – kick. The Seasoning was acceptable, and this is not a cop out. Last year the Hector was most certainly challenged when the Seasoning here was almost out of hand.
The Tenderest of Lamb, and giving of Flavour, real Curry. The level of Smokiness was recorded as slight last time, today this did not register. Yet, Flavour was plentiful, the presence of Whole Spices being no doubt contributing. Peppercorns and a Bay Leaf were unearthed.
Simply Meat and Masala, something I try to avoid, a Vegetable here would not have gone amiss. A pity the excellent Mixed Vegetables Biryani is £10.50.
Chef came through from the kitchen, he smiled in recognition, his photo having been posted the first time I had this Curry.
Having envisaged a wetter Curry at the outset, I was quite surprised to find myself noting this Kolhapuri as certainly being – Dry. A South Indian Dry Curry, where in Scotland does one find a Chettinad which fits this description?
The Bill
£16.20 The jug of tap water kept this within budget.
The Aftermath
I asked after Sijjin. The waitress told me he now works, well, that’s his business.