With Hector free from kitchen duties this Sunday afternoon, ah well, why not? Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Govanhill/Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) hadn’t been visited for a while. Having highlighted the opening of their former Chef, Zahir’s – Shahi Mahal– earlier this year to the level of recommendation, it was back to the roots.
At 13.35, some ladies were queuing for Takeaway, four chaps were sitting in the dining area, awaiting their Order. I stood at the entrance to the dining area waiting to be served. Around six trays of ready-Curry were lined up in the display counter. Aloo Gobi was already in mind, but the words Lamb on-the-bone proved to be seductive. The Chicken Rice would accompany, in effect, two main courses. As ever prices cannot be quoted, is there a board which I keep missing, a menu even?
Cutlery, napkins and Raita were brought in a flash. My fellow diners appeared to be having Kebap based food.
The reheat didn’t take long, eating the mass of food which arrived did. Bread was offered and gracefully declined. Maybe I should try and ask for a half portion of Rice?
Chicken Rice
The Chicken Rice, a Biryani in effect, came with a Salad garnish. Raita was duly applied, the remainder would be useful if I ended up with Dry Rice. There was a powerful aromatic sense of Spice emanating from the Rice. The two pieces of Chicken, also on-the-bone, would be little more than a distraction.
Aloo Gosht
The two comparatively huge lumps of Potato gave it away, this was way more than Lamb on-the-bone. I counted the Meat into double figures as I arranged the pieces over the Rice. I retained some of the Shorva for later, Coriander stems were visible here.
Starting with the Rice, there was a big Clove presence. Aromatic indeed, this was Spicy Rice. The Lamb was suitably soft, and having sat in the Spicy Shorva had absorbed its Flavour. This was Desi Cuisine, and why the Hector favours these modest venues over Mainstream Restaurants. Curry Cafes are also more affordable for the frequent diner.
Lamb on-the-bone, delightful, pieces were picked up and gnawed as required. I dipped some of the Lamb back in the Shorva as I ate, why do I always eat the Meat separately? This was quite a portion of Curry. When I sensed the Spice from the Potato also, I realised that this meal was a collective challenge: everything was Spicier than everything else.
Both serving chaps checked on my progress, Hector is recognised, but still banter has yet to evolve. Whilst I ate, I heard a Takeaway customer order ten Naan. Who needs ten Naan?
Both Green and Black Cardamom were unearthed, it was no longer possible to tell from where. A small piece of Cinnamon Bark then the sleeve of a cooked in Green Chilli were encountered. Whole Spice, classic Curry.
As expected, the Chicken was no more than incidental, filling if nothing else. With bones set aside, then the remaining Shorva poured over the Rice and last bits of Lamb, it was just a matter of choosing when to stop.
I had been eating for some thirty minutes. Time for a lie down.
The Bill
£11.00 Amazing value.
The Aftermath
Alright? – asked the chap who has been here longest.
Excellent, tasty.
And so I headed back along along Allison Street. On passing the venue which has changed names more than any other in this city, there seemed to be more elaborate stickers on the window. What in the past has been a happy hunting ground for Curry:
Lasani Grill, Al-Anwar, Basharat G’z, Spice Haven, Nan Factory, is now Shinwari.
The short lived Shinwari used to be nearby on Langside Road, Hector Holmes is on the case.