As storm Babet draws to a close in the East of Scotland, the West remains remarkably calm. A dry day in Helensburgh, always worthy of celebration.
Five years have passed since Hector and Marg dined with Alan and Tracy in Helensburgh. Annaya’s (80-82 West Princes St., Helensburgh, G84 8XD) remains the – go-to – venue. Have they dropped – Grill House – from their moniker? There have been sporadic visits with former colleagues and Howard in the interim, but still it’s two years since my last Helensburgh Curry.
The booking was for 19.00, three of us were punctual, alas Marg was delayed due to a hospital visit. The first hockey related injury of 2023, just the four stitches, on the upper lip…
Rocky, Mein Host welcomed his regular customers, he did the double take on seeing the Hector. Yes, two years since the last visit.
Drinks were sorted, a Saturday night, Bier (£4.25). Sparkling Water (£2.95) could take a back seat, though on her arrival Marg did order a bottle. I had ordered Marg a Mango Lassi, much appreciated.
Dips, and a mountain of Poppadoms were brought by another waiter who clearly has an ongoing rapport with my fellow diners. The accompanying Chilli Dip was brought to our attention. Not that demanding, and totally lacking in Seasoning, bring on the Mango Chutney. No Tamarind. Alan mentioned his preference for the European Poppadoms, with embedded Cumin Seeds.
Only half of the Poppadoms were eaten. We did retain the pile, Marg advised that she could – suck on one.
I know what you’re going to have – Alan informed me.
Desi Lamb (£14.95) was on the – Special Menu – board. Alan was quite specific:
Desi Lamb with Methi, on-the-bone, extra Seasoning.
Guess who reads Curry-Heute! Evidently, Alan has honed this menu variation over the years.
Rocky recorded the Order, he added – Spicy – twice.
Tracy was having Chicken Tikka Malaidar (£14.95), Marg had Maliadar (sic) Sagg when we last dined here together. The erstwhile typo has gone, Malaidar it is. Chicken being charged at the same price as Lamb? Cheeky.
Starters were announced. Not for Hector, a Mince Paratha (£4.95) had caught the eye. Not managing a whole one was predicted, so no point killing the appetite. Alan and Tracy would share Fish Pakora (£7.95).
Two Chapattis – declared Alan.
Which one? – I had to ask to maintain the accuracy of the report: Tandoori (£2.50), Buttered (£2.95). Alan didn’t know which one he usually has. I suggested he order one of each for comparison purposes. Done.
Fish Pakora
Six large pieces of Fish in a Spicy Batter, served – hot-hot – and definitely for sharing. The Hector declined a piece but did secure a Soupçon. Hot and freshly made, when Fish Pakora is served thus, it is magnificent.
This Fish Pakora was magnificent.
*
*
Rocky had explained that the Buttered Chapatti was cooked on a Tawa, the other, in the Tandoor. The latter is what I am used to being served on Glasgow’s Southside, the thinner Chapatti is my favoured version. And so it was with Alan and Tracy.
The Paratha was not huge, just as well. It was packed with Keema, brown Mince, cooked properly. None of the pink donner-like nonsense here. About three-quarters would be eaten. A change from my norm.
Chicken Tikka Malaidar
Marg reckons that in the flurry of group photos being taken on Alan’s phone, the Hector was distracted. There is no photo of this Curry, and no review. It was a Chicken Curry anyway.
Desi Lamb with Methi
Hot plates, hot food, always a good start. Topped with Ginger Strips and sliced Bullet Chillies, this was – the business. I counted eight pieces of Meat at the start, three on-the-bone. A standard portion at Annaya’s. Around the halfway point I counted again, six left. This was a large portion therefore, and with the extra Keema, the Hector had quite a meal.
The Masala was dark and thick, the Herbs content was exactly what I seek: a Masala with Methi, not a mash of greenery.
The – Methi Blast – was instantaneous. Methi, where have you have been? This was glorious. The Spice Level was enough, not demanding, but noticeable. I marked the Seasoning as – low – at the start, but had to revise this as I made progress.
Hector is back in the land of quality Meat, tender, soft, Lamb giving of Flavour. The depth of Flavour was beyond anything I’ve had of late. A rich Curry, the restaurant price felt fully justified. Alan assured me that with regards to this Dish – I’ve had it better. Just how good can it get?
This Curry is going to be a hard act to follow.
The Bill
£104.80 Maybe all should have had Sparkling Water?
The Aftermath
The leftovers across the table became Takeaway.
and so the Saturday night continued…
Note – anyone thinking of heading to Karahi Palace (Glasgow), it is closed for renovation and transformation into Handi by Darbar.
Watch this space.