Whenever one has outstanding Desi Curry, the question – where next? – arises. Sometimes the Hector resorts to the Mainstream knowing that after a peak, the only way is down. Today, a different tactic.
Zaheer at Ambala Pakistani Cuisine (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) advertises oft on a certain social medium. Sometimes the staff are even aware of what is being promoted. It was he who planted the notion for Chappali Kebab (£5.99), and if it was a large as claimed, this could be in effect, a main course.
Arriving in the Southside at 14.00, the sun was low and blindingly bright. The Curry Cafes around Albert Drive are overdue return visits. One chap at Ambala acknowledged me as I entered, the only surviving member, second from left, in the 2016 staff photo?
A young chap brought the menu and a couple of Dips. The menu remains A4 folded, not the A3 sheet of former years. The prices have not changed since my last visit. When was this – the young chap asked. Had he been sent to find out, or had he too recognised me?
Ten months – was the answer.
My Order appeared to cause consternation. Chappali Kebab accompanied by Aloo Gobi (£6.99).
Gosht?
No meat.
To be fair, the Gobi Gosht (£11.99) is outstanding here.
No Naan? There may be a larger version of the Chappali which includes Bread. Having taken the Order, he was back to inform me that they had Pilau Rice worthy of consideration. Not today.
My mental picture of my Order was such that if the Chapli was as big as claimed, only a Side of Vegetables would be managed thereafter.
When my bottle of tap water was provided, so the size of the Dips was upgraded. The menu shows a 70p charge for sauces.
Twenty minutes – I was advised. Not a problem.
From the second window booth, I took in my surroundings. Nothing has changed. No dignitaries today. The Chapli arrived first.
Chappali Kebab
The Chapli was huge, well fired, a deep red, also the thickest Chapli ever encountered. I had to assume – Lamb – as this was nothing like the more common Chicken Chapli one encounters. The Garnish caught the eye also. The threat of Coriander on top was complemented by the array of Pickles and otherwise minimal shrubbery. The Big Black Olive was a joy, the Cherry Tomato was kept to the very end. Sliced Green Chillies, Pickled Onions, mini Gherkins, and a threatening whole Red Chilli, were great distractions.
There was an instant big Meaty and Spicy hit. Additionally, one could sense the array of Spices that had been mixed in. There was a great depth of Flavour here, the Seasoning pronounced.
The Dips quickly came into play adding extra moisture, not that this Kebap really required it. The Pickles provided distraction, eating all this Spicy Mince alone could have become monotonous otherwise.
Another chap came to check on my progress. He confirmed this was a Lamb Chapli.
The Aloo Gobi arrived after a few more minutes.
See, Meat and Veg – I assured the young waiter. I’m not sure he was convinced about the efficacy of this combination.
Aloo Gobi
Topped with Ginger Strips and sliced Green Chillies, this was a full portion of Vegetable Curry. Already I realised I would struggle. The Masala was pale suggesting something Creamy may have been added. I struggled to find the Potato such was the imbalance. There was possibly three times as much Cauliflower as Potato.
Piping hot food, always appreciated. The taste of the Cauliflower itself came across strongly before anything from the Masala. The Seasoning here was way down, the Chapli would compensate. The Cauliflower was soft, further cooking would have been too much. The Potato had not been given time to absorb the Spices. One concludes that this Aloo Gobi had been freshly cooked, not necessarily always a good thing for this creation.
I was eating from both plates until enough of the Chapli had been taken care of. The Aloo Gobi was then decanted. So much would be left.
There was a familiar Flavour emerging on the palate. The suspected Creaminess gave way to Cheesy. Cauliflower Cheese is in effect what was registering on the palate. I became less convinced that my combination was working.
The second chap was back again.
Is there Cheese in this? – I had to ask.
No, ghee.
It may be possible that this is what was confusing the Hector taste-buds. Each subsequent mouthful became more of a struggle.
Eat yer Meat! – was very much in mind. The final four pieces brought Tapas to mind. This colossal Chapli was the antithesis of Tapas. Chapli, more Pickle and finally, the Cherry Tomato, time to stop.
Too much food left, the Hector had misjudged on two levels today.
The Bill
£12.98 No charge for the Big Dips.
The Aftermath
It was the original chap who dealt with payment. Having enquired about my level of enjoyment, I did relay that the Aloo Gobi was not to my taste. I was experimenting.
That was the biggest Burger I’ve ever eaten – was well received.
Cheese with a Burger, that’ll never catch on, simply not – Kosher!
Maybe today the Hector was – cheesed off, what Cheese?