Halal Kebab House (164 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2N6), today was Hector’s fifth visit. This is usually when a Curry House is added to Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses, and locally to – Glasgow’s Top Rated. Does it deserve to be?
On Saturday, en route to Ambala, I spotted the new facade at Halal Kebab House. The possibility of a change of ownership and/or internal redecoration was worthy of investigation. Only once has this venue truly impressed and that was when Chef Habib presented out of the blue. That was back in 2018.
Entering at 14.00, Chef & Mein Host, Sajid was hovering in the area between kitchen and front of house. A young chap was serving. The minimalist seating remain, however, the left wall has been jazzed up, quite imposing.
Curry does not appear on the menu boards at Halal Kebab House, and still there is no printed menu. The young chap told me this was due, but I have been told that on most visits.
I was talked through the Curry on display. Having dismissed the Daal and Chicken Dishes, that left the customary Lamb Curry (Bhuna?). I was offered Small (£9.50) or Large (£11.00). More Curry is surely always better than less?
Spicy? – was mentioned.
Above Medium – as ever, was the compromise.
Today, Rice would accompany.
A paper table setting was presented along with a decent Salad and Raita. The black plastic fork reminded me that this is the land of the Curry Cafe, yet there is only one on Albert Drive itself.
Curr
y? Hector was the only person having Curry in this hour. Chips & Cheese was flying out the door accompanied by Donner. The spit was on, earlier than one would expect.
The Rice presumably had been – dinged. Served in a Takeaway container it didn’t look much, how deceiving. I put enough to cover the bottom of the bowl and around half of the Curry. Later maybe a few more grains were taken. So much waste.
*
Lamb Curry
The blended Masala was the key feature, no Whole Spices were unearthed as had been the case here. The Meat count was easily into double figures, a decent portion.
Hot food, always worth a mention. In the Mainstream, one’s Order can sit for who knows how long before it is brought to the table. The dominant Flavour was recognised and named instantly – Garlic! After the recent Garlic overdose at Sara – Donner Kebab – there was no mistaking this today. Fortunately, today’s dose was well within acceptable parameters.
The Spice Level was well pitched, far from – silly. There was no issue with the Seasoning, and with no stray Capsicum this time, all was set: let’s enjoy a simple, straightforward Curry.
The Super-soft Tender Meat was beautifully cooked, minimal chewing. The taste of the Lamb itself still managed to protrude through the array of Spices. Having sat for some time in the Masala, this was the Desi Curry the Hector sought.
Having abandoned the Salad when the Curry arrived I was determined not to let it all go to waste. The Onion and Tomato were stirred in with the remaining Meat and Masala. A different Texture was therefore created, much more rewarding.
I looked at the Rice in the container, and the quantity still in the bowl, no more required. Otherwise, all was devoured. A Curry, nothing to excite in particular, but satisfaction attained.
The Bill
£14.50
The Aftermath
Sajid was on the phone as I finished, I’ve written that before. Determined to have a chat, I showed the young chap the photo of Sajid and Habib from 2018. Sajid may have remembered me at this point. I asked after Aquib who appeared to have a share in the business, he has gone. That Sajid has been here since the start of Halal Kebab House in 1985 was confirmed, it is his place.
In time I asked my primary question. Habib has retired and is unlikely to come out even part time, Sajid has tried. In recent times we have now lost two great Chefs in the Southside.
As for upgrading the classification of Halal Kebab House in Curry-Heute, maybe not. Chips & Cheese, how much Curry is actually sold here?