One always tries to keep abreast of Curry developments, particularly in one’s own city. Somehow, the relocation of Banana Leaf (192 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5SG), and in effect a reopening, passed the Hector by.
Having recently celebrated the early opening times at the former premises in the West End, now Madhras Dosa, behold, the new Banana Leaf, open at noon (closed Tuesdays).
With nearby Bombaywalla – Indian Street Kitchen and Rishi’s Indian Aroma, a small cluster of South Indian venues is evolving in this area north-west of Central Station.
Two doors down from Banana Leaf, Madurai, another Aberdoom source of South Indian fayre is due to open soon. Can all survive?
Arriving at the new Banana Leaf at 13.40, a delivery bike was parked at the entrance, one of a stream that would present during my stay. A basement restaurant, this was quite a departure from the original premises, relaxed pukka. Unfortunately, photo opperchancities of the layout and décor will have to wait for a quiet Monday. Today, the place was just too busy to take anything meaningful.
The clientele were decidedly Indian, quite a different crowd from Hector’s usual Saturday outings.
A young waiter greeted and offered a table mid-room. Those with friends occupied the tables along the window and the far wall. With quite a bit of wasted space at the doorway, possibly about the size of the original premises, there was a large counter with open kitchen behind. Who planned this?
A new Banana Leaf, however, the menu remains pretty much the same as before. The Lamb Chukka (£5.50) a – Dry Curry – maintains, but is still under – Starters. This I only discovered on my last visit to Banana Leaf original. Sukka/Chukka I have been enjoying at every opperchancity around Europe since then. Banana Leaf set the standard.
Today, Hector was having the all time favourite South Indian Curry – Lamb Chettinadu (£9.00). Hidden away at the very back of the menu under – Additional – was Parotta (£2.00). I assumed this to be the much loved Malabar Parotta, the waiter verified. I ordered two. Parotta sensibly priced, yay.
I had considered a Rice accompaniment, Jeera Rice (£5.25), no thanks. At Banana Leaf original, a choice of Rice/Chapatti/Paratha was included with – mains. This remains so, however the Hector did not see this at the foot of the Chicken and Vegetable pages. A city centre restaurant serving a £9.00 Lamb Curry with Rice/Chapatti/Paratha, what’s not to like? Nowhere did I see the dreaded word – Tapas.
The four Lamb choices remain: Chettinadu, Korma, Saag, and the strangely named – Aatu Erachi. Three of these have been enjoyed previously. Given the price, location and opening times, I feel they are about to be enjoyed again soon. And given the splendid ambience, Marg will be keen to come too.
Tried and tested, inclusive Rice and a Parotta may well be the way to go.
I was ready to order – Soft Drinks (£1.50) – when a large bottle of chilled tap water was provided.
The waiter acknowledged my enthusiasm re the Parotta. An opperchancity to ask how long these premises had been occupied. A year. How has the Hector missed this?
An ongoing favourable score up north meant that time was dragging. I suspect my Order did not take long to arrive.
There’s only one thing better than a Malabar Parotta, two. White, thick, layered, a spiral, stretchy, and a wonderful Buttery Flavour. Yum. Then there’s this – dipping – thing that peeps apparently do with Soupy Curry.
*
*
Lamb Chettinadu
Super-hot food, just how the Hector likes it. Tentative dips was all I could manage, the Meat would have to wait.
Wow! – Everything that was anticipated came to be. The Big Smoky Blast gave way to a definite Pepperiness. The – two Chilli – rating was spot on, this was a Spicy Curry. The Seasoning was right up there. And all this from the Brown Blended Masala alone.
The Meat proved to be soft, and each bite gave a blast of Spice, as one associates with a Desi Curry
The football score hadn’t changed, Hector had a fine example of South Indian Fayre, all was going well, and still there was Parotta. Often I have questioned their size, but the Hector discovered he could not manage two whole Parotta. One with Rice works better, for me.
On clearing the table, the waiter asked if the Parotta had lived up to expectations. Most certainly. I told him there was five minutes to go in the match, I would come up to pay shortly. A tantalsing result, up to The Famous to do their bit.
The Bill
£11.00 Way less than expected due to my not reading all the menu.
The Aftermath
The waiter was busy as I paid, it was the manager, Suren, who received the Calling Card. It took a moment or two for him to pick up what Curry-Heute is and here was the author. Clearly, it was the Madhras Dosa page that I had to show him. How to separate the two?
Curry-Heute once again has a stand alone page for Banana Leaf, however, it will take time to build up the gallery for the new premises. Meanwhile, Banana Leaf appears in Glasgow’s Top Rated.
How long before Curryspondent John makes an appearance?