Two days after visit #1 of – Rediscovery – the Hector was back at Banana Leaf (192 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5SG), this time, Marg accompanied. The strategy today was to make myself better known and capture interior photos which was not possible on Saturday due to the presence of other customers. 
Oh, Curry was also part of the plan. Arriving at 13.10, there was not a familiar face in the kitchen or front of house. Ah well.
We were given a window table as were those who came after. Being in the basement, this was less of an issue. The bottle of chilled tap water once again appeared when the menu was brought.
I had forewarned Marg that I wanted to share a Starter – Lamb Chukka (£5.50). Hector sharing, mark the day. This I first had at the original premises back in 2019 before all that happened thereafter, happened.
Being more aware of the menu, the inclusive Rice would be ordered with the mains, but a Parotta (£2.00) would be required to enjoy with the Chukka.
Today, a Fish Curry for Hector – Chappali Pulusu (£9.00), whilst Marg chose Lamb Aatu Erachi (£9.00), both have a – one Chilli – rating.
The Order noted, Marg disappeared for a moment. During her absence, Suren, Mein Host, appeared and acknowledged the Hector. He came over and was pleased with the new dedicated page in Curry-Heute for Banana Leaf. Separating that which has previously been posted from Madhras Dosa (the original premises still serving similar fayre) took a bit of time and effort. Suren was keen to point out once again that the two operations are not connected.
Marg returned – you missed Mein Host.
That the connection had been made, pleased. Little did I know what would unfold after our meal.
Our waiter brought the Chukka and Parotta. Hector’s favourite Indian Bread, all boxes ticked, one proved to be enough even though we were sharing.
Lamb Chukka
This is the antithesis of the other – Curry – served at Banana Leaf. Hector’s preference will always be for a Dry Curry, this is even drier.
The pile of Meat, with a sprinkling of Coriander atop, sat on one side of the plate. The hoped for dried Red Chillies were there, yay! Shredded iceberg lettuce occupied the far side. If one is doing – foliage – then let’s be inspired by Manchester Curry Cafes. Marg took care of the greenery, this was not required by the Hector.
A bit too spicy for me – was Marg’s opening remark. Never heard that before.
Hector was on home ground.
Sixteen pieces of Meat, cut small, a favourable quantity for a Starter. Two portions would make an excellent main course, bin the green stuff. Actually, sliced Tomatoes and Onions might be a welcomed accompaniment here.
The Spice Level was spot on, as was the Seasoning. Spicy, Smoky, with the thickest of Minimal Masala shrouding the Lamb, this was Hector Heaven. Soft Meat, every bite giving off Spice and Flavour, this was an intense eating experience. Yes, two portions would make an excellent meal. Whilst savouring the final pieces of Meat, Suren brought the mains. Fortunately, at Banana Leaf, the food is served – super-hot – so by the time the ritual photos were sorted, the Curry was ready to eat.
Normally, Marg has Chapattis, today she accepted that given the nature of the South Indian Curry, Rice was the better option. Dipping, The Bamberg Conundrum maintains.
The Rice portion was substantial. At the outset Marg said she would not be eating all the Rice, she did. Hector considered the quantity to be manageable, but came to realise that there was a grain or two too many.
Chappali Pulusu
Pieces of white Fish were floating near the top of the bowl. Behold the – Soupy Curry!
The Man from Bradford would have apoplexy.
Once decanted, the Fish was partly in flakes, the majority still managing to retain its integrity. The quantity was just enough to consider this – a meal. The orange Masala was decidedly runny, if this was a Euro Curry there would be questions. However, this is how South Indian Curry is typically served*. Curry Leaves were in the mix as were seeds, Onion Seeds?
The palate was already saturated with Chukka, it would take a few minutes to adjust.
The Spice and Seasoning were less than the glorious Starter. Remnants of Parotta were giving off more – Salt. If there was a smokiness, it was not being detected. Fortunately, the Fish saved the day. The Flavour of the Fish was pronounced, this was a Fish Curry. Hector had learned a lesson: if having Lamb Chukka, have it last!
Lamb Aatu Erachi
It was difficult to tell the Dishes apart, actually Suren had them the wrong way round as those who appreciate photographic perspectives may have spotted. The Masala here appears to be slightly less runny.
Smoky but sweet – was Marg’s first comment. Not too Spicy then, but she too had the Chukka infused palate. For a lady who usually has Chapattis she made quick work of her Curry and Rice.
A smooth, smokey and slightly sweet sauce, full of flavour. Small bite size pieces of Lamb completed the dish with a large portion of Rice.
Nobody was leaving feeling hungry.
Having finished, Suren returned with his co-manager, Vasanth. Vasanth was already aware of Curry-Heute and had previously initiated contact on a certain social medium. Vasanath sat down, we talked at length about Hector’s favourite topic – Curry. Indian Mango (München) had to be mentioned, their – Dry Chettinad* – remains unique to the best of Hector’s knowledge. That Curry-Heute did have some influence here was declared, who knows, it might catch on?
That Marg and Hector had been to India and Sri Lanka was recognised. We have experienced the diversity of Curry in the Subcontinent.
How had Hector not been aware of the new Banana Leaf premises? Apparently they have not gone out of their way to advertise, relying on – word of mouth. Hopefully Curry-Heute will also make people aware that they are back.
Pricing and portion sizes were discussed. On Saturday it was written that £9.00 for a moderately sized main course and inclusive sundries, is certainly attractive.
The Bill
£25.50 For two, with a shared Starter!
The Aftermath
It was Suren who suggested the team photo.
Things are looking good at Banana Leaf. I shall of course return, often, but not for a while. Another favourite venue re-opened today but does not have a full menu on offer as yet.
Here at Banana Leaf, there are some Vegetable Dishes that intrigue, then of course there’s the World of Dosa. As we departed, Marg couldn’t resist sampling – The Bits.