Kofta Palak (£11.95), sometimes a great notion, only one venue in Glasgow is guaranteed to have this available at all times: The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). Last week at 29 States, the Hector was firmly not in the mood for Coconut or South Indian – smokiness. Who knows what flipped the mental switch towards – Spinach. Hector, mental?
At 13.00 this Monday lunchtime, The Village was unusually busy. I counted twenty two diners on arrival, plus the inevitable high chair occupant, as I was shown to a table outside Mr. Baig’s office. Far away. More would arrive, some ordered chips.
The young, masked waitress is getting to know me, my third visit in recent weeks, and do look at the tally score in the right column. She offered the main menu to complement the lunchtime menu already in situ. She would also anticipate – Desi-style and – Spicy. I’m great big predictable old Hector.
I asked for the Nan Bread (£2.95) to be served – whole.
It tastes so much better.
Does it?
It’s more fun tearing one’s own Bread.
OK, the taste may not be affected, but I find a whole bread to be much more satisfying. It is how it is.
A jug of iced tap water was duly provided. The wait was appropriate, especially given the number of customers present this afternoon.
As requested, the Naan arrived in one piece, served on a flat basket. So they do have them. Risen, puffy, in fact about a third of the Naan was one big blister. Burnt bits, a delight. To my sorrow, I would eat way more of this than my norm.
Kofta Palak
Six Meatballs were buried under a mass of Herb-rich Masala Mash. Despite the abundant Spinach etc. presence, there was still a sense of there being a Masala in there, somewhere. On dissecting the first Kofta, the Meat was found to be light in colour. Chicken? No way, they are in the Lamb section of the menu!
A Masala heaped on Naan, must surely be a quite different pleasure experience to dipping Bread in Shorva. The latter I don’t get, but today’s experience was living up to expectations. This Masala Mash was rich in the extreme, Herb rich, powerfully Flavoured, intense. The Spice showed no restraint, this was demanding. The Seasoning was a tad below the Hector idyll which may not have mattered as much today, there was so much going on here.
The Hector was having so much fun yet the Kofta had hardly been touched. With five still remaining, the glorious Naan had to be set aside pro tem whilst the Meatballs were tackled. These were remarkably moist, unusually so. It was as if there was a liquid residue at their core, but close examination revealed otherwise. The Kofta too were also giving off their own – kick. The occasional Cumin Seed came into play, even more Flavour.
Despite trying to eat the Masala with the Kofta, it became clear that there was way more here than could be managed. There was little point exceeding one’s own capacity. The Hector was stuffed, all boxes ticked.
The Bill
£14.90 In recent reviews north of the river, I have paid way more and been left with the feeling of still wanting more, not today.
The Aftermath
Taking the Nelson Street exit, (Nelson?), I see the flats above the original premises are coming along. What a potentially wonderful place to live. Perhaps one of the thousands who are meant to be working nearby will take advantage?
