A rainy Monday, it’s a bank holiday also, and the Hector does not feel like schlepping across to the Southside for Curry-Heute. A Monday means fewer places are open in the city centre. The options were perused, Goat Curry served on-the-bone in Glasgow? Do we have a winner?
It is over two years since Hector last visited Curry Cottage – Indian Restaurant & Bar (91 Cambridge Street, Glasgow G3 6RU). The two visits in 2022 revealed something different from the Mainstream, yet, as established again today they still serve Lamb Karahi (£14.95) with the dreaded Capsicum. Maybe this is why I never rushed back.
Arriving at 14.20 by Subway, to avoid a walk in the rain, Curry Cottage was initially empty, two more customers would arrive. A young turbaned chap let me choose any table. With an Indian flag as part of the décor, this establishes Curry Cottage as an Indian Restaurant. Fear not, dear reader, there is an abundance of Lahori-Punjabi Curry due to appear in these pages soon.
Goat Meat (on the bone) (£14.95) with Cumin Rice (£4.50) was the Order. With – Desi – mentioned on the menu already, I asked for – extra Desi. This did not appear to register. Spice Level was then mentioned – above medium – was noted.
So many venues do not enquire as to the customers preference here.
A glass of tepid tap water was provided.
During the wait I had time to take in other options. £4.00 for a Plain Naan? Are they testing our humour?
One chalk board outlined the £10.95 lunch menu, the other already had me planning a return visit.
Karahi Fish (£16.95) may or may not suit the Hector given the aforementioned issue, however Lamb Handi (£14.95) must surely be worthy of investigation. Still Karahi Fish, in Glasgow, another rarity. There is some imagination being employed at Curry Cottage.
A 10% Service Charge? At least they are up front about it, so no tip then. What about – nuts? Are there nuts in the Curry at Curry Cottage or not? Do printers just produce what they are given without proof reading?
Goat Meat (on the bone)
As on previous visits, the Curry arrived in a soup plate. If one is having Bread, this is not an issue, with Rice, where do you go from here?
The Cumin Rice was a sensible portion for one, not enough to share, so a bit on the pricey side then. The hope was the Seeds would add another dimension to the overall experience. During the meal I was not necessarily aware of the Cumin, but an hour later, the customary Seed jammed in the upper teeth revealed its Liquorice blast.
By scraping the Curry to one side of the plate so space was found for the Cumin Rice. This also revealed that the Curry portion was not huge. I did count ten pieces of Meat, around half on-the-bone. The ratio of Meat to Masala was favourable. Whilst the Tomato and Onion Masala was thin, approaching Shorva, this was in no way a Soupy Curry. Arranged on a flat dinner plate, this would have taken on the appearance of a worthy Dry Curry.
The Goat Meat was super-soft. When Chef gets this right, Goat can be better than Lamb. I’d like to think the Meat was giving back more than its own Flavour, but such was the strength of Flavour from the Masala, for once, this did not seem to matter. It’s all about the Seasoning and this Masala was decidedly a la Hector.
No Whole Spices – was noted before I unearthed a wedge of Root Ginger then a Bay/Curry Leaf. A sharp Flavour overall, I’m sure I could occasionally sense Cloves in there, somewhere.
Everything is fine? – asked the waiter.
Very good, thank you.
This was a veritable Desi Curry, quality Meat, a great depth of Flavour. Whilst there no immediate – wow – by the finish there was a definite feeling of total satisfaction. I have left a couple of venues in the last month and felt underfed, not so today. The portion sizes were alright then.
The Bill
£19.45 City centre prices, but no surcharge.
The Aftermath
I had to ask:
Do you always have the Goat on-the-bone available?
The Goat is the – Staff Curry – but is apparently toned down for the likes of us.
The Curry-Heute Test demands that the Hector return and have this again. Is it possible that the full – Staff Curry – version might be secured such that it’s even better than what was served today?