Two days ago, Curryspondent Peter made the Hector aware of a new Curry Cafe on Glasgow’s Southside. With the aim of enjoying some more Lahori/Punjabi Cuisine, hopefully served in the Desi-style, Hector took the Subway across to Govan at 13.30. The Famous had a home match this afternoon, the streets of Govan were empty, strange times.
It was a five minute walk along Govan Rd. to The Wee Dhaaba (17 Elder Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 3DY). As I approached, so the huge shipyard, commonly known as – Govan – came into view. I last walked this stretch one summer’s evening @1978, en route to guard part of this industrial site. The Wee Dhaaba occupies the corner unit opposite what is now Fairfield’s Heritage Centre, Elder Street is one of the many streets along the south bank of the River Clyde which comes to an abrupt dead end.
A couple occupied the corner window table as I entered. I was surprised to see a variety of cakes (£3.50) on display under the counter, not pre-cooked Curry as is the norm on the Southside. It was apparent that The Wee Dhaaba is aiming to be recognised as a – Coffee & Cake – establishment in addition to serving Pakistani Curry.
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A young lady emerged from the kitchen and handed me the menu. The sensible choice of table was adjacent to the couple at another small table. Small, The Wee Dhaaba has six tables, seating about sixteen diners. Additionally, tables and benches, as one sees at a Bier festival, were folded against the wall. In better weather, people can sit outside, not today. A young child quietly amused himself in the far corner. No facilities were visible, I suppose one can ask.
There were ten Lamb Dishes to choose from. The Vegetable Dishes also looked interesting, no Aloo Gobi, however, Karela piyaz (£7.50) would be a challenge. Methi Aloo Gosht (£9.50) will have to wait, Lamb Karahi (£12.00) would surely reveal all?
A Tandoori Naan (£2.50) to accompany felt sensible. I assume they have a Tandoor, but I did watch the cooking of Meat on a mini-grill for the couple beside me.
The lady, I would later establish as – Sara – took the Order on a pad. A bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.20) was a welcomed addition.
I like to try new places – I informed Sara as she noted the Order – Lamb Karahi should be a good test.
This raised a smile.
I deliberately made no enquiry as to how the Karahi would be presented, this was very much a case of let’s see what comes. I already had the knowledge that the food here was going to be authentic Lahori/Punjabi Fayre, none of that Mainstream nonsense. For once, Google Maps – about – section was informative.
The wait for the Karahi Gosht was appropriate. A mature chap entered the premises and headed to the kitchen, had he been summoned to cook Hector’s Karahi? Another mature chap entered, known to the staff. He ordered, then took the corner table beside me. He was from Halifax, this led to a spontaneous discussion about Bradford Curry, an opperchancity for Hector to recite his favourite Bradford Curry Houses. (Halifax Curry Houses also appear in Curry-Heute). His sister, as I understood it, is the mother of the two ladies now seen serving. A family business became the logical conclusion. This was enhanced by a glorious Statement on the menu:
You can place an order a day prior for any mom-made food you wish to eat.
This must be investigated, Lamb Desi Qorma immediately comes to mind.
Sara brought the food.
I had specifically asked for a Plain Naan to avoid any Garlic and its associated issues as written earlier in the week.
This Naan was far from – plain. Behold a Kulcha Naan, perforated to prevent it rising, and smothered in Seeds, Sesame and some other. Was I in Manchester?
Round, a decent size, and served in quarters, the Naan was well-fired. The firmer texture had been achieved through the perforations. Not my favourite type of Naan, the Sweetness would taint the Flavours from the Karahi. Paratha (£2.50) next time.
Lamb Karahi
The appearance was – magical – the aroma had me immediately won. The peripheral Oil was at a minimum. On-the-bone, there was no reference to this on the menu or discussed at the time of ordering. No messing, this was the real thing, an authentic Desi Karahi Gosht.
The Thick, Tomato-based Masala, had quite a quantity of finely chopped Onion in there too. I counted the Meat, twelve, some who have been here previously questioned the volume, no problem here. Sucky Bones, plural, Coriander leaves and stems on top, sliced Bullet Chillies cooked in, this was way more than I expected when I read the menu and saw – Lamb Karahi.
The Spice was well pitched, sufficient not demanding. The oh so important Seasoning was spot on. There was a genuine depth of Flavour, though at times, the Sweetness from the Naan marred total enjoyment. Nevertheless, the pedigree shone through.
No Whole Spices – was noted, but then a Cumin Seed lodged itself in the usual spot. The Lamb was magnificent, a Big Meaty Blast! The ratio of boneless to on-the-bone, was well judged, a filling meal even allowing for the debris. So much fun gnawing off the Meat.
As I approached the end, weighing up when to abandon the Bread, so Sara came over to ask if the Lamb Karahi had passed the test.
This is proper, Desi Curry!
The plate wiped clean, just over a quarter of the Naan was left. Honourable.
The Bill
£15.70 Cash is preferred, contactless is fine.
The Aftermath
Introductions over, what became a lengthy discussion got underway. The food was praised, that Kulcha Naan is so prevalent in Manchester was unknown.
I look forward to meeting the elders, whose culinary skills I had just sampled. A family business confirmed, The Wee Dhaaba has been in operation for some two months. More of the Lamb Dishes will have to be tried, the Vegetable Dishes intrigue. I can see Marg having Coffee & Cake whilst the Hector explores the savoury elements of the menu. Hector’s next project?
And so back out into an eerily quiet Saturday on Govan Rd., twenty minutes to kick-off, hardly a soul to be seen. The Wee Dhaaba is open seven days, all day, I shall have to remember to avoid match days when The Famous return home.
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