Glasgow – The Wee Dhaaba – The Return

And so the rain continues, the second day of meteorological autumn and the Hector is still waiting for summer. Maybe, continental Europe can provide warmth and blue skies. Watch this space.

Wading through the puddles between Govan Subway station and The Wee Dhaaba (17 Elder Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 3DY) saw the Hector take shelter at 13.40. The above photo was taken last time, far too wet to hang about outside today.

One of the two young ladies on duty this afternoon greeted on entry, no sign of Sara who was most welcoming on visit #1. A mature chap occupied the far corner table, waiting to be summoned to the kitchen. In time, I hope to meet the elders.

On visit #1, the Lamb Karahi (£12.00) most certainly impressed, today was all about Methi Aloo Gosht (£9.50). Tarka Rice (£3.00) seemed to be a worthy accompaniment. The opperchancity to have Sparkling Water (£1.50), at a sensible price, was not to be missed.

Is that all? – asked the waitress having noted the Order on her pad. Having seen the portions here already, this should be quite enough.

I had previously initially ignored the QR Code on the menu, it can be revealed that there are Daily Specials, today’s included: Lamb and Potato Curry (£9.50) served in the traditional – Shorba, Saag (£8.00), and a Chicken Karahi (£10.00) served on-the-bone. Furthermore, extra detail for the Dishes on the printed menu, the description here describes the Chicken Korma (8.50) as having – a thick and delicious gravy. This makes the Hector think – Desi Korma – and not the ubiquitous Cream & Coconut version. Contains Milk – enhances this thought. Mmmm?

The wait was an appropriate twenty minutes during which the waitress returned to discuss the Spice Level.

Above medium – was Hector’s pitch.

Enjoyable spicy – was the response. The next customer asked for – Desi hot.

Hector, take note.

The first sight of the food confirmed the Hector would need no more.

The Tarka Rice was described as – brown – on the menu. By definition, this was Rice fried in Oil and Spice. Fine as the concept was, the Rice was not served as hot as it should have been. Unfortunately, this was not established until the Masala had been mixed through. Once the Rice was spread across the plate, there was easily enough to share if say, a Tandoori Roti (£1.50), was brought into the equation.

Methi Aloo Gosht

You don’t get this in Mainstream Curry Houses, this Curry looked spectacular. The menu gives no clue, but as with the Lamb Karahi, the Meat was served on-the-bone.

Decanting the Lamb and the Potatoes, the ratio was half and half. The pricing was therefore realistic, fair, reflecting the lesser quantity of Meat. Still, there was enough, no complaints here. The Potato pieces had clearly absorbed the Spices. The Masala was dark with specks of Herb, thick, viscous, magnificent. Desi/Apna was written all over this Curry.

Whilst the Meat and Masala remained suitably hot, it became apparent that the Rice was going to bring down the overall temperature, crucial in the end game.

The sensation of the Masala on the palate was wonderful, smooth, velvet. The Seasoning was there, the Spice Level was no more than – medium. Next time – extra Desi – for the Hector.

Super-soft meat, again giving back its – Meatiness, but not necessary the Flavour of the Spices. No Whole Spices, so establishing what was in the Masala, and what was not, became a challenge. There was no sense of Cloves, the Fenugreek was not apparent. Thereafter, all I could do was accept that the overall Flavour was unique, a new experience. When the waitress came over to ask the customary question, I had to state:

I’ve been to every Curry House in Glasgow (more or less) and have never tasted anything like this.

A compliment.

The cooler, second half of the Curry was not sitting so well on the palate. By now I was aware that there was something here not to my taste. This is the third time in the last month when the taste-buds have reacted and found an ingredient to be – strange. It was therefore not necessarily the Curry to blame. The horror that was encountered in Las Vegas came to mind, Cabbage. No, whatever it was, it was not that pronounced. Cabbage in a Pakistani Curry would surely be an anathema?

There was further discussion with the waitress, I had to admit that I didn’t know what it was that I didn’t like.

Dessert?

Not my thing, and if I couldn’t manage all my Rice, it wasn’t deserved.

The Bill

£13.70 Great value.

The Aftermath

With both ladies behind the counter, I was asked if I had worked out what the interloper on the Hector palate had been. It was confirmed that Cabbage was certainly not there. Fresh Methi had been used, a treat, a favourite ingredient. Maybe trying the Palak Aloo Gosht (£9.50) could get to the root of the issue?

Meanwhile, the big question. I pointed to the end of the menu which states:

You can place an order a day prior for any mom-made food you wish to eat.

They mean it. I enquired about the possibility of a Lamb Desi Korma. Not a problem, despite this Curry usually being prepared in large batches for festive occasions. As the QR Code reveals, there are – Daily Specials – and as such requests are welcome.

The Hector will need a fellow diner.