Glasgow – Akbar’s – Imran Is Back!

Karahi Gosht & Spinach (£15.00), Dr. Stan and Chapatti John have been ordering this creation continuously for many years at Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ), whereas the Hector has loyally stuck by Roshan Lal (£14.50) – without. This evening, it was time to rectify.

Marg and Hector were joined for the 17.00 booking by James and his dear lady, Donna, who makes her first appearance in Curry-Heute. For reasons approaching nefarious, the best Curry in Glasgow was dismissed, Akbar’s was the compromise. Bradford Curry then, not Glasgow Curry. As Captain Picard once said – it’s for the children.

Maria (mah-ree-ah) was our waitress this evening.

Drinks were sorted, bottles of Sparkling Water (£3.00) for Marg and Hector, our fellow diners imbibed otherwise. Maria proferred Poppadoms (£1.00), Donna was straight in there, two ordered, with Mango, the Hector called a halt.

Is Imran here?

He was.

Imran, Mein Host, had not been seen for many a visit, sentenced to return to the mother shop. Imran was duly summoned, Poppadoms became five, much better. Mango Chutney, Raita and pulped Capsicum, a given. A jug of Mango Lassi, appreciated by three, duly followed, now we’re talking.

Imran considered that it was down to Hector that we had not been in each other’s company for some time. It is he who has had the joy of Bradford Curry at source for the last year or so. The passing of Mr. Shabir Hussain, proprietor of Akbar’s, was duly acknowledged. The empire maintains.

You’ll like us, eventually – was suggested to Maria by the not so humble Curry Blogger.

This is my first time here – was a blatant untruth.

There had to be Starters, despite the fact that this takes it toll on the Mains. One cannot go to Akbar’s and not at least share Meat Chops (£7.95). Marg and Hector sharing Lamb Chops, the eternal conundrum. James and Donna would share Chicken Pakora (£6.95), a Starter making its first appearance in Curry-Heute. Indeed, their choice of Mains also added to the gallery.

Marg was up for Karahi Gosht (£15.50) with her customary Chapatti (£1.00). Just the one. For James, Tandoori Chicken Masala (£14.50), and Donna, Prawn Balti (£14.95).

Donna does not have Lamb, she did search for – Fish – on the menu. Karahi Fish (£15.00) was suggested, twice, but was not taken up. A Bradford Fish Karahi, one of life’s greatest pleasures.

All but Donna chose – Asian Style.

Bread – was mentioned to my right – stop!

I told you – was James’ response.

There had to be a Family Nan (£7.00).

In Aberdoom, £2.49 was the price of a single Chapatti back in 2022, before Hector discovered the sustainable Rehmat’s (£1.20). The anathema that we were paying for a Chapatti at all in a Bradford Curry House, was explained to the first timers.

Just the one Naan. Tales of the ripples of applause for those ordering two were related, also of the wee girl who helped Marg and Hector finish our Naan whilst the parents looked on.

No weans this evening. Relief. Arriving before sunset meant that Akbar’s was initially empty. By the time we departed, the Iftär gathering had assembled. This remains the busiest Curry House the Hector ever visits, Village Ramadan Buffet, aside.

A share of Pilau (£3.50) for the Aberdoomians completed the Order.

Meat Chops

Far from cremated, and certainly not – well done – as was specifically asked for, the four Lamb Chops still enticed. Two each, such restraint. Juicy, succulent, and a big – kick. Did I say – not to be missed?

The accompanying Chilli Sauce added a further diversion. Not – Special Sauce – as waiters have described it on recent visits. The Hector was allocated the single slice of Tomato, Marg took care of the other – Salad – components and offered these words:.

Free Poppadoms arrived and went well with the mango chutney. Hector and I shared the Lamb Chops. They had plenty of juicy meat, but not char-grillled enough for my liking. Still tasty though. Enjoyed the red cabbage which accompanied them.

So it goes.

Chicken Pakora

Four pieces, OK, each could be halved. It’s all about the batter. Spicy – was heard. Fish Pakora surely remains the ultimate, after the standard Vegetable variety.

There was a suitable gap after the Starters.

More drinks for the visitors. The hand drier downstairs has not worked – for years. Why is this?

The presentation of the Family Nan was noted within and without Akbar’s. Donna did the double take on its arrival. This was novel. A passing chap outside also stopped to marvel at its magnificence. We were window dressing. That this huge piece of Bread can be produced whilst retaining it risen, puffiness, is commendable. Three of us tore in, all but a scrap would remain. Marg had her Chapatti. A proper Chapatti, none of this Wholemeal Flour nonsense which is beginning to prevail.

Karahi Gosht & Spinach

Topped with Coriander and featuring a generous wedge of Lemon, this was the classic Dry Bradford Curry. The Masala, such as it was, was relatively Oily, but then close up, Roshan Lal is the Hector’s base for comparison.

The Herb-rich Bradford Curry blast was instantaneous. Ironic, given that last month, Hector’s two Bradford Curry experiences were not up to this standard. Masala with Spinach, not a Mash, so crucial, the Flavours were intense. There had to be Methi here in addition to the titular Herb. The Bradford-small cut Meat was properly infused, giving of Flavour. The Seasoning was perfection, the Spice built.

I have watched the aforementioned celebrate this creation for many a year. That it has taken until Visit #30 to order this – wow – level Curry, makes one wonder. Now we know.

What is a Roshan Lal anyway?

Karahi Gosht

A lighter Masala, less Herb, standard fayre in comparison to the above. Otherwise, the same Curry, or was it?

When Marg reached her limit, the Hector, and subsequently James, were keen to reduce the surplus. Karahi Gosht, the most sacred Curry, Desi Korma aside. Hector’s Soupçon revealed a somewhat – tame – experience after the Herb-rich version. Marg’s account of the meal:

My Karahi Lamb, Desi-style, was full of small, tender pieces of meat. The sauce was rich and full of flavour with a good kick. I enjoyed the dish with my own Chapatti. Could not finish it all, helped by Hector and James. A great meal.

Tandoori Chicken Masala

Chicken Curry, really. People persist. As a variation on Chicken Tikka Masala goes, this appeared to be a decent incarnation. Boneless Chicken, large pieces, certainly a decent portion. The Blended Masala was a significant departure from the above, Curry, not Karahi.

There were numerous, audible, positive remarks to my right. A Curry very much enjoyed, but surely the difference between this and Marg’s Karahi Gosht was realised?

When are we going to Bradford?

*

Prawn Balti

The Hector has witnessed many a person order Prawn Curry, the song remains the same – why? As is recorded in these pages, around half of those who do so, are disappointed. Donna was quick to remark on the – Soupy – nature of what sat before her.

You didn’t ask for Desi / Asian style.

One may wonder if this would make a difference. Seafood Balti, also King Prawn & Spinach Special, have been previously reviewed. Different kettles of fish.

For Chef, Prawn Curry must be a breeze. Ladle some Masala, chuck in some Prawns, pre-cooked or otherwise, serve. For Restaurateurs, big profit, peeps are programmed  to expect to pay more for Prawns. Yet, in the Buffet scenario, mountains of the stuff are scoffed.

Donna appeared to enjoy her Curry, almost as much as the Naan. There was no shortage of food here.

The Bill

£121.10 Lollipops too. Maria was now onside.

The Aftermath

Akbar’s was stowed as we departed. A farewell to/from Imran, good to see him back.

Meanwhile, further east on on Sauchiehall Street, a Vegetarian Chain is due to open. Have they not done their research?