Moiz, son of Ahmed, has been keeping Hector up to date with the ongoing renovations at Darbar Grill (140 Allison Street, Glasgow G42 8RP), a new kitchen was recently installed. Arriving today with Marg at 13.30, the seating layout also appeared to be different, the plain walls suggested more to come.
Ahmed, father of Moiz, was there to greet. I spotted the new printed menu, a first at Darbar Grill, which Moiz had also mentioned. Alas, Ahmed said this would not be up and running until the end of the year by which time he also hopes to have taken over the adjacent unit and transform it into their own Takeaway. How well will that go down with Desi – Curry Palace on the other side of Darbar Grill?
In the meantime, the same old was on offer. Ahmed revealed the contents of each tray. Having dismissed the Vegetable and Chicken options, our choices were simple: Aloo Gosht for Hector, Chicken Keema Aloo for Marg. Chapattis would accompany, two were ordered, three would come.
We took a table, the new menu was photographed then studied. With a 09.00 opening time printed, Desi Nashta, the availability of which is spreading on the Southside, will be a key feature. 
As for the Curry, the Main Courses remain as seen today, however, the Karahi section is new and bold. The Hector has of course enjoyed a custom cooked Karahi Gosht at Darbar Grill.
No Desi Qorma, I had to raise this. Ahmed studied his own menu.
Dropped – he began – I will make it for you when you come.
A jug of chilled water was brought to the table.
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Ahmed produced his phone and showed us the planned muriels (sic) for the walls. Traditional scenes from Pakistan will adorn the rear wall, whilst famous buildings of Glasgow will line the wall at which we sat.
A young chap brought out the food. A Salad and Raita accompanied the Chapattis. Thin, Wholemeal Chapattis I can manage, I really should just order Naan despite the inevitable wastage. Bread prices at Darbar Grill shall remain competitive/realistic.
Aloo Gosht
Behold the authentic version of this Desi Curry. Shorva, by definition, the soupiest of Masalas. The aroma of Cloves was powerful, though no Whole Spices would be encountered. The Meat count was difficult to establish in the depths of the metal bowl, approaching double figures. The Bone content appeared to be significant, however, the Hector was being misled. Only two large Bones featured, so plenty of Meat. Two large pieces of Potato would be cut into three pieces each.
Dipping pieces of Chapatti into the Shorva revealed the powerful Flavours, Clove understood. Without being overwhelming, the Spice Level was much appreciated as was the Seasoning. This was Curry, yet markedly different from that enjoyed recently at Curry Pot. Yes, the Hector eats lots of Curry, but the array of what is on offer is hopefully highlighted in these pages.
Hot food, always noted, another positive. A spoon was put to good use, otherwise I would have been left with a bowl of Soup. Tender to chewy Lamb, Ahmed prides himself on only serving quality cuts, apart from it’s Meatiness, there was little sense of Spice being given back. The Potatoes were different, the joy of this chameleon-like Vegetable. The full Flavours of the Shorva had been absorbed and were being emitted. Potato Curry, the future?
Ahmed asked the customary question.
I made a gesture with my hands conveying – Big.
Flavour! – was the one word response.
But a Soupçon of Salad was sampled, a distraction, Marg would take care of the rest. With the plate being used for the discarded Bones, I was surprised at the end how few there had been.
Marg accepted the offer of Chai which arrived at the end of our meal.
Murgh Keema Aloo
Another generous helping in the metal bowl. Pale Chicken Meat, Marg does prefer Lamb. This creation was certainly more moist than Marg has been served of late. She ate the lot in seemingly no time at all. Marg:
I received a large dish of mince and potatoes. The food was full of flavour in a rich, oily sauce. I broke up the fresh Chapatti to eat the food. The potatoes added flavour and texture to the meal. I really enjoyed the food and waited for my Chai afterwards. A pleasant way to finish the meal.
Whilst we ate, Moiz entered the premises and walked straight past us. So the Hector is not recognisable from the back of his head?
Our visit to Darbar Grill took on a new dimension. Mutual respect, a few wind ups, could I find the photo of Moiz and Ahmed taken when he was but a boy? Moiz is due to take up a job in Clydebank flipping Burgers in a chain I had never heard of. This could be fun – Desi Burgers? Otherwise, a waste of his talents? Moiz can cook.
Desi Qorma, yes I keep going on about it, and Moiz can cook this as was proven at the ill-fated Handi By Darbar. Ahmed has three party groups over the weekend, and as Desi Korma is oft a feature of such gatherings, the Hector has been promised a portion shall be retained. Saturday, and the Hector may have to accept Chicken Qorma!
The Bill
£15.00 There was inverse-haggling, I couldn’t possibly pay the first price quoted.
The Aftermath
I told Moiz of our first trip to Türkiye and the purchase of a leather jacket. The poor stall holder was almost in tears when I bid him down to what felt like rock bottom.
Give him a tip! – was Marg’s plea. So it goes.
Ahmed, joined in and relayed how greedy/misleading market vendors can be. Haggle, but downwards!
Until Saturday, but in the meantime…
