Almost a year since my last visit to The Wee Dhaaba (17 Elder Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 3DY), it is good to see that this family run, independent outlet is still in operation. With Marg not wishing Curry, the promise of Coffee & Cake was enough to entice her to this Coffee Shop come Curry House. Arriving at 13.30 on this damp autumn Monday lunchtime, there was no sign of cake on display. The counter area no longer features the cake cabinet. Cake no more?
We took a table to the left of the doorway, the window tables were mostly occupied on our arrival. One of the daughters brought the menu, if there was any sense of recognition nothing was being given away. The menu remains essentially the same as last year, with only marginal price increases.
Suddenly, Marg was having Curry – Mix Vegetable Curry (£7.95) and was not missing out on Desi Karak Chai (£3.00). Having had mixed outcomes in my previous three visits, I thought I would play it safe. I verified that the Lamb Karahi (£12.85) was available. Strangely, the waitress had to check that a Tandoori Naan (£2.80) could be served.
On a Spice Scale of one to ten, we were invited to declare our desired level. Seven for Hector, five for Marg. Why is this not a universal practice?
Assuming the Chai would arrive much later, Marg was content with sharing tap water. Suitably chilled, or is the ambient temperature now such that this is no longer an issue, this would keep us amused during the wait for the food to be prepared.
And wait we did. With no ready Dishes on display, one cannot know the starting point. A full half hour passed before the Order was brought to the table.
The Tandoori Naan was served in four pieces. As I was sharing, this time I was not so bothered with it not being served – whole. A Roghni Naan, the perforations had prevented the dough from rising. Sesame Seeds, both white and black (?), would add their distinctive Flavour to the meal. A half Naan each, sufficient.
Mix Vegetable Curry
This makes its first appearance in Curry-Heute. Featuring Potato, Cauliflower, Carrot and Peas, in a dry, thick, minimal Masala, this matched the Hector idyll. Hot food – was remarked upon, a significant observation after two previous visits. Marg:
A smaller dish than the Lamb Karahi, but full of hot vegetables in a dry sauce with coriander sprinkled on top. A medium spice was asked for and it ticked all the right boxes. A good flavour from the vegetables and I enjoyed the bread which had sesame seeds and a pattern throughout the top. The dish was filling and very enjoyable.
A Soupçon did cross the table, I could sense enough Flavour, but this Curry was overwhelmed by my own. Appetite permitting, I could see me wishing to share a portion of this Curry as a Side in future.
Lamb Karahi
Ginger Strips and a threat of Coriander, plus more Seeds, topped the Meat and Masala. The Meat count reached double figures, on-the-bone, of course. One Sucky Bone. The Tomato-red Masala was taking me towards Charsi Karahi, not my favourite currently, this Curry, however, very much had its own personality.
A sliver of Bullet Chilli was the only clue as to the source of the heat. An ideal Spice Level, Chef should be congratulated for this and the level of Seasoning. The latter related directly to the intensity of Flavour, the combination of Ginger and Tomato being the standout.
Tender Lamb, and the Spices were being given back as the Meat was chewed. On Visit #1, I was impressed by the Desi Flavours, today’s seemed a bit different but was just as satisfying. I would happily have this Karahi Gosht on a regular basis.
Apart from the bones, all plates were cleared.
Desi Karak Chai
The Tea had to be summoned, time was against us, Hector’s 15.00 rendezvous was looming. Marg:
I finished the meal with Chai and some sugar. This helps the digestion and encourages the tingling flavour on my lips.
*
*
The Bill
£26.60
The Aftermath
With the door held open for us as we departed, and a broad smile from our server, I made a point of mentioning the intensity of Flavour. Hopefully, this gets fed back to the kitchen.
Marg dropped me along the road at Govan Subway. After Saturday’s debacle at nearby Ibrox, one wonders what happens next. Splashing about in Loch Lomond may or may not be the answer. Gullane Sands, that would make men of The Famous.
2025 Menu
