Eight days without Curry, it’s that crazy time of year when people overindulge in Poultry. At least it doesn’t lead to – Chicken Curry.
Curry Fi (450 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6SE), the latest addition to the West End Curry scene, was spotted a few weeks ago en route to the way more modest Curry Pot, located at Partick Cross. Curry Fi is further west, even beyond Indian Orchard, which is long overdue another visit. It was only today I noted that Papa Gill’s (Partick) has gone. Seven years ago apparently, I hadn’t missed it, nor the adjacent Takeaway – Chapatti X. Jonathan is no longer with us, he would have known. So maybe the Rosevale end of Partick, almost Thornwood, needs a new Curry House. It is fourteen years since Hector visited both Indian Orchard and Papa Gill’s (Partick), the second year of Curry-Heute. Venues which open in the evenings only tend not to accrue many visits, Monday aside, Curry Fi opens daily at noon and remains so all day, ideal for Hector’s preferred time for Curry.
It was 14.30 when I entered Curry Fi. The young waitress greeted, even offered in situ, however, a small table mid room was accepted. The A3 laminated menu was already on the table. Five Chicken, five Lamb, one Prawn, no Fish Curry, not a needlessly extensive menu. Hector already knew why he was here: Lamb Korma (on the bone) (£12.99) – Tender lamb simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with cashews, yoghurt and aromatic spices.
Lamb served on-the-bone, no mention of Coconut, could this be the almost fabled – Lamb Desi Qorma?
The waitress had bad news – no Lamb on-the-bone. If this was just for today, remains an unknown. No point listing it, and not having it. I verified there was no Coconut, so this would not be a British Indian Restaurant (BIR) interpretation of – Korma. I proferred – Desi Qorma – this was not repulsed. She did suggest the Korma could be sweet. I would take the risk. Spicy – was agreed.
Plain Rice (£3.99) would accompany. There was no Mushroom Rice option. Jeera Rice (£6.99), no way, Pedro. Veg Fried Rice (£7.99), worthy of consideration if this turned out to be Biryani, however, the description stated – Indo-Chinese seasoning – so not. Hector was missing his Interesting Vegetable already.
For those who might choose Bread, a Plain Naan (£2.50) is the same price as a Tandoori Roti, strange. However, the Garlic & Coriander Naan, at £2.99, suddenly looked to be good value. But then sizes/style/quality are unknown.
Tap water was agreed, before this, an amuse-bouche of Tomato Soup was presented. This was reminiscent of Green Gates (Renfrew), I had suspected that Curry Fi was a branch of an existing business, but whose?
Appearance-wise, this Soupçon reminded me of the Shots as served at Protokoll Taproom (Berlin), this may have had the Spicy, Chilli bite, but lacked the other – kick. Hot, it was a nice touch.
I settled down for the wait. I never did see the Chef, but somebody was clearly busy in the kitchen. I took in the décor. Another Glasgow muriel (sic), this one had a building I didn’t recognise. The other? Darbar Grill on the Southside.
The choice of music amused. Sixties schmalz, sorry, classics. All covers, no original artists, so Dean and Frank were having the day off? Middle of the road, hopefully, the Curry wouldn’t be. Time to eat.
Two handi were brought to the table, one brimming, the other not so. Was I back in Mainland Europe? Enough Basmati to share, I took what I knew I would manage, the rest, wasted. One may interpret the Rice prices as almost justifiable if all portions are for sharing.
Lamb Korma (Boneless)
Behold, a solitary Coriander Leaf, a swirl of something Creamy, and a piece of Meat breaking the surface of this definitely Soupy Curry. A Soupy Curry is what was expected on my last outing – In Search of Desi Qorma, since then, Curryspondent Bill, who arranged it, has spoken!
Arranging the Lamb on the Rice, the count did not reach double figures, so no Meat overdose today. Eventually, I had to employ the knife, unusual, to halve five pieces, so enough.
A Peppery blended Masala, no sign of Citrus, so not the Desi Qorma I had hoped for. Once again, appraise what actually sits before me. A decent Kick, the Seasoning seemed to be lacking initially, this was reconsidered as progress was made. A well Seasoned Curry.
With a whole Peppercorn revealed, the Pepperiness took me to the south of India, no Smokiness, not quite a Chettinad, but getting there. Was there Coconut in here? Certainly Creamy, but not excessively so, the level was decidedly acceptable.
Tender Meat, the distinctive Flavour of Lamb was to the fore. The Meat was almost giving of Spice, but with the level of Flavour already being emitted, no complaints.
I added more of the retained Masala. I was really missing my Interesting Vegetable, Meat & Masala, not that exciting. Veg Biryani (£8.99), to share, could be worth a shot.
There was still more Masala to add, hence the ratio of Meat to Masala was not favorable, to the customer. How a Mushroom Rice would have overcome this.
A Peppery, Creamy Curry, I know a lady who would love this. It’s a pity Marg tends to join me for Curry on a Monday when Curry Fi is closed.
The Bill
£18.68 : £12.99 + £3.99 makes?
No tip!
The Aftermath
The Calling Card explained, the waitress confirmed that Curry Fi is another venture by those who have Hyderabadi Paradise, close to the ill fated, and already missed Mustafa’s Dera. A certain map provider has Hyderbadi Paradise currently as – temporarily closed.
On describing my Curry as having the Flavours of the South, the waitress confirmed that this is their model – adding South Indian Flavours to popular Dishes.
Curry Fi, a Mainstream Curry House, in the West End. The nearby Subway takes you across the river to where another World of Curry awaits. This is what Hector did fifteen years ago, and as for the outcome, it is written.
Curry Fi – 2025 Menu
