This evening’s Curry at Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) has been in the diary for months, seemingly. The challenge of finding a Friday with five of us in the city at the same time. A booking was made for the 17.00 opening.
The restaurant was empty as four of us entered bang on the opening time, and would remain so for the best part of the next hour.
Dr. Stan, Chapatti John and Hector hardly had to consult the menu. The same as last time, which means the Hector has again forsaken the once standard Roshan Lal (£14.50) in favour of Karahi Gosht & Spinach (£15.95). Karahi Gosht (£15.50) for Marg, Howard surprised us all by choosing Karahi King Prawn Tikka (£15.50). This makes it first appearance in Curry-Heute and adds to the extensive coverage of Dishes in the Akbar’s page.
Four of us would share a Family Nan (£7.00), whilst John limited his Chapatti (£1.00) intake to a mere three. They are big.
There has to be Starters at Akbar’s. John loves the Liver Tikka (£7.00), again, a given. Dr. Stan stuck to his Seekh Kebab (£6.95), whilst Marg and Hector would share Meat Chops (£7.95). Marg assured me that one Lamb Chop was all she desired.
Prices remain the same as in my last visit in June 2025, which means the Meat Chops as a portion of four, remain possibly the best value in the city. The pair of Seekh Kebab are way overpriced. One could have significantly more for this sum south of the river.
Drinks, it is a Friday night. Tap Water for Howard, Sparkling Water (£3.00) for Marg and Hector, Fresh Orange Juice (£3.25) for Dr. Stan, and a glass of Red Wine (£8.95) for Chapatti John.
Our dedicated waiter noted – Desi-style – for the Chaps, – very well done – for the Meat Chops, and – no ice – for the Orange Juice. The waiter mooted Poppadoms. Declined.
If Imran was here, they would have just arrived – I reminded my fellow diners. As it happened, Imran did appear, and came over to greet the diners at the only table occupied. It is a year since we last met, Imran admitted to having – been away. Hector has done a bit of travelling also.
The unusually empty restaurant was explained as being a function of Ramadan. With the sun currently setting after 18.00, people are finishing work and going home. By the time we departed, many family groups had arrived. Akbar’s was filling up.
As he took his leave, Imran mooted Poppadoms. I advised that we had already said no. This time they were declined – with honour.
*
Moments later, our waiter presented a jug of Mango Lassi.
Imran looks after his customers. Our waiter replaced Dr. Stan’s Orange Juice which had arrived – with ice.
Dips and the Special Sauce heralded the arrival of the Starters.
Meat Chops
A portion of four, this makes such a difference. Having observed Marg’s share, the waiter took me on. I had to assure him that Marg only wanted one.
With suitably cremated edges, the Meat remained succulent, juicy. This is how we like our Lamb Chops. Marg took care of most of the Salad element. The Sauce and Dips were put to good use. Tingly lips ensued. Howard had considered Chop Handi (£15.95). I wonder how many Chops in a portion?
I wasn’t paying much attention to Dr. Stan or John whilst the Lamb Chops were being dealt with. Their comments follow below.
Liver Tikka
Seekh Kebab
There was a suitable gap between courses. I was definitely ready for my main course when it was brought out by the posse of waiters. Hector is back eating Lamb with enthusiasm. Knowing this date was always in the diary partly explains the avoidance of this Meat in recent times. Tonight, a Lamb Fest.
The Family Nan impressed. Risen, puffy, blisters, and approaching the teardrop shape. I ate way more Bread than I normally would manage. At one point it looked as though we might not have enough for four. Marg ordered a Chapatti late on, all was well.
Although containing some Wholemeal Flour, the Chapattis were not as repulsive to this commentator as some experienced of late. This Chapatti I might have enjoyed. John lived up to his name and devoured every morsel of his three Chapattis.
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
A decent slice of Lemon and a sprinkling of Coriander topped the Karahi. The Masala was exactly how the Hector seeks his Saag/Palak. The Richness of the Masala was clear, added Herb, not a mash of greenery. Peripheral Oil was at a minimum. As one would expect in a Bradford Curry Chain, the Meat was cut Bradford-small. The Lemon was squeezed over the Masala, all was set.
The big Citrus blast got things off to a great start. The taste-buds were rudely awoken. The Spinach was not overdone, and so it complemented the Masala, not smother it.
The Spice built steadily, sliced Green Chillies in the mix, facilitating this. The Seasoning was lower than the Hector optimum, but did not hinder the release of the Flavours. Scooping the Masala with the Naan, wonderful. I ate the Meat with my spoon, tonight this felt appropriate. Tender Meat, tasty. Bradford Curry is markedly different from anything served in Glasgow, Herb-rich, a given. The diary has a few days in Bradford ticked off for later this year.
Dr. Stan – Tender, juicy kebabs with a bit of a kick to them. The lamb karahi was rich and spicy, the spinach giving added body.
Chapatti John made two profound statements as he concluded his meal.
That was fantastic!
This is my favourite place.
Later, he added – Consistency is unrivalled. Chicken livers so tender. Lamb so soft. Sauce perfectly balanced with excellent and cheap chapattis. A veritable taste explosion.
Three happy diners.
Karahi King Prawn Tikka
This intrigued. The Masala bore no resemblance to any Karahi I have witnessed at Akbar’s. The Tomato-based Masala I have seen in their Balti. Seven, perhaps eight, of the largest Prawns I have ever encountered, so comparable to any Meat Curry portion. Prawn Curry is usually charged at a premium, this looked to be reasonable value. However, Prawn Curry is something I still don’t get. How does one surpass Prawns in Garlic?
Howard can always be relied upon to give a detailed account:
These days I struggle with any meals. And today I had a touch of IBS. Fasting for 24 hours and walking helped. As did eschewing starters. Had King Prawns in a tomato and onion sauce. While thin it had flavour and the king prawns were big. With bits of nan it was sufficiently filling to satisfy my hunger but not to make me feel uncomfortable. Ages since I’ve been here and it was good to do it with friends. Not an overly memorable curry but still very satisfying.
A Soupçon was passed along the table. Hector gets to review a Prawn Curry with first hand experience.
The huge Prawn was quite simply, excellent. There was a greater sense of it having – come from the sea – than many a Fish Curry I have had, especially the most recent one. The Masala was way too thin, Tomatoey, and did nothing for me whatsoever. Had Rice been the accompaniment, the Masala would have been lost in an instant. Dipping Bread was the correct way to approach this creation.
Karahi Gosht
It is years since I have ordered this at Akbar’s. If I got here more often then there would be more opperchancities to sample more of the menu. The Masala was lighter in colour than its Spinach equivalent. A decent looking Masala, and not Charsi.
Having had only the one Lamb Chop, Marg was able to finish all her Curry. That she ordered the extra Chapatti confirms that we were both hungry.
Marg – A juicy lamb chop for starter with a small amount of charcoal to keep me happy.
The Karahi Gosht was very appetising. Plenty small pieces of lamb in a rich masala sauce full of different spices and flavours. I did not eat the green chillies which were in the sauce, but I coped with the general heat of this dish. The family nan was freshly made and hot and fluffy. I preferred the chapatti as it was thinner and I could pick up the meat with each piece of bread. The meal was very tasty and I enjoyed the mango lassi, which was complimentary.
Marg wasn’t finished, an – extra hot – Cappuccino (£2.95) was ordered. What came, disappeared in an instant, not warm enough. The waiter did offer to provide another, however, some of us were looking forward to the next part of the evening.
My coffee was not very hot, which was the only disappointment to a very enjoyable meal.
With just a bit of the Family Nan leftover, it looked as though we would be leaving some after all. Nope, Chapatti John took care of it.
The Bill
£133.35
The Aftermath
I contacted Akbar’s a while back (no reply) informing them that I have a friend who will not return until the hand drier is fixed. I went downstairs to check.
The drier was hot, but did not react to my hand motion. After many attempts, it kicked into life. So, it sort of works.