It is more than a year since my last visit to Curry Cottage (91 Cambridge Street, Glasgow G3 6RU). Back then Pratap, Mein Host, said he could happily serve a Fish Karahi without the dreaded Capsicum. On that basis I entered today at 14.30, first of all hoping that Fish Karahi was still on the Specials Board. Now there are two.
I took a seat in the empty restaurant, no sign of Pratap. I studied the menu, an acceptable 10% price increase since last time.
There was music coming from the kitchen. Eventually I had to call out – hello – and Chef emerged. He remembered me, and despite his limited English, I was able to secure a Fish Karahi without Peppers.
Cumin Rice still looked like the best accompaniment. A glass of tap water would arrive with the meal.
When Chef brought the food, I asked for an extra plate. I do not like adding Rice to Curry.
The Rice portion looked fairly standard. Having filled my plate I realised the discarded Rice would never be eaten.
Fish Karahi (without Peppers)
The Fish Karahi did have large Onion blobs At least I managed to get rid of one element of Ballast Maybe next time no Onion blobs, and no Capsicum. And as I did manage once upon a time, maybe Potato could replace them as a more Interesting Vegetable.
Five large pieces of Fish, whose type would remain unknown, retained their integrity until I chose the time to flake them. The Masala was suitably Thick, indeed, I should have recognised it immediately. There was a big – kick, the Seasoning impressed. The Fish and Spice Flavours emerged, a salty sweetness is how I noted this. The flavour stayed constant throughout the eating as no Whole Spices were encountered and therefore bitten in to. Other than the Coriander Topping, Curry Leaves were the only Herb/Spice identifiable in the mix.
Towards the end, I realised the air of familiarity with what lay before me. Pratap formerly worked around the corner at The Wee Curry Shop, part of the Mother India chain. This means he must have been well aware of their own Fish Karahi 
recipe somewhere back in time. The Hector considered the Fish Karahi at Mother India’s Cafe as having set the standard in this city. Today’s had perhaps a slightly thicker Masala, but the memory of the Flavour came back. Maybe next time I can ask Pratap himself.
It’s OK? – asked the Chef.
Very good – was the considered reply. Indeed, with my suggested alterations, this could become my go-to venue for Fish Curry in Glasgow.
At 15.00, two ladies entered and sat behind me. I would never hear their order. However, a chap did come in for Takeaway, he knew exactly what he wanted: Garlic Chilli Chicken. He sat patiently whilst Chef went to prepare his meal. Meanwhile, the ladies had to bide their time. They were going to order from the pre-theatre menu. I had better have a look at that next time.
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The Bill
£22.45 A couple of quid below what I was expecting Who is going to argue? I thought the price of the Cumin Rice to be a bit steep anyway.
The Aftermath
I nodded to the ladies, there was no-one else left to greet.
I see Taste of Chennai has gone…