The in-laws have never been to Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ) before, time to rectify. With three of Glasgow’s Top Rated visited previously, it was a matter of trying to outdo what came before.
A table was booked for 18.30, hardly necessary on a Thursday, but who knows.
Greeted by the assistant manager, we were shown to a window table, of course, in the surprisingly empty restaurant, adjacent to a family with babe in arms and two more on high chairs. Actually, I was hardly aware as a table set for twenty was soon occupied. Popping corks, Champagne for one end of their table only.
Hector and Graeme restricted their indulgence to a pint of Cobra (£7.95), each. Marg and Kath, small bottles of Sparkling Water (£3.00). As has been observed oft, Akbar’s make their big profits on drinks.
Our waiter, who for once did not introduce himself by name, mooted Poppadoms (£1.00). I thought I had got away without this needless addition, however, Graeme insisted. Two were duly ordered, at least no Pickle Tray (£3.25). Hector got the usual line in:
If Imran was here, they would have just arrived.
No sign of Imran this evening.
Graeme, who has tended to over order in his Curry-Heute appearances, declared – no Starters. This is Akbar’s, no way is the Hector passing on Meat Chops (£7.95). A portion of four, still the best value in the city. Marg said she would have one, Graeme too. Hector can manage two Lamb Chops and an Akbar’s Curry with self discipline afore.
This evening, no nonsense, it had to be a Lamb Curry. After years of ordering Roshan Lal (£14.50), without Capsicum, it appears the Hector has been converted to Karahi Gosht & Spinach (£15.95), Desi style. Marg returned to Karahi Fish (£15.00), served very much in the Bradford style. Kath doesn’t do Lamb, and so Tandoori Chicken Masala (£14.50). Graeme was attracted to Chop Handi (£15.95), a Curry that has intrigued and thus makes its first appearance in Curry-Heute. Subject to availability – the menu states. Lamb Chops are always available, and as I advised Graeme, a Handi can be anything Chef wants to dish out. Unsurprisingly, Chop Handi was added to the Order.
Graeme desired Boiled Rice (£3.95), Marg would have her Tandoori Roti (£1.50), a Family Naan (£7.00), to share, completed the Order. Only Hector was having – Desi style.
The Poppadoms duly arrived, two Dips and the evidently no longer – special – Chilli Sauce were provided, primarily for the Meat Chops. Raita and blended Capsicum/Tomato, the latter was not touched. A happy Hector.
Meat Chops
Both Marg and Hector had omitted to ask for the Chops to be – cremated. One had Carbon extremities, Marg had that one, and most of the Salad garnish.
Graeme declared his to be – softest lamb chops ever.
Succulent – doesn’t even begin to describe the quality. Big spice, outstanding Flavour, and the peripherals did their job. Marg:
It was extremely succulent and full of flavour. A good level of spice and a great start to the meal.
One cannot go to Akbar’s and not have Meat Chops. It is written.
Once upon a time, waiters were programmed to announce the wait time for main courses. Rose petals on the table too – added Marg. No more. At least the hand drier is fixed.
Karahi Gosht
Karahi Gosht – said the waiter as he placed the first of two Dishes on the table.
At my request, this was removed, an explanation subsequently followed –
wrong table.
Mistakes have now been a feature of my last three visits to Akbar’s.
Marg would manage all of her Roti then came to help with the Naan. I’m sure the Family Naan was even larger in the past, now realistic, manageable.
Risen, puffy, blisters, the tear drop point, a proper Tandoori Naan. I made sure the first timers knew to tear the Bread from the bottom of the stand.
The Boiled Rice was making a rare appearance in Curry-Heute.
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
Oily in appearance, the Masala was soon sorted with a quick stir. The wedge of Lemon, always a welcomed touch. Nought wrong with a wee bit of Citrus in a Masala. Masala with Herb, not a Herb Mash as too many venues serve.
The first dip of Naan into the Masala, stunning. The Bradford Curry Taste – immediate.
More Methi impact than Spinach was my interpretation, is this why it is a cut above the rest? The Spice Level was well pitched, not demanding for this diner, Desi-style might challenge some. Well Seasoned, it was all happening at once.
The Meat was cut Bradford-small. So intense was the overall Flavour, difficult to say if it was giving more than its own Meatiness. Every mouthful was a delight.
More Bread, more Masala, more Meat, deliberately forsaking Lamb Curry in previous outings pays its dividends. This was a – I could eat this every day – Curry. The body says otherwise, back to Fish, Vegetables, or even Chicken as a last resort, next.
Karahi Fish
The flaked Fish may lead to a not so welcoming appearance, do not be put off. As I may well reconfirm next week in Bradford, this is how they serve their Fish Karahi. Glasgow Chefs do not get it. Quality Fish Karahi is as good as a Curry can be. On spotting bits of green, Marg rounded them up, good girl. These turned out to be the never intrusive, and certainly manageable, slices of Bullet Chilli. Not the dreaded Capsicum, still, Marg wasn’t taking any chances, and set aside they remained. Marg:
My Karahi Fish arrived with a piece of lemon & coriander sprinkled on top. I ate nearly all my Roti with this dish. The flaky pieces of fish sat in a rich and oily sauce. A good taste of fish and I enjoyed the lighter bread as well as a few pieces of Naan bread. The dish was hot and had a medium spice level.
Tandoori Chicken Masala
If one is going to have a Chicken Curry then Tandoori, or even Tikka, must surely enhance the experience? Alas, is it a case of those who order a Chicken Curry may as well have Capsicum included? They were certainly a feature here. Kath:
My favourite curry in Glasgow so far. Beautifully hot and spicy with succulent chicken tikka, tomatoes and green peppers and a huge family naan to share. What’s not to like and enjoy.
Chops Handi
How many Chops? – was the first thing I asked Graeme.
Three.
That’s a bit stingy.
However, there was plenty of boneless Lamb in the mix.
The light brown, Thick Masala remains a mystery. On any other day, a Soupçon might have been requested, but no way was the Hector going to distract the palate from the Karahi Gosht & Spinach. Graeme offered no tasting notes.
Eventually, Graeme realised that having the solitary Meat Chop afore was a mistake. He claimed that he would have managed the lot otherwise. Some Masala remained, under different circumstances this would have become Takeaway.
How was everything, ok, did you enjoy it? – asked a different waiter,
Everything was ok, and we enjoyed it.
We established later that our original waiter had been sent out to fetch more Champagne.
Graeme joined Marg in a Chai, Desi Tea (£4.95). As is written above, Akbar’s do make their big profits on Drinks. Marg:
I completed the meal with Masala Chai in a large mug. Perfect.
The Bill
£113.60
The Aftermath
As we left our table, the assistant manager commented that it is some time since my last visit. (less than four months)
I have many places to get round.
Imran, Mein Host, was standing at the door with friends. His civvies suggested that he was off duty. Whilst I congratulated him on the quality of the food served this evening, I had to drop – I’m off to Bradford next week – into the conversation.
Four nights, at least four entries in Curry-Heute should be forthcoming.