Hector having Mainstream, Restaurant Curry in G1? With three city centre venues yet to be reviewed in Curry-Heute, time to get one in. Last year, 2025, Zaika Taal (82 Howard St., Glasgow G1 4EE) moved into the premises vacated by Madras Cafe. The latter had moved a couple of blocks east to Stockwell Street. Maybe one day I shall get around to investigating them, again.
Lamb Curry options at Zaika Taal appeared to number four. Rogan Josh (£15.00) is listed as being on-the-bone, always the better option. The – red sauce – less of an attraction.
Arriving in Howard Street at 14.30, in what feels like the arse-end of nowhere, the only exterior photo I could manage would either have a vaper, or one of the ubiquitous delivery bikers outside. I decided to employ Pedro, my imaginary, A1 (sic) friend to remove these unsightly obstacles.
One block back from the Clyde waterfront, Howard Street, such a horrible locus. But then, the waterfront glaringly lacks attractions. Should we blame – The Planners?
A group of six, centre room, plus a solo chap near the corner, were in situ. The chap was just about to finish. The waiter suggested a corner table, then changed his mind. I was invited to sit at the table of my choice. The corner table at the window was fine, from there I could survey all. However, Pedro would help erase the group such that I could safely post the photo which best captured the setting.
The Two-Course Value Menu (£14.50) featured three further Lamb Dishes (+£3.00), Rogan Josh too, almost tempting. The All-In-One Express Lunch (£10.00) was instantly dismissed, a Thali containing a Chicken Curry as the only non-Veg component.
To accompany, I had planned on having Jeera Rice (£4.00), but at the last minute changed to Matar Pulao (£4.50).
You have Lamb on-the-bone? – I asked tentatively. So often, Restaurants advertise this but do not deliver.
I have Goat on-the-bone.
Better still!
A 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£5.00) completed the Order.
I had time to take in my surroundings. In this incarnation, the layout has changed little, if at all. Previously, the majority of the clientele seen here were of Indian heritage, none today, so far. As I made that note, so two Asian chaps entered and were joined by a staff member. An interview? Thereafter, three more ladies and a female solo diner.
Curry at 15.00 on a Saturday, maybe it’s catching on?
Zaika Taal, the translation was provided. Neat.
A Poppadom and a decent portion of Spiced Onions were presented. It has been a while. Whilst the Hector never orders such – pre-Starters, venues which automatically present them should be praised.
Tasty, Spicy, fresh, appreciated.
Twenty minutes from the time of ordering until presentation of the Curry, realistic.
The Matar Pulao had Sweetcorn and Coriander Leaves in addition to the anticipated Peas.
A sensible portion, one hoped there would be enough Masala to match the Rice. With only a side plate to hand, the Poppadom remnants were relocated, the larger, dinner plate surely the better option from which to have Curry & Rice?
A Sweetness registered, the Sweetcorn, maybe not such a good addition after all.
Rogan Josh
No – red sauce – a plus already. Five seriously large pieces of Meat on-the-bone were arranged over the Rice. The remaining tiddlers followed.
Aloo!
One Potato, two Potato, three Potato four! What a welcomed addition, I now had quite an array of Interesting Vegetables.
Spooning on the Brown, Thick, Blended Masala, slices of Garlic were encountered, followed by Whole Black Peppercorns, a Green Cardamom, halved Green Chillies, cooked-in, then a wedge of Cinnamon Bark. The inedible bits were set aside, tick the – Desi – boxes.
This Curry was already beyond expectation.
Having sampled the Matar Pulao first, this Sweetness had taken the palate in one direction, the Masala had to overcome this. There was a clash of Flavours, then, thankfully, the Masala won out. Once settled, the beginnings of a good, old-fashioned Curry began to emerge.
Fingers were required for the Big Bones, posh types may have employed a knife. Hector avoids using two implements: one hand, one fork/spoon, one mouth.
A familiar Meaty blast, glorious, as – Lamby as … but this was Goat! Had I not known, I would have accepted this as Lamb/Mutton, without challenge. Bits of fat, sinew, connected Meat to Bone, perfectly acceptable. There was even a Sucky Bone, but this had no Meat attached. The odd bits of Boneless Goat made up for this. Plenty of eating here, the price of the Curry, certainly justified.
Soft, as soft Meat can be, nowhere near pulp, this Goat on-the-bone was a joy.
The waiter came over to ask the customary question. The reply was an emphatic positive. I had come to Zaika Taal expecting over-priced, Mainstream Curry. Curry-Heute is not a brochure, but does its best in describing the voyage of discovery. Mid-meal, a familiar face walked past the window. That there was no glance towards the Curry House, reveals all. There’s more.
Five wedges of Potato, each of which had absorbed the Flavours of the Masala, an unexpected delight. Yet in the array of Interesting Vegetables, the Sweetcorn was still spoiling the moment. Note to self:
no Sweetcorn with Curry.
In all the excitement, the basics had yet to be recorded. at first, the Spice Level was hardly noticeable. In time, a – wee kick – registered, the Green Chillies making their presence known, and some. The Seasoning was acceptable, a tad more could have elevated the experience towards the – wow!
Far from being a Soupy Curry, the quantity of Masala was commensurate with the volume of Rice. In the final moments, the dilemma: force down the remnants, or declare? The abandoned couple of mouthfuls were no disgrace.
A Restaurant Curry, well above the Mainstream, and not Merchant City prices.
A worthy choice
The Bill
£24.50
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented, the standard outline of Curry-Heute related.
Sometimes once captures the interest of the recipient, typically if they have a stake in the business, not today.
2026 Menu
