Everyone surely has their favourite Local Takeaway, Hector unfortunately does not. In the past I have mentioned The Clydebank Curry Taste, everything comes out pretty much the same. It was in Clydebank where, once upon a time Rogan Josh was first experienced as a Creamy Dish with Nuts, far removed from the familiar Helensburgh Akash (Original). One is envious of those with Yadgar as their Local Takeaway, to an extent.
Suppose, just for a moment, that there was a Takeaway in Clydebank that was serving Outstanding Curry and Hector was unaware. Given the dark nights, driving to The City to eat at the familiar or go exploring is unattractive, time to explore the Hinterland.
Hot & Spicy (18 Alexander St., Clydebank, G81 1RZ) is a few doors down from the New Café Punjab. The latter sells perfectly competent Mainstream Curry (delivery until 23.00), but nothing particularly close to what I have come to recognise as Punjabi Cuisine. Tonight would be perhaps my fourth visit to Hot & Spicy, previously this has been when Hector was a very naughty boy. The Donner Kebab. One could feed a family of four with a Large Donner served here. The occasional indulgence.
Two Chaps resplendent in Red Polo-shirts were manning the Takeaway. Pizzas, Kebabs and Burgers are well advertised, Curry served until 11pm the signs say, – why? I had studied the Curry Menu whilst waiting for my last Donner, enough to tempt.
Can you make a Curry to my specification?
The Chaps exchanged glances, pen and paper were brought.
Tender Lamb, not Tikka.
No Capsicum.
Minimal Sauce – Dry.
This needed further clarification.
Not Soup with Meat swimming in it.
Extra Seasoning.
?
Salt.
Extra Methi.
Spicy.
Rice was discussed. Had I already given up on a – Dry – Curry? A Special Rice was mentioned. No Capsicum. Fruit was mentioned. Something different.
The Bill
£8.50. For £8.00 I could have had Meal A – which includes Curry and Rice with Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and Vegetable Pakora.
I was entertained by the non-scribe making a Pizza. A new Chap appeared from the Kitchen smartly dressed in blue shirt and tie, not The Chef then?
There was no sign of a Chef, no familiar scraping sounds. The Pizza was ready, a Blue Bag appeared, so did another chap in blue shirt and striped tie, from the street. He went behind the counter too. Bear with me, this is going somewhere.
The Blue Bag was handed over, in exchange I gave The Calling Card. Back to The Hector Mobile, but there was a keen look into the empty New Café Punjab. Spot The Chap in the Red Polo-shirt.
Photographic rituals completed time to tuck in. There was an oven reheat whilst the Hector prepared to settle. A mass of Rice complete with Mushrooms, Peas and … what were the Soft Yellow Bits? A Fruit, but which? There was enough Rice for Two Diners. I sampled this first, fine, but a Clove or Green Cardamom may have enhanced the experience.
The long tray Curry portion was substantial. Around Ten large pieces of Tender Lamb were smothered in Plenty Masala. So much for – Dry. Let’s try something new.
Tender Lamb, not Tikka. Yes
Capsicum withheld. Yes
Minimal Sauce – Dry. No
Not Soup. OK
Extra Seasoning. No
Extra Methi. Don’t know
Spicy. Yes
There was a definite Kick from the Masala which had no sense of added Herbs or Seasoning. Just a bit more Seasoning was required, so not too bad there. Wetter than I hoped for, but far from Soup, the Rice soaked up the excess Masala. Mushroom and Peas were the dominant Interesting Vegetables. This was typical Mainstream Clydebank Curry and there was lots of it. The Fruit? Peach I thought, tinned definitely. Gotcha. Enjoyable, well yes, Hector enjoys Curry. If anything it makes one appreciate The Favourite Places even more.
Where was this Curry cooked?
Back in the summer I spotted a Chap sporting a Turban walk in here from the New Café Punjab. This evening I spotted two Chaps dressed for Restaurant work, not a Takeaway. The Red Polo back in New Café Punjab? Curry served until 23.00. The Magical appearance of The Curry. The Fruit in the Rice. Here is an extract from the New Café Punjab Menu – Special Rice, Cooked with fruit cocktail, mushrooms & peas. QED.
Hector concludes that Hot & Spicy prepares Pizza, Burgers and Kebabs, only. Prove me wrong.
Update July 2016
With the closure of New Cafe Punjab, the Curry Chefs have moved in here.
Hot & Spicy is now officially Cafe Punjab too!