Glasgow – Charcoals – Conveniently Located & Open All Day

Hector is not a regular at what is probably Glasgow’s Finest City Centre Curry House. Charcoals (26A Renfield St, Glasgow, G2 1LU) are doing very well without the extra publicity that Curry-Heute can bring, the Array of Awards acquired since Mein Host, Muhammed Sultan took over a few years back is proudly on display high up on the left wall. This is only my second visit in almost the last two years since my final Curry with Dr. Rick, Charcoals was his choice that day. Charcoals forever will have this Dr. Rick association.
Entering @16.00 I knew I would be there before the Pre-theatre Rush when one cannot expect a table without a Reservation. Muhammed gave the sincerest of greetings and warmest of handshakes and acknowledged that my visits here are sporadic. A table for four was cleared, I was sat facing towards the corridor that splits the doorway seating from the interior seating. It is much brighter here.
The Menu looked a bit different, revamped, though the Dishes I have enjoyed in the past remained. Muhammad does not want his guests to be bored he assured me. This may well be the Venue where Hector first encountered Rara Gosht, instead of the obvious Lamb Desi on-the-bone it was time to finally try the Adraki Gosht (£9.95) which promised Herbs. One Chapatti (£1.30) would probably have done, but two were recorded.
The well-fired Complimentary Poppadoms were brought with a Selection of Dips, Spiced Onion and a Chickpea Salad. Two sharing would find this to be An Elegant Sufficiency, quite a Feast for One. No sooner had I come to terms with this when a Sizeable Portion of Chicken Pakora was placed alongside. The Hector has always been well looked after on his visits to Charcoals.
Muhammad is well aware of the Curry-Heute website and enquired as to my Travels. Iceland had to be mentioned, not many can say they have had Curry there. As it happens, the Lady from the Icelandic Tourist Board was a relativity recent visit to Charcoals. So it goes.
Other Curry houses the City Centre of Glasgow were discussed. It is evident that Charcoals is currently the only place I intend to re-visit. Nowhere else has Quality and Quantity served at a Decent price. Few City centre Venues are open mid-afternoon when Hector prefers – to Dine.
Lahori Dera in Manchester was mentioned, Muhammad has been there, even before it was called this. I had to admit to my lack of coverage of the Entity known as London. Beetling back to Crawley is the preferred option.
Hector is not a huge fan of Chicken Pakora, Fish Pakora remains the Ultimate. Today’s was as good as I have had. The Batter was Fresh, Hot and Spicy, the Chicken was, Chicken.
The Meat had to be eaten, this was at the expense of the array of Vegetables proffered. Room had to be left for The Mains. There was also a realisation that Yesterday’s Dining Experience now felt like an Ordeal and had left an unwelcomed impact on The Hector Palate. I was still tasting traces of Ghormeh Sabzi. This Dish was discussed with Muhammad, he too could not believe the Red Kidney Beans.
Two of the Lightest (Hottest) Fluffiest Chapattis I have ever been served accompanied the Adraki Gosht. The Tender Lamb was Plentiful, one stops counting when Double Figures are reached. Chopped Spring Onions were mixed through the Very Rich Masala. Slightly Oily this was Intensely Flavoured, exactly where the Signature Flavour of Charcoals’ Masala comes from is hard to describe. It is far from the – I could cook this at home – which I felt on my First Visit under this regime
With Muhammad never far away I was able to continue the Curry Talk as I ate. The Ginger Strips gave the Crunch and Varied Texture which is always appreciated. This was an Opperchancity to discuss the origins of this now commonplace Topping. I used to think there was a Special Cutter until I tried Peeling and Slicing Fresh Ginger, it’s a Scoosh preparing these. Muhammad said he had been brought up with this. So why did it take so long to arrive in Glasgow?
Knowing that Yadgar is regarded by this Blogger as The Best in Glasgow, Muhammad hopes to have his Curry attain this Accolade. A bit more Seasoning and perhaps Citrus in the Masala may give an extra – Oomph in Flavour. But, I have no knowledge as to what Yadgar’s Chef – Mr. Arshad – does to create their Magnificent Creations.

Still, is there better Curry served in the City Centre?

The Bill
£14.30. With the Sparkling Water, this is appreciably less than one would pay in other Glasgow City Centre venues. The Curry is way-better too.

The Aftermath
G-RAF, the Glasgow Real Ale Festival is to be held once again at the Briggait on the last weekend of June. This will given the opperchancity to visit Charcoals other outlet on Trongate at Glasgow Cross.

Visit the Foreign Bar and I’ll pour you a Bier.