Two weeks ago, Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) put themselves firmly on Hector’s Curry Radar. A bespoke Hector Curry was served, both Steve and Hector were well impressed. Hopefully things at the former Cafe Salma are settling down. A new, cheaper Menu is in place with the Dishes, both Punjabi and Moroccan, that date back to the halcyon Cafe Salma days.
Akhtar, Mein Host, shook my hand on entry. He had missed my last visit, so our last encounter was in October. I should have been here more often, something tells me Mia – Sugar & Spice will soon be moving up the page to be included in Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.
Akhtar informed me that I was mentioned when he spoke to Hassan recently. Marg and Hector visited Hassan, proprietor of the former Cafe Salma in Casablanca last summer. It is good to know that through Akhtar, and just as importantly, Chef Assif, the spirit of Cafe Salma lives on.
I was offered a large table in the main part of the room but instead opted to sit at a smaller table to the rear at the kitchen hatch. Chef Assif acknowledged my arrival. Why clear the unused table settings just for me? Two families were in situ as I took my seat, both approaching the end of their meals. More people would arrive, this is encouraging, after the experiments which were New Cafe Salma and Masala Zing. Others too are taking Mia – Sugar & Spice seriously.
If Hector is going to become more regular here then the Menu will have to be explored. Lamb Desi Handi (£9.95) tops the list, though I will not be going as far as Haleem or Paye. Having had Bread on the previous visits I felt it was time to consider the Rice. The Menu has Boiled or Pilau, no Interesting Vegetables here. If you don’t ask…
Akhtar took the order. Above Medium – was the agreed strength. I asked about Vegetable Rice which was irresistible back in the Salma days. This was not a problem.
A Complimentary Poppadom and Dips were set before me by the Young Waiter, not one of the Sons unless I was mistaken.
Curry can come too quickly, today I would wait some twenty five minutes for the Desi Handi to be served. Chef Assif would no doubt be making it – just so. Akhtar came over to chat with the Lone Diner between serving the latest arrivals. I remarked that two weeks ago every table was filled, and apart from Steve and I, all were Asian. Apparently one of his Sons had a Cafe / Sweet Shop – Mia in Gibson St., some of the customers have stayed loyal.
The Young Waiter brought the huge plate of Vegetable Rice and the Desi Handi. One person could not possibly eat this quantity of Rice, however, I had to decant nearly all of it to ensure that all the Vegetables were located. Potatoes, Cauliflower, Peas and Carrots were included, exactly how I like it, essentially a Vegetable Biryani.
The Desi Handi looked so familiar. The Cafe Salma Masala was always similar to that served at The Village, this was another classic Masala-Mash of Onion and Tomato. The Karahi was full of Meat, mostly Lamb on Sucky Bones, though a Chop or two may have sneaked in too. There was soon a mass of Curry spooned over a mass of Rice and Vegetables. Here we go…
The Lamb varied from very Tender to requires Chewing. There was a lot of it. Such was the Quantity of Meat, the Masala was suitably Minimal. Last time I asked for extra Methi and well-seasoned, the Curry was Outstanding. Today I waited for the Big Flavours to emerge, no. This was still a very good Curry, but lacked the – Wow. Next time I shall spell it out, my fault.
The Bill
£15.65. This included the Sparkling Water and whatever I was charged for the Mountain of Rice.
Ravi Machi
The Aftermath
Akhtar asked me to name my favourite brand of Coffee. I do not have one, I buy Beans and percolate my own, on the rare occasion I feel like Coffee. They have to replace their Coffee Machine.
Akhtar then stated his intention to visit Hassan in Morocco. I suggested that if he is going soon he should take warm clothes. Casablanca is not that warm, especially if one has come via Marrakech.
Finally I was asked for any suggestions – Fish Curry. The Ravi Machi as served in Cafe Salma is greatly missed.