Having only realised that the New Anand (76 Nithsdale Rd, Glasgow G41 2AN) is open at Lunchtimes a couple of weeks ago, today was the first Opperchancity to finally do a proper review. Last year I managed to report on Takeaway Starters courtesy of Marg who was passing one evening. Today, Mother and Hector would have Mains.
Entering at 13.15, New Anand was empty. A Lady greeted us and guided us to a table for two at the window. I was surprised to find a Buffet available at Lunchtime (£6.50), the Lady was surprised when I asked for the Menu. I shall never know what Quantity of Curry was sitting in the kettles waiting to be consumed. The Evening Buffet (£9.95) was the attraction for many some twenty years ago when Hector was a regular at New Anand. An overdose of Meaty Starters followed by Quality Lamb Curry was the norm on a Saturday evening. How the Hector Palate has changed since those days.
New Anand is located only a few blocks south and/or west of what is the Core of Curryland on Glasgow’s Southside. I was interested to establish if they maintained only the Mainstream, or if they had adopted the more Contemporary – Desi – Dishes that are a feature of the nearby Curry Cafes. Anand Specialities – sadly confirmed that they have not moved on. Hang on, Lamb Karahi (£9.25), there was a chance this might be what Hector wants, the description did not mentioned the Dreaded Ballast. Lamb Achari (£8.95) and Special Lamb Achari (£9.25), the descriptions are the same, how do they differ? I would take advice.
I chose Lamb Bhoona (£8.50) for Mother with Boiled Rice (£2.25), that was the easy part. The Lamb Bhoona is no doubt what I maxed out on here in bygone days. I enquired about the Lamb Karahi:
Is it served with Onions and Capsicum, or is it in the Desi-style as served in Yadgar? (a five minute walk away).
Unfortunately, I was told theirs did include Onion and Capsicum, and so to the Achari.
What is the difference between the Achari and the Special Achari?
The Special has Onion and Capsicum.
The Lady immediately offered to have the Peppers withheld. Success.
Twenty years ago I was unaware of – Paratha, Naan was all. Paratha (£2.75) it had to be.
Two Poppadoms were brought from the kitchen, Spiced Onion and a Dip were taken from the Buffet. This was a generous Portion of Spiced Onions, just as well, Mother took to these instantly.
That’s lovely – said Mother regarding the Poppadom and Spiced Onion. She was certainly up for it today.
Two brimming Karahi were presented, a huge amount of Curry in each. The Bhoona did not have the Thick Masala I had anticipated, the Special Achari was so Moist I was already making the observation – Soup. There was far more Masala than I would ever need regardless of how much Meat was in the Karahi.
Two Hot dinner plates were brought, I declined mine, why decant when using Bread? I gave Mother more Rice than 
she would ever eat still leaving enough for later. I had already calculated that Mother would be going home with a Doggy Bag.
The Paratha was served – Whole! Yes! It was massive, Thick and Oily. I tore into it, the hoped for Layering was there. Piping Hot, this was impressing before I even started.
Special Lamb Achari
Topped with Minimal Fresh Coriander, I could see the telltale burnt extremities of a piece of Lamb protruding through the Masala – Tikka Lamb. This was – the difference. I would not have ordered this Dish had this information been relayed. Of course I like Tikka Lamb, but without Masala, Tender Lamb in Curry please.
There was no way I could count the Quantity of Meat at the start, there was so much buried in the copious Masala. The first dip of the impressive Paratha revealed a – Big Pickle Hit. Chef had not held back here, sometimes I feel they simply wave the Pickle Jar over the Masala, this was a real infusion. The Heat, Spice Level and Seasoning were most satisfying. What was not to like? I had Meat and Masala, some accompanying Vegetables would have improved the overall experience. But it was me who had asked for them to be withheld. A lesson for the Hector: I should have ordered better. Rice would have been better with this Achari. I ate on, there must have been twenty pieces of Tikka Lamb. In terms of Mainstream Curry, this was in keeping with expectations.
Lamb Bhoona
I dipped some Paratha into the Masala. This was pretty much the same Blended Masala as presented in the Achari, without the Pickle of course, it was inevitably not as exciting for me. Mother would have her own verdict. As she ate I spotted pieces of cooked Tomato strewn through the Masala. This interpretation of Bhuna was different from what I remember here, Mother was thoroughly enjoying her Curry. With a comparable Quantity of Meat to the Achari, Mother waved the white flag with still some six good-sized pieces of Tender Lamb remaining.
The Lady had come over to ask the customary question:
The Paratha is wonderful – I exclaimed immediately.
How did you find your Curry?
Fine – was my perhaps understated reply.
Once we had finished Mother was more re-assuring:
I thoroughly enjoyed that. She mentioned the hot dinner plate, this always pleases Mother.
The Doggy Bag was arranged.
The Bill
£22.75. Could we really have had the same for £13.00? I am tempted to return to find out…. What we had was value for money.
The Aftermath
I went up to the counter to pay and offer the Calling Card. I related how I was a regular here twenty years ago, but my taste has moved away from Mainstream to Desi Cuisine. Of course she can cook this way, the Fayre is just not served here. The India Trip of 2016 somehow was wedged into the conversation, this always gives Curry-Heute more credence.
Mother’s farewell words:
I enjoyed that meal today. I’ll have it (again) tomorrow.
