Lord Clive of Crawley is in Glasgow this weekend, as is the custom, there would be the consumption of Quality Curry. Having enjoyed the South Indian Flavours of Banana Leaf in recent times, Rishi’s Indian Aroma (61 Bath St., Glasgow, G2 2DG) was a logical follow up. That Hector recently re-discovered the wonder of the Fish Chettinadu at Rishi’s original outlet in Aberdeen was further motivation to return to Rishi’s-Glasgow.
We arrived just before 13.00, the venue has changed since Visit #1 some five years ago. I recall darkness, Rishi’s is now bright. The tablecloths have gone also. Rishi’s is now closer to a Curry Cafe than the traditional Indian Restaurant. Grey, everything was grey, quite a transformation. Families with young children were already in situ at the rear of the main dining room. I led Clive up the few steps to the dining room which also houses the Bar. We were greeted then shown to a table directly under a source of hot air, we had to move to the table adjacent to the Bar.
Three staff were front of house, all Ladies, all young. This was again markedly different from Visit #1 when I was greeted by chaps as soon as I crossed the threshold, was hardly given room to breathe, and then felt ignored.
The Menu was provided. Two chaps sitting to my left no doubt were intrigued by my photographing all. I quickly realised that the Menu was all I was going to capture. People sat at the window tables prevented my taking photos of this dining room. The main room filled up quickly, no chance there either.
I found Chicken Chettinadu (£10.95) but no Fish or Lamb equivalent which were available in May 2013. I would have to ask. Lamb Karahi (£11.95) would be the fallback but only if the – Capsicum – could be withheld.
The youngest of the Ladies came to take the Order.
You have Chicken Chettinadu, in Aberdeen there is Fish Chettinadu and Lamb Chettinadu, do you have these?
We have chicken – was the reply, start again.
She went off to check, the Head Waitress was consulted, she returned. Lamb Chettinadu (£11.95) could be provided. Clive is generally happy to have a Chicken Curry and so opted for the Chicken Chettinadu.
I was appalled at the price of Mushroom Rice on Visit #1, it has increased from £4.29 to £4.45. Come on, writes Hector who has just returned from Bradford where the favoured Curry Houses have Rice/Chapattis/Naan inclusive, not to mention Mainland Europe where copious Rice is also inclusive with Main Dishes. Given the perfection of the – White Paratha – served at the Rishi’s-Aberdeen, I hoped this would be repeated here in Glasgow. Two Single Parota (£2.25) were ordered. Having written often about the obscene price of Bread at many Aberdeen venues, it was ironic to find that Rishi’s-Glasgow charge more for a Paratha than Rishi’s-Aberdeen, though at the latter venue, they are small. I was interested to see what would come.
I could see glasses of tap water lined up on the Bar along with Jugs. I asked for a Jug of Tap Water, two glasses came. I subsequently watched the glasses being topped up and rapidly replaced. Why not give out the Jugs? Eventually, we were given a Jug.
During our wait I watched Doza being proudly taken to customers. I have never fancied these or the Thali-style accompaniments. Hector seeks Curry.
Lamb Chettinadu
I have to accept that in the UK, a Traditional Blended Masala would be in abundance. Only at the Indian Mango (München) is the Fisch/Lamm Chettinad served with Minimal Masala. Guess where Hector will be in four days! (… and five…)
This Chettinadu was the Soupy Curry I tend to eschew, especially when it comes with Meat almost – swimming – in the Masala. The Meat count was an instant disappointment. Here lay four decent sized pieces of Lamb accompanied by two tiddlers. This Lamb Chettinadu was not value for money.
The South Indian Smokey Flavours is why we were here. A welcome sight was the desired Dry Red Chilli which is an integral part of making a Chettinad so distinctive.
*
The Paratha was as hoped for and a decent size too. This – White Paratha – ticked all the boxes and more. The Layering and Flakiness were there, plus the classic – Swirl. It is the Softness and total lack of Grease which makes this style of Paratha a standout. One Paratha each proved to be quite sufficient, however, I must proclaim that with this style of Masala, Rice would still have been a more logical accompaniment. Hector was not missing out on this Paratha.
The Spice hit first then the anticipated wonderful Flavours. Tomatoes, Green Cardamom, and Onion Seeds were all encountered. Aniseed may well have played a part in the root of the Overall Flavour also. The Spice Level was pitched well, this Curry may have been too much for some. Rice would have tempered this. The Seasoning was a tad below – brave – but still a significant part of what makes a Chettinad. Chetttinad, perhaps the antithesis of the Karahi which Hector favours most, but so full of Flavour, it has to be experienced.
Chicken Chettinadu
The Masala was identical to the Lamb Chettinadu as one would expect. I asked Clive to count his Meat.
Six – was the reply. That did not impress, however, Clive was immediately taken by his Curry:
This is really quite good – was his first announcement. He ate on, in silence, and was finished long before Hector who has to eat a lot more slowly than in bygone years.
That was very, very good – was his final statement.
The Head Waitress had come over to ask the customary question. Our pleasure at eating the Fayre was declared. I had to ask about the décor. I was told that Rishi’s has only been like that this for six months. She admitted that the former décor was too dark, is it now too bright?
The Bill
£27.40 Portions are relatively small at Rishi’s-Glasgow. Banana Leaf serve the same Curry with appreciably more Meat at two thirds of the price, but then one has to be happy to sit in less salubrious surroundings. One takes one’s choice.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left with the cash and hence without comment.
As we headed to the door I was surprised to see that nearly every table was occupied, even more families, and very young children. Business here is booming, as does any noise made by customers – very echoey.
