The adage – the best thing about going away is coming home – may be true in the World of Curry. This is especially so when one’s preference is for Punjabi Fayre, not the Euro Curry which has been on offer in the past two weeks in Deutschland and Polska. I suppose Euro Curry is not much worse than what prevails in the UK Mainstream Curry Houses.
Had Hector been dining alone, then Karahi Palace would have been today’s venue of choice, a half-kilo at Ambala (11 Forth St., Glasgow G41 2SP) is on the steep side.
Mags and John were willing co-diners, two kilos of Lahori Charsi Lamb Karahi (£24.99) were ordered yesterday, one – on-the-bone -, the other – boneless.
John still prefers the full quantity of the boneless, his plan was to eat what he could then take the surplus home. Hector and Mags sharing a kilo is now tried and tested, as is Hector and Marg. Marg had finally found a hockey ball needing struck this afternoon.
The rendezvous at Ambala was at 14.01, not a typo, just someone’s OCD. Marg dropped Hector off at the top of Forth Street very early. The rain was pouring down, Poznan, Warszawa, Kraków, Glasgow, as long as it’s only the rain that has followed me for the last week then all is well. Refuge was sought in the Strawberry Garden Cash & Carry next door which is always busy and has been understood to be a greengrocer. Strawberry Garden sells everything associated with Curry making, including a non-non-stick Tawa which Hector will be back to liberate as soon as the rain stops.
Entering Ambala, the place was empty, I took a window seat, quite a treat. I was hoping to put a face to Zaheer who promotes Ambala vigorously on social media, it was his able assistant who would look after us this afternoon. This chap I have known for ages, it is about time a name was established.
A new Menu was on the tables, I was assured it was the same as the previous one, except printed on blue. This I can confirm, prices remain the same. I was not missing the opperchancity to establish why the Karahi Gosht at Ambala has been in a different league this year. Mein Host admitted that there is a new Chef, Rizwan. He also told me – The Boss – had recently been to Pakistan and has learned – a few things. Having watched many a video on how to make Karahi Gosht, Hector is still nowhere near recreating the appearance and flavours of what is presently served at Ambala.
I completed the Track & Trace form on behalf of the three. Hopefully our seating arrangement would be within acceptable parameters.
*
All assembled, it was time to confirm the Bread order: Chilli & Coriander Naan (£2.99) for Hector, Tandoori Roti (£1.20) for Mags, and Chapatti John kept it down to four Chapattis (£1.30). Last time the waitress told us Chapattis were not available, weird. So today, John had his kilo of Boneless, to himself, and a bundle of Chapattis, all was set.
The Chapattis were served whole, the Naan and Roti in quarters. Why do I keep forgetting to ask for my Bread to be served – whole? The Coriander was lost in translation, however, the Chilli Naan was excellent, only a scrap was left, so Ambala have theirs judged to being a manageable size. The centre was compressed, the edges had risen, yum.
A Salad and two Dips accompanied the Order, a welcome touch, especially as Black Olives featured prominently plus two styles of Pickled Chillies. The Dips remained untouched.
Lahori Charsi Lamb Karahi – boneless
Lahori Charsi Lamb Karahi – on-the-bone
This is what Hector lives for. Topped with sprinklings of Coriander, copious Ginger Strips and slices of the large Green Chillies, the Oil was already separating from the Masala as the Karahi were presented.
The Lamb was simply Wonderful, Soft, bursting with Flavour. The bone count was decidedly favourable. The so-rich Masala had such a distinctive Flavour, and with the Chilli Naan, packed a good punch too. Everything just worked so well together, the Salad contents adding further Diversity. Every mouthful was sheer pleasure. The Spice was well judged, needless to say the Seasoning was – brave – and as such all the Flavours worked in synergy to create another Ambala masterpiece.
The kilo proved to be just the right quantity, we would not leave wanting more, we would not leave stuffed. John was tested; I’m sure it was less than a half kilo that was sent for Takeaway … along with one Chapatti. Such restraint.
Fantastic quality and value – remarked John – a classic Karahi.
Full of flavour, spice just right, lamb very tender and delicious – added Mags.
Mein Host had asked twice during our meal if there was anything else we desired. What more could he do? Dessert was out of the question.
The Bill
£58.07 Consider that this was effectively purchased for four.
The Aftermath
I had asked if Chef Rizwan was willing to make an appearance, not only that, he was happy to oblige for a photo.
Welcome to Curry-Heute, Maestro.
Update, Monday, October 5, 2020
It is mine…