Glasgow – Darbar Grill – Methi v Spinach

With Hector le Chef off-duty today, it had to be Curry, what else? Choices in Glasgow, early afternoon on a Sunday, are limited. Darbar Grill (140 Allison Street, Glasgow G42 8RP) was closest to my eventual destination and would surely be open. Indeed, from 11.00 every day, so how this works with – breakfast – I shall have to enquire further.

Moiz, son of Ahmed, Mein Host was there to greet. He talked me through the containers on display. This is why I was here, something quick. Earlier this year, Hector had the – Lamb Karahi – authentic, and cooked to order as it must be. Today I was intent on having something not covered here to date. Having watched yet another Curry video on the ever so reliable – Oppo – on the bus across the river, Spinach had been planted in the consciousness.

The Chicken Keema Aloo looked to be suitably – Dry. The Spinach with Potato also appealed despite being a mass of Green. Potato in both, Hector craves Potatoes? Something happened at Karahi Palace yesterday. I asked for a half portion of each with a Chapatti (£1.00) to accompany.

I took the table opposite the counter, Ahmed came out from the kitchen, pleasantries were exchanged. He suggested I take a larger table, however, I was determined to give the other diners their space. We were six at 14.00 on a Sunday afternoon.

Two steaming hot bowls were brought to the table. As – half portions – go, these were generous.

A large, Wholemeal Chapatti completed this unexpected feast.

*

Keema (Murgh) Aloo

A Herb, hopefully – Methi – was mixed through the fine grains of Chicken. As in all authentic Keema Dishes, the Masala, if any, was at an absolute minimum, yet the Curry was decidedly – moist. A micro-puddle of Oil sat atop, any peripheral Oil was again minimal.

I wasn’t expecting what followed: the Flavour from this – Chicken Curry – astonished! The Spice registered and then grew on the palate. The Seasoning was up at Hector Levels, then the – Methi Blast – hit. This Curry had it, had it all, and the small cut pieces of Potato added even more. I had come to Darbar Grill for a quick lunch, not to be totally taken aback.

Ahmed did fool me once with a Chicken Namkeen Karahi which he cooked for Mother and I in 2017. (How young did Moiz look back then?) Evidently, Ahmed has the ability to transform this blandest of Meats into the spectacular. This must be the best Chicken Curry experience I have had since the 1970’s, the days of Gunga Din (Dundee) and their Murgh Masala Bad Shuli.

Aloo Palak / Saag Aloo

Even allowing for the larger pieces of Potato, this was very much a case of – eat your greens. A classic pulp, this is not the style that I go to often, however, one gets a notion and today was the day. The – Earthy Flavours – had been absorbed by the Potato. Potato, Hector had his mysterious craving sated, for today at least.

Having decanted both Dishes, it was a matter of alternating between Veg and Meat. The contrasting Herb Flavours were noted, for Hector, Methi wins hands down.

The Bill

£8.00   Moiz was keen to show me their new itemised printouts, still no Menu as such. Ahmed was keen to let Hector have this – on the house. In the end, money did change hands.

I can’t come back if I don’t pay.

The Aftermath

Moiz reminded me that he does read these pages and therefore no doubt relays my observations to his father. Today was something special.

When Hector next joins – The Bad Boys’ Club – on a Sunday afternoon, Darbar Grill is where Curry will be secured.