When Chapatti John spotted this photo published on a certain social medium by Namak Mandi (21-23 Bridge St, Glasgow G5 9JB) back on June 15, he had to have it, a date was put in the diary. Today happened to be the first opperchancity when John, Dr. Stan and Hector could dine together, Mags wasn’t for missing out. Four out for Curry on a Saturday afternoon? It has been a while.
The main room was almost empty when we entered just after 15.00, however, the side room was curtained off, a kiddies’ party well underway. It was noisy.
We were shown to a table for eight, to give room for the food. Within the next half hour every table in the room was occupied by family groups, even here there might have been as many weans as adults. Hector was growling.
Dr. Stan and Hector had previously agreed to share a kilo of the Special Namkeen Karahi (£33.00). John announced that he had eaten earlier, and had therefore taken the edge off his appetite. John couldn’t face the Mixed Grill (£24.00) on his own, he agreed to share a kilo with Mags. Hector was having the Chilli Naan (£3.00), Chapattis were not on the menu, John enquired, Chapattis (£1.00) were ordered.
Jugs of Water were already on the table, available only to those dining a la carte, as we were told on the last visit here for the Buffet Lunch back in 2020. The Buffet Lunch, which was incredible value, was suspended during Covid. One wonders if it will return.
The last time I had the kilo of Namkeen Karahi at Namak Mandi was in 2018, then it cost £23.98. If those who calculate the rate of inflation included Curry Houses in their calculations, the published rate of inflation would be significantly higher.
I have written about Namkeen Karahi already this week. Do read the account of my controversial visit to Mother India Cafe (Edinburgh). As today’s Karahi was already in the diary, maybe there was something subliminal going on in Hector’s brain on Wednesday when faced with the prospect of an inferior, Mainstream Karahi. Namak Mandi serve authentic Karahi. The Tomato-based Lamb Charsi Karahi (£15.00) is also available, ideal for an odd numbers of diners, or couples not brave enough to go for the Namkeen!
A Complimentary Salad, featuring Green Olives, was provided along with Chilli Sauce and Raita. Once divvied up, this was no more than an Amuse Bouche. We all commented on both the Flavour and Spice Level of the Chilli Sauce, excellent.
We settled down for the wait, a Namkeen Karahi is not going to appear in a flash, even allowing for the Lamb presumably being pre-cooked. Settled? Not in Hector’s case. Why do wee girls have to scream? The noise from next door wasn’t abating, was there a disco or a game of pass the parcel? Then there was the beat of a drum, oh no. Not to be left out, we had bawling weans in the main room.
I haven’t seen tears like this since my Higher Geography class.
John insisted that I shouldn’t be – grumpy – regarding the children. My days of tolerating weans have long gone.
Food must have been served next door, all went quiet-ish. In the main room, the families had their Kebabs long before our Karahi would arrive, it was not as bad as it could have been.
The Wholemeal Chapattis were suitably large, great value. They were presented as – Roti, but didn’t go crispy. In my Blog, theses are – Chapattis. Five in all came to the table. I’ve seen John wade through piles of the things, today two sufficed, Dr. Stan wasn’t holding back, he was soon well into his second.
The Chilli Naan had abundant Coriander too. The Naan was decidedly thin, not the risen, puffy Naan I dream of. However, this was ideal given the quantity of Meat facing me. That I nearly managed all of it, I found to be remarkable. This Chilli Naan proved to be the perfect accompaniment.
Namkeen Karahi
Photos of both, the one on my side of the table would turn out to have more bones. John would announce later that he only had three bones on his plate, this suited him. John invited Mags to draw a line, difficult given the quantity of runny Masala. Dr. Stan took a share, I did the same, that which was left was easily another portion each.
These were – good – kilos. Being John’s first Namkeen, I had to explain the difference from our usual Lahori Karahi – Salt and Black Pepper, nothing – red. The menu states Onions are included, this is more than acceptable in Hector’s World of Karahi.
The Oily Masala was runny, but way more complex than a Shorva. The Garlic was easy to spot, so no surprise when the first intake revealed a huge Peppery and Garlic blast! With a Salt & Pepper base, the Seasoning was never going to be in doubt. It was Mags who pointed out the role of the Bone Marrow in adding both Flavour and the Texture. Sucky Bones were aplenty.
The joy of having a first plateful and knowing a second awaits is what sharing a kilo is all about. The Lamb was beautifully Tender, just enough chewing required. Importantly, the Lamb was giving Flavour, this how one differentiates from what one receives in a Mainstream Restaurant. Back to the Masala, so simple a concept, bursting with Flavour, immense.
This was when the Chilli Naan was validating my choice. Had it been thicker I would have had to abandon it sooner. Somehow, today I was able to keep going. Spoon in one hand, Naan in the other, every mouthful was sheer joy, the Garlic was magnificent.
Dr. Stan, using both his knife and fork, matched me all the way. Our piles of bones grew on the plates. Mags and John were finished long before us, how they managed this I know not, far too busy concentrating on our our steadily emptying karahi.
As is the custom at Namak Mandi, every member of staff seemed to come over to check on our progress and ask the customary question. Four diners, devouring two kilos, madness?
At this rate they’ll be bringing in passers by to ask us – I remarked.
Half a Chapatti, a scrap of Naan and piles of Bones is all that remained at the end. The families had long since departed, peace in our time. Time for some contributions:
My first White Karahi – said John – and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two Chapattis were enough.
Mags – I really enjoyed that, it has been a while, full of flavour.
I was unaware of any – Mmmmmms – from Dr. Stan this afternoon.
I thought it was very good, a peppery flavour to it.
We all enjoyed the change from the Lahori Karahi.
John had more to say:
It’s a pity the drums weren’t beaten, I was ready to give you an aspirin.
The Bill
£74.00 The card machine was not working. Somewhat surprisingly, we had enough cash between us.
The Aftermath
Mein Host had been popping in and out throughout our visit. As we departed, I congratulated him on the quality of the Fayre. He asked if his son had told us the big news, nope. Announced today in the media, Namak Mandi is moving round the corner to significantly larger premises (100 Norfolk St., Glasgow G5 9EJ). In five years, they have 
outgrown their present locus. This could well become the largest Curry House in Glasgow. A one minute walk from the south side of the Suspension Bridge, this should bring even more business.
The corner of South Portland St. on Norfolk St., is where they are headed in three months. With all this space, hopefully the Buffet Lunch can be accommodated once more.