Monday lunch, it was too soon to return to Yadgar or Karahi Palace. In the small hours the notion developed, no Karahi for Hector, let’s go back to Shahi Mahal (452 Cathcart Rd., Govanhill, Glasgow G40 7B2) and have – what’s on offer. Something regularly experienced at Yadgar , but never at Karahi Palace.
On the bus across the Clyde, I watched Sky News on the trusty Oppo. Scotland’s new First Minister was being announced, what a time they took to do so, prolonging the moment. Without further ado… an oft quoted line, why have any – ado?
Scotland now has a First Minister of Pakistan heritage, whilst in that London, there is a Prime Minister of Indian heritage. Partition soon?
I arrived at Shahi Mahal at 14.20, it’s Ramadan, few other customers were anticipated. The – friend – of Zahir I met last time was manning the show. No sign of Zahir, Mein Host, today, though I did hear constant chopping coming from the kitchen. Someone was being kept busy.
Friend – talked me through the Dishes on display. Aloo Gosh (£7.50) with Rice (£2.50) was duly ordered. Again, I quote the Takeaway prices, though Rice is included with the Curry in that format. The wait was not long, a quick reheat.
I was pleased that Pilao had been provided, with Coriander mixed through. The portion was huge, enough to share. Salad and Raita were again presented, one pays for these, not Complimentary, as is the usually the case in the Glasgow Curry Cafes. The Salad was chilled, fresh, and the Raita added even more pleasure. Tasty Raita, keep it coming.
Aloo Gosh
Simply adding Potato to Curry does not make Aloo Gosht. The authentic version, as featured here, has Shorva. It was at Sheerin Palace, Zahir’s previous place of employment, that Hector grew to appreciate that Shorva has its merits.
I decanted the Lamb, served – on-the-bone – to the plate of Pilau. Three pieces of Potato, the Meat count was into double figures, a substantial portion, more than that served at the western end of Allison Street. I kept half of the Shorva back for the end game, otherwise the Rice may have absorbed all the liquid too soon.
The Meat varied from Tender to a bit chewy, a big Lamb Flavour burst onto the palate. There was Spice, there was Seasoning, there was Flavour. On addressing the Shorva-soaked Rice, – Mmmmm – lovely. Both the Meat and the Potatoes had absorbed the Flavours from the Shorva, hence they both had a lot to give back. One simply does not experience this in the – Curry – served in the Mainstream Restaurants.
My final note was on the Shorva, the Seasoning here was simply superb, as a consequence, the Flavours were immense. This was – Curry.
I was in a quandary, stop and take the excess Rice home, or eat on and do my best. The ongoing pleasure was such that I adopted the latter. Hopefully what I had to abandon did not disrespect those who will have to wait until 19.45 to eat today.
The Bill
£13.00 I had eaten well, for a modest sum.
The Aftermath
The Flavours lingered long on the palate. That was a wonderful Aloo Gosht.