There I was on a July morning, looking for – Curry. (sorry, Ken).
Setting off for Curry before noon in Glasgow is quite unusual, however, the post-Curry activity on a Monday is shifting earlier as time passes. The joy of retirement.
After Saturday’s Soupçon of Aloo Keema at Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Govanhill/Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) the Hector was certainly coming back for more. Mobeen, usually front of house, is the stand-in Chef whilst the main man is on vacation. And so it was a ridiculously early 12.30 when the Hector reached the Southside.
Mince – was the greeting from the chap behind the counter. My near rapturous appreciation of Saturday’s Soupçon must have registered. Mobeen appeared from the kitchen – nearly ready – was the advice. I added a Naan to my Order of – Aloo Keema.
I took the same table as Saturday, but decided to face the opposite direction. A chap on my left was finishing his Bread and Vegetable creation. As the Aloo Keema was not out on display already confirmed that the Hector was about to have it – fresh.
Ten minutes – I was further advised.
I’m in no hurry.
The round Naan was served whole, yay. With a decent girth in the centre, plus a risen, puffy periphery, this proved to be an excellent Naan. Light and fluffy, delightful, I nearly managed the lot. Unheard of.
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Aloo Keema
OK, let’s recognise the excessive Oil around the rim. A heart attack on a plate, but it mostly disappeared when stirred in. Five pieces of Potato accompanied the mass of Mince. I took it to be Lamb Mince despite the lighter colour. I wasn’t going to ask and have – Chicken – spoil the day. Tomato skins, a piece of cooked in Bullet Chilli and Coriander were mixed through what was a much wetter affair compared to Saturday. Aloo Keema should be almost – Dry.
The Spice hit the back of the throat, quite a bite in there. The Seasoning was a la Hector, right up there. The Methi was less pronounced. I had to accept that a freshly cooked Curry cannot have the intensity and/or depth of Flavour compared to a one that has had time to rest. Whilst the heat of the Spice had permeated the Potato, the full Flavours had not.
In time, there was an awareness of a gentle Clove Flavour coming though. Enjoyable of course, but this lacked the – Wow! – of Saturday’s that had me rushing back. The Curry-Heute Test.
Mobeen came though to check all was well. That he is presently the Chef may explain why he is keen to establish that standards are being maintained. By late afternoon, this Aloo Keema would have been way better.
As I ate, so four chaps took the window table. Two portions of Nihari, four Naan, two Chapattis. I had never previously seen Nihari at Sheerin Palace. Lamb Shank served in their Shorva. I was once again witnessing people having Bread with Curry as opposed to Curry with Bread.
The Bill
£8.00 Is this the best value in the city?
The Aftermath
The Aloo Keema was now on display. There was no Aloo Gobi left from yesterday else I would have had some. I established that Nihari is usually always available, tempting.
Mobeen was once again keen to have me know he is the stand-in Chef. With so many new faces I was wondering if there had been a major change at Sheerin Palace. Ali – is the man, is he Chef? It is he who is on vacation, I assume.
I asked above their former Chef Zahir who now has Shahi Mahal round the corner. He was here for some two-three years only.