Monday Curry with Marg, this could almost be regarded as semi-regular. It also means the car is involved, so what better opperchancity to return to Shahi Mahal (452 Cathcart Rd., Govanhill, Glasgow G40 7B2) which could be the furthest of Glasgow’s Top Rated from Hector’s House. On the drive across the river, I announced my intention to have something that was ready, not the kilo of Lamb Karahi (£35.00). Maybe Marg was relieved having had this at Punjabi Zaiqa (Berlin) last Wednesday.
13.30, two customers were at the counter watching as quite a large Takeaway was being assembled by Zahir, Mein Host. This provided the opperchancity to study and record the surprisingly massive array of food on display.
The Starters were in the open, along the top of the counter. The Samosas looked massive.
Marg and I both considered sharing a portion (£2.50 / £4.00) but knew the likely consequences.
On the left of the covered shelf, Aloo Gosht (£7.50), Keema Karelay (£7.50) and an interesting looking Chicken Dish were the Meat options. 
Thereafter, a Mix Vegetable Curry (£5.00) with Aubergine prominent and two different Daal (£4.00). All great value, there has been no price increase since I was last here in August for my only visit of 2024. An extra 50p to sit in is displayed on the menu board, I know not if this is per Dish, per person… Under Lamb Curry was Bataera (Quail) (£7.50), I would have to enquire about this.
Marg declared that she was having the mysterious Chicken Curry. Zahir said it was – Korma (£7.00).
Desi Korma? – I asked, confirmed.
That was it, the Hector was not missing out on this. With Desi Korma so difficult to source in this city, it had to be tried. Hector ordering a Chicken Curry, calm…
Two portions, a Roti (£1.00) for Marg and Rice for Hector.
Pilau? – asked Zahir.
This sounded better than Plain (£3.50) but no price for this was apparent. I should have spotted Mix Veg Rice (£4.00). A chap was sitting mid-room having Chai, Marg was not for missing out.
You’re the Curry Blog Guy – observed the chap mid-room – I’ve seen you around. Photographing everything that doesn’t move was a bit of a giveaway. This was Brian, we have seen each other in the Southside Curry Cafes, he too misses Karahi Palace. Shahi Mahal may well be his new home.
The lady who was working in the kitchen brought out a jug of water, glasses, a Modest Salad and two bowls of Raita. An appreciated welcome. The food arrived soon after.
The Pilau was more than the Hector would manage. Marg was encouraged to have some. From here, a huge Clove hit, yet no visible sign of the Spice. This would add measurably to the overall Flavour experience.
The Roti was made from Wholemeal Flour which suited Marg. Despite the perforations, it had managed to rise and create puffy pockets. Soft initially, it may well have crisped on cooling. The Hector was otherwise distracted.
Chicken (Desi) Korma
Boneless Chicken, brown Meat, so likely to be – thigh. Chicken Breast most certainly is not for Curry, yet for simplicity that is what I used in my lessons all those years ago.
The Oily Brown Meat was full of Flavour, the Seasoning was remarkable. I have rarely tasted Chicken this good. The Spice would build to a sensible level, no complaints from Marg.
It was clear from the discolouration that the Chicken must have absorbed some of the Spices. Ali, Mein Host around the corner at Sheerin Palace, insisted when he told me last year that older birds, free range, can do so. It’s our British battery hens which cannot.
Whilst the Minimal Masala oozed quality, merely shrouding the Meat, no excess; it lacked the Citrus which defines the Desi Korma. This Curry had its own distinctive Flavours, and intense they were too, compounded by the Seasoning and the Clove from the Pilau. A new experience. A surprise too.
Mid meal, Zahir came over to check on our progress.
Long time I have been looking for you – he remarked.
Yes visits could have been more, but as was discussed with Brian, New Cafe Reeshah has popped up in these pages in the last year. Both venues open early and remain so, this does suit the current Hector dining pattern.
Marg’s verdict:
A rich flavour to the sauce with many brown pieces of chicken on the plate. A lovely taste, with plenty of seasoning. I added some Rice to soak up the sauce and I ate most of the fresh Roti with meat and sauce.
I finished most of the Salad which gave an extra texture to the whole meal. I cleaned my plate and then enjoyed a mug of Chai to complete the experience.
The Rice portion was certainly enough for sharing. I admitted defeat eventually. A Samosa to start would have been madness.
The Bill
£24.00
The Aftermath
The Quail. It was on my first visit to Sheerin Palace, when no doubt Zahir and Ahmed (Darbar Grill) were both in situ, that I first encountered Bataera.
After Ramadan, every Monday – I was assured.