… of course, the Hector was at Curry Pot (139 Dumbarton Rd., Glasgow, G11 6PR) not for Takeaway, but to sit in, and for this there is a different menu.
Having avoided the imminent thunderstorm, it was 14.00 when I reached Partick Cross and the venue which provided dinner, once a week, at least, back in the mid 1970s. That story was told in my last visit to Curry Pot in June 2013. A – perfectly enjoyable and competent Curry – proved not to be enough to entice me back, until today. Well actually, Monday, it was here I was heading to with a notion for a basic Curry & Rice. Curry Pot, although Rajiv would tell me later, is open – from twelve until twelve – this is not the case outwith the summer. Is today not summer? Maybe it was yesterday.
It was Cheef Suriya who served me. I was directed to the – Sit In – menu housed in a dookit on the wall at the entrance. The Lunch Deal (£10.95) did not entice, no Lamb Curry. I studied the Takeaway/Delivery menu, more options. Suriya brought his copy from the counter, mine only had print on one side. Also!
Lamb Curry With Ginger, first on the list, and two prices quoted: £9.50 to sit in, £12.95 to Takeaway. Unusual, however, the sitting in portion is presumably smaller. I watched £9.50 being noted. The Takeaway menu had Mushroom Rice (£3.95), way more interesting than the straightforward Pilau Rice (£3.40 / £3.70).
Curry Cafe? – no, there is no ready-cooked Curry on display as per the oft visited venues on the Southside. As with New Cafe Reeshah across the river, Curry Pot is primarily a Takeaway with some seating. The chance to have the fayre without condensation contamination is surely the best way to enjoy it?
Curry Pot can accommodate nine sit in customers, this I would love to see. I took my place, mid room, at the pair of small tables. No point being window dressing. A drink was offered, a can of Rubicon (£1.95) was accepted. I congratulate Curry Pot on their fridge setting, a cold drink should be – cold.
The Mushroom Rice was piled high in the handi. I feared a Euro-portion, but once spread out across the plate, I knew this would be manageable.
Fresh Mushrooms, Black Peppercorns, Cinnamon Bark, were the key features. There’s a wall poster highlighting the Biryani at Curry Pot. This Mushroom Rice was in effect Biryani quality. Full of its own Flavours, a Dish in its own right. Moist, so I would not be concerned about running out of Masala. Chimes of India, along the road, serve an excellent Mushroom Rice, Curry Pot may have set a new standard. This was outstanding.
Lamb Curry With Ginger
This handi felt slightly smaller than the Rice. This made the Toppings of Ginger Strips and Coriander stand out. I counted six pieces of Meat as I arranged the Curry over the Rice. Two were decidedly larger, so the – minimum eight – was attained. A viscous, blended Masala, appearance-wise, this is what I had I mind for today. After Wednesday’s share of a kilo of Karahi Gosht at Mera Lahore (Edinburgh), it was good to get back to basics.
A good Spice Level, far from being challenging, well Seasoned, the Hector was onside. Anticipating a blast of Ginger, I was surprised when this Curry took me towards the south of India. No Smokiness or burnt Coconut here, however, I see South Indian Lamb Chettinad (£9.80) is available here, but the distinctive Flavour of Anise. On Monday, the Lamb Handi served at nearby Banta Wala was similar to what lay before me. Today’s was less – monotonous – the Mushroom Rice playing its part here too. A month ago along the road at Mother India’s Cafe, I had – Alan’s South Indian Ginger Lamb, a non-event in comparison to today’s Curry. This Masala was right up with the very best.
The Lamb was suitably Tender, I was aware of the need to not scoff the lot to soon, the larger portion would have been even better. Again, the complexity of Flavours from the Rice, plus the Mushrooms were adding to the overall enjoyment. The Lamb was – Meaty – but not giving back more as in the Southside Desi Houses.
Suriya came from the kitchen and asked – anything else?
No thanks, this is great.
Clearing the plate, a sign that the quantities served were well judged. I didn’t need more, but was already planing a return visit. Saag, Bhoona, Chettinad, and even Karahi – with a tweak – await.
The Bill
£14.95
The Aftermath
It was Rajiv, front of house and taking phone Orders, who took payment. I showed him my previous review, featuring Simrat – the boss – whom I met in 2013.
The food was duly praised. Rajiv was impressed when I was able to specifically identify – Anise – in the Masala. Suriya was summoned for the photo, excellent chaps.
I feel the Hector has a new project.
2025 Takeaway / Delivery Menu
