Hector has his favourite places, locally these are well recorded in Glasgow’s Top Rated. Chimes of India (914-916 Sauchiehall Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7 TF) was first visited in February 2024, their Desi Lamb (£12.95) served on-the-bone, was immediately recognised as outstanding. Boneless – is available for those who prefer, however, Curry-Heute will always champion any Curry served – on-the-bone.
Well, maybe not with certain Fish.
It was just after 14.00 when Hector arrived at Chimes of India. Why the bus stop directly outside the premises is currently not in use is unknown. The almost completed construction across the street, and temporary traffic lights, have led to congestion here in recent times, so what now?
Chef Sharma greeted as I took the small corner seat adjacent to my usual spot. The waitress spontaneously brought Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions, declined. Why so many venues are still charging a small fortune for these remains an ongoing issue.
You don’t like Poppadoms? – asked Sharma.
There are better things to eat.
I was here for the Curry and there was no need to fill up on these, the gesture was appreciated.
Mushrooms (Rice) (£3.90) would accompany the Curry. Extra Desi – was asked for, you never know, Chef might add even more magic.
Sharma knows how I like it.
Copious chilled tap water completed the Order.
A young solo diner was finishing his meal as I entered. Soon thereafter, two couples took the table adjacent to my own. The glass partition, a remnant of you know what, still serves a purpose. Bottles of wine, Starters, main courses, it was good to see the Chimes‘ coffers being filled. Evidently regulars, hopefully a sign of things to come.
The Mushroom Rice at Chimes of India has been celebrated oft in these pages, the perfect accompaniment to their Curry. Fresh Mushrooms aplenty, full of Flavour, powerful enough to be tasted through the Masala, therefore adding Diversity.
Look at the plateful. I’ll take the reader back to last Saturday at Little Curry House where I was charged marginally more for about half the volume of Mushroom Rice served today at Chimes. On a different medium I did challenge this.
We are competitively priced compared to other restaurants within the city – was their reply. Gaslighting, Curry-Heute has established otherwise.
Today’s portion at Chimes was such I had to leave more than a few grains.
Desi Lamb on-the-bone
Curry, classic Curry. Topped with Ginger Strips and no more than a threat of Coriander, the large pieces of Lamb stood out in the Masala. On decanting, the Meat count easily reached double figures, not every piece on-the-bone. Plenty of eating here.
The Masala, well that’s what makes the Curry, oozed quality. The rich, brown colour, the oily tint, the flecks, a blended delight.
A Curry Leaf, whole Clove and two Green Chillies would be unearthed as I made progress through this delight.
This was authentic Desi Curry.
The Spice was immediately noticeable, far from silly, I chose not to have the second Chilli. Enough already. The Seasoning was a tad below the Hector idyll, still sufficient to let the Masala Flavours emerge.
The Mushrooms may have been responsible for the Earthy Flavour hitting the palate, on top of this, the Flavours of a truly old-fashioned Curry. Those of us who have been around for a few decades would be totally at home with this.
Soft-firm Meat, easily separated from the Bones, initially I thought I had Chops, alas not. The almost l-shaped bones remain an unknown cut.
The flecks suggested the addition of Yoghurt to the Masala, a slight Creaminess, well within acceptable parameters, befitting even of a Karahi.
This was comfort eating. How have four months been allowed to pass since I was last here? Curry & Rice, as good as it gets.
As the waitress cleared the table, an apology for not clearing the plate, the Hector proferred:
Now you know see why I didn’t have the Poppadoms.
The Bill
£16.85
The Aftermath
Chef Sharma asked from behind the counter:
Did you enjoy the Desi?
Always, it’s why I come here.
And hopefully more will follow. As it happens, I met an FP this afternoon, he and others, were heading to Chimes of India this very evening.