As reported at the start of the week, the Hector had arranged for a portion of Desi Qorma to be retained at Darbar Grill (140 Allison Street, Glasgow G42 8RP). This proper Korma is usually cooked in bulk for ceremonies, it is that special. Ahmed, Mein Host, and father of Moiz, informed me that he had three large Orders for this weekend, the Desi Korma would feature.
Arriving at 13.25, there was no sign of Ahmed. A young chap in the kitchen would deal with me throughout my stay. It was he who announced my Order: Lamb Korma and Rice.
I asked if a Vegetable Rice was available, apparently not. When Moiz, son of Ahmed, had Handi By Darbar, his Veg Fried Rice proved to be the perfect accompaniment. So today, Plain Basmati which remains my preferred accompaniment when having this Curry in Berlin at Punjabi Zaiqa.
As I waited, I looked up Khyber Pass Restaurant on a well known and reliable Curry Blog. Passing in the car this afternoon, I noted that it is now re-branded as Watan Grill. Sources suggest this happened around the start of this month. Another Grill House, at least Charsi, Namkeen and Dumpukht Karahi have been retained, though only Charsi Karahi appears to be served as a standard portion. The Hector is in no rush to order a Charsi Karahi, however I shall pay Watan Grill a visit when I find someone to share a Namkeen Karahi.
The reheat did not take long, the young chap brought everything on a tray at once.
The Modest Salad and Raita would provide a bit of distraction. I would eat about half. The napkin in the glass, with the jug of water, was a simple touch of class. Darbar Grill may never rise above the level of Curry Cafe, but they do at least show a bit of flair.
The Rice portion was a veritable plateful. as is my normal practice, some Masala would be retained for later, in order to keep the Rice – Interesting.
Lamb Desi Korma
The alarm bells rang immediately. The simple sprinkling of Coriander on top of the Shorva bore no resemblance to that last enjoyed at Handi By Darbar. That it was so clearly a Shorva, and the telltale Citrus aroma was distinctly lacking, also had me wonder as to what I had been served. This Curry just looked Monday’s Aloo Gosht without the Potato.
Decanting the Meat, the count reached double figures. Most pieces of Meat were on-the-bone, unlike Monday’s where the Bone count was remarkably low.
Again, Tender to Chewy Meat, one Sucky Bone, this time there was a sense of Spice being given back.
The Seasoning was there. The Spice attained a decent level. Never going to be taxing, but there was a – wee fire – burning in the mouth.
Clove was the dominant Spice in the richly flavoured Shorva. I studied the thin, oily Shorva closely, there was only the merest hint of Yoghurt Flecks present. This would explain the total lack of – Citrus.
A pleasant Lamb Curry, however, I did not recognise this as a Desi Qorma.
The Bill
£12.00
The Inquest
I sent Moiz a photo of my Curry and asked –
What happened? That was not a Desi Korma.
The reply was within the hour. The customer who made the actual Order had asked for – gravy type – hence that is why it was runny. It was suggested that I return on Monday, – tomorrow will be proper Korma.
Alas, the Hector is not prepared to visit the same Curry House thrice in a week, after all, it’s not the halcyon days of The Village.