Always on the look out for new venues, Curry Cafes in particular, this week, Hector became aware of Lahori Tawa (181 Albert Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 2ND). Online reviews, clearly composed by friends and family, were only days old. Lahori Tawa must have opened at some time in the past week.
Taking the train to Pollokshields East, Hector entered Lahori Tawa at 14.30. Three tables only seating a maximum of fourteen diners, one was occupied by a group of ladies who evidently were here to do they own appraisal. The freshness of the food was something I overheard often, the Vegetable Pakora in particular. Having finished their original Order in house, most had further Takeaway also.
Chicken Pakora would make an appearance later, added to the display of ready Dishes. Pakora is not on the menu, so no prices can be quoted.
I took the table adjacent to the ladies. A fan heater was on the table top, no way could I tolerate this. As I switched it off and placed at my feet out of the way, so one of the ladies informed me that there was no power socket on their side. The small eating area was not cold, the heater had already done its job.
Be advised, there was no sign that – facilities – were available, though what lay behind the white wall facing me remains unknown. A hand written sign said – only staff in the kitchen. Throughout my stay, a stream of chaps entered and went into the kitchen. Just how many ended up in there remains another unknown.
A young waitress brought the menu, one side with illustrations of the Fayre on offer, the other with the detail. Hector was here for Curry, and having avoided Lamb since Manchester, today it had to be. Aloo Gosht (£8.00) or Nihari & One Naan (£10.00) were considered.
That the half kilo of Karahi Gosht was being sold at exactly half of the price of the kilo was seen to be advantageous. I appreciate why many restaurants charge a premium for serving the half kilo, so £15.00 for – Lamb Karahi Half KG – was too good to resist. A Plain Naan (£2.00) would accompany.
Just the one Naan? – asked the waitress, highlighting that Hector was having Bread with his Curry, not Curry with his Bread. In time the waitress offered drinks, a jug of tap water was duly provided.
I settled down for the wait. Freshly prepared in the wok – was written on the menu.
A half hour, at least, was anticipated.
Time to relay the events of last evening. Marg and Hector went to see Moving Pictures, a Scottish – Rush – (Canada) tribute band at Oran Mor. Good as they were, I don’t thing that a covers band requires a review in Curry-Heute. The highlight, Jonathan, now a Curryspondent, came over at the interval to introduce himself. It’s always good to meet my readers, positive feedback is good for morale. 
As a result of these pages, Jonathan has been to The Village, Yadgar, Shimla Cottage, and a number of others…
Shimla Cottage in Coatbridge, it’s years since Marg & I went out there. Good to know it remains a stand out venue. And why still so few venues to the east of Glasgow Cross until one is well out of Glasgow?
Back at Lahori Tawa, inexplicably, it had just gone 14.40 when my food was brought to the table. How can a Chef turn out an authentic Karahi Gosht in ten minutes?
The Naan, needlessly halved, was a decent size. Despite the blisters, the Bread had not risen, so not the puffy, fluffy Naan one seeks. As the Bread cooled, becoming crispy in parts was unavoidable.
Not great Bread, as ever, I would manage around half before concentrating on finishing the Curry became the objective.
Lamb Karahi Half KG
Served in a handi, the Karahi contents were briefly obscured by the Toppings: Coriander, Ginger Strips and sliced Bullet Chillies. No plate was provided, I was going to eat directly from the handi anyway, but without a plate, one does not get to see the full glory of the Meat and Masala.
There was no need to count the Meat, I have seen some dubious half kilos, this was not one of them. Double figures here certainly. Lamb on-the-bone in part, boneless pieces also. This would be a challenge, starvation before a given.
With virtually no Oil to be seen, the Masala was way thinner than one would expect. Probably blended, comparatively thin, no Whole Spice, so not ticking the – Desi – parameters established in these pages.
Spooning some Masala on to a piece of Naan, here we go. Seasoning! Definitely on the – brave – end of the spectrum. Despite what is written in the previous paragraph, way more Flavour than anticipated. Whoever had created this had not done so by chance. Someone at Lahori Tawa can cook. This Masala was bursting with Flavour, and even before taking in some Bullet Chilli, the Spice was already building on the palate. Medium – is a typical Spice level when none is discussed in advance. This Karahi was decidedly above – Medium.
Quality Meat always shines, this was impressively soft, just enough chewing required. The Flavour of the Lamb itself was apparent, more than any Spice it may have absorbed. With the Masala, always tasty. The bone pile grew, one Sucky Bone. Momentary relief, bones meant less Meat still to consume, the Hector was reaching his limit. As ever there was the realisation that Meat and Masala alone can become monotonous. A Vegetable Side could have enhanced the overall experience, but the appetite for even more food was not there.
Too stuffed to wipe the base of the handi, anyway, that would have meant eating more Bread, the half kilo was eventually consumed. Prior to my arrival I had considered ordering the Chicken (£12.00) equivalent, that would have contradicted everything that has come before in Curry-Heute. The Lamb was consumed, my next Curry has to be something different.
The Bill
£17.50
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the young waitress who read it carefully. I had to almost insist that she send for her boss.
Chef came out from the kitchen. He confirmed that Lahori Tawa opened last Friday, eight days ago. I asked if he would expand his Curry range. In time. I was advised that presently he cooks in small portions only, keeping everything fresh.
I promised to return.
Albert Drive has intrigued for years. At the commencement of Curry-Heute when I made my first sweep of the Southside Curry Cafes, there was the feeling that this was the focal point. A sequence of fires at the corner beyond Lahori Tawa have destroyed some premises and changed the character of the street. Lahore Kebab House has long gone.
Halal Kebab House no longer advertise – Curry – as part of their setup. I dropped in for a look-see. Yes, four trays of ready Curry were on display.
I then crossed back over to Pakistani Street Food which I have been walking past for years. Again, no Curry is listed in their menu. Masala Fish was featured in their window. The chap behind the counter recited a range of Curry options. I’ll be back
