Hector has a new Curry House in his home town, about time. Opened in the last ten days, Zeika by Chef Hakeem (26 Alexander Street, Clydebank G81 1RZ) occupies the premises of the once New Cafe Punjab. The latter closed ten years ago and has sold two other styles of food in the interim. That Clydebank now has a South Indian 
Restaurant is quite a departure from the Punjabi Fayre which dominates the, mostly, Takeaway venues in this town. Spice India, a North Drumry Takeaway, shut its doors recently, and is currently being transformed into, well, time will tell.
Zeika is open six days a week, closed Mondays. Opening times vary: 16.00 on Tuesdays and Thursday, otherwise, 13.00. Today, Hector entered at 14.00, the first customer of the day. A small, non-window table was secured. From here, all could be surveyed. New Cafe Punjab’s primary business was Buffet, Zeika is a la carte.
Having studied the online menu, today’s Order had been decided in advance. On a normal day, Lamb Bhuna (£13.00) would have been the choice. In time, and only if the needless Capsicum can be withheld, Lamb Karahi (£12.50) shall have to be tried. After Thursday’s Ramadan-Iftar Buffet at The Village (Glasgow) something completely different was required. Chettinad, it has been a while. The menu suggests that each Curry can only be served as printed, no Lamb/Chicken/Fish/Vegetable variations, and so, the Hector ordered Chicken Chettinad (£10.00). Perhaps a Curryspondent can tell me the last time I ordered a Chicken Curry. Today this suited my purpose, the attempted time-out from Lamb continues. Goan Fish Curry (£14.00) was a consideration, but Hector does love a Chettinad.
The waiter informed me that Chef Hakeem would not be arriving for another hour, presumably his assistant was in the kitchen.
Suriyani Veg Fried Rice (£3.00) would accompany, along with tap water.
How Zeika came to be in Clydebank was discussed. The staff have a Paisley connection, however, Chef Hakeem has worked at two Merchant City establishments: Swadish and Madha North & South Indian Kitchen, both reviewed only once.
How often does the Hector dine – posh?
After an appropriate wait, the food was presented.
I was hoping for a mini-Biryani, what came, puzzled. The Basmati was white, and as far as I could tell, boiled. So no added Spice here, other than the token Curry Leaf. The array of Vegetables impressed: Peas, Green Beans, Sweetcorn and Carrots. Diversity and differing Textures, what a difference this can make to any Curry. Way more interesting than just Meat and Masala. The bowl contained more Rice than I could ever manage, so great value. I decanted enough to cover the heated dinner plate.
Chicken Chettinad
The aroma of South Indian Cuisine was a positive start. Eight pieces of Chicken, plus a tiddler, were sat in a viscous, blended Masala. At least six of these pieces of Chicken would be halved, plenty of Meat, again, value for money.
This was not the Soupy Curry that one finds, at say, Madhras Dosa (Glasgow). One day a Chef in Scotland will serve Hector a Dry Chettinad in the style enjoyed at Dessi Tadka and once upon a time, Indian Mango (München).
No Whole Spices, and so this was decidedly Mainstream Curry. The Tender, and suitably moist, Chicken retained its integrity as it was cut. The white interior raises the usual dilemma: is there such a thing as Chicken Curry? Curry-Heute, has for years insisted – no! So other than bulk, the Chicken was not adding a lot to this meal.
The waiter approached to ask the customary question.
I assured him, the aroma was decidedly – South Indian.
But here is where the positive ends. Mildly Spiced, why do so few venues actually ask the diner how they want their Curry? This Curry would raise few sniffles. The Seasoning was low, the anticipated Smokiness was not forthcoming. I was struggling to identify any real Flavour. Indeed, as progress was made, I realised that I was tasting the individual Vegetables more than anything else. Had the Rice been Spiced, it could have given the Curry a leg up.
Diluted, I have never written this before, is how the Masala came across. In a Chettinad I hope for much more intensity, a greater Depth of Flavour.
As I ate so a couple entered, the waiter went outside. This turned out be Chef Hakeem and his wife, Nagma. It was Nagma who took the card payment.
The Bill
£13.00 This should attract the good people of Clydebank.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card presented, time to outline the above. That I was not looking for – heat – but Flavour was hopefully conveyed. Mid conversation, Chef Hakeem joined us. He confirmed his previous places of work, seven years at Madha North & South Indian Kitchen, he must know his stuff.
That Zeika occupies this part of Downtown Clydebank, should hopefully bring enough covers. With new housing along the Canal, the John Brown site, and also the former Playdrome estate, a much larger customer base lies within walking distance, significantly more than New Cafe Punjab ever had.
Of course I shall return to Zeika, this is now my local Curry House, challenges have been set. So much for crossing the new bridge to visit Green Gates (Renfrew).
Twenty minutes later, the Cumin Seed dislodged itself, a big blast of Flavour. There was no awareness of this whilst I ate. I assume it hadn’t been stuck in the gnashers since Thursday.
Much later…
Are you Hector, from Curry-Heute?
This was not just one reader, but a group of youngsters, and not all local. Whitechapel and Tooting were mentioned. Dr. Stan had to suffer once more as Hector took the accolades. Marg took the photos.
A big hello to: Daniel, Thom, Conor and Rory!
Zeika – 2026 Menu
