Monday Curry with Marg has become quite a regular event. It’s the only way she gets fed on a Monday. Having had a fair amount of Fish, Lamb and even Goat Meat, in recent outings, today something completely different. It’s Bateera Day at Shahi Mahal (452 Cathcart Rd., Govanhill, Glasgow G40 7B2), nothing can compare with footering about with a Quail, or three. And so we set off across the river arriving at Shahi Mahal at 14.05. No scooter was seen parked outside on the pavement, so Zahir, Mein Host, was not expected to be on the premises. But there he was to greet.
En route, on a single block, we passed three vehicles which had been clamped. Maybe somebody is getting their act together. We then did establish that Zahir’s scooter was properly parked across the street, not on the pavement as previously.
Bateera Karahi (£7.50) is how Zahir announced the Quail, whilst Marg surveyed the array of ready Curry, before deciding upon Keema Aloo (£7.00). The Mince was confirmed as Chicken. A Chapatti (£1.00) for Marg, a Naan (£1.25) for Hector.
We took a booth table and settled down for the short wait. The next Takeaway customer nodded in acknowledgment, definitely seen him in a few places.
A Modest Salad was brought to the table along with two bowls of Raita. A jug of chilled water soon followed.
The Naan, served whole, was seemingly huge, puffy, buttery, blistered, lovely. One day I’ll work out how to order half a Naan. The Chapatti / Roti, was of the wholemeal flour variety. Where in Glasgow can I still get a traditional Chapatti? Or will I have to wait until next month in Bradford?
Bateera Karahi
The three Quail sat in the aromatic Shorva. The first dip of Naan revealed an intensive Clove dominated set of Flavours, but no Whole Cloves were found. Whole Peppercorns were encountered on biting into them. The Shorva was Spiced and Seasoned to perfection. Sliced Bullet Chillies, the Ginger Strips and the Coriander Leaves, each playing their part in adding to the overall Flavour.
Then there was – the wee bird. The legs may not be dissimilar in size to frogs, but there’s definitely more eating here. Anyway, it’s all about the sucking of the Meat from the Bones. You cannot beat Sucky Bones. The Gamey Meat on the carcasses although tiny, was satisfying by the time the third Quail was reached. Six lumps of you like.
Still there was joy in dipping the Naan in the Shorva. I managed more than half of the Naan.
Zahir was given the thumbs up. He was directed by Marg to study the Hector’s face, the stained chin said it all.
Keema Aloo
A Dry Keema with the Oil separating, totally in the style. The same Toppings, the sliced Bullet Chillies were set aside but then rescued by Hector. With only three pieces of Potato protruding, a lot of mince here. Marg:
I ordered Keema Aloo, very finely minced chicken arrived with pieces of potato and in a rich sauce, with strips of ginger and coriander. This dish was accompanied by a Roti of which I only managed half.
I enjoyed the flavours of the sauce with the bread, and I added red and white onions, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, when there was room in the karahi. The crunchiness of the ginger gave a lovely burst of flavour, and so did the raw pieces of vegetables from the salad.
A very enjoyable meal.
Before paying, a rigorous washing of the face. I didn’t need help.
The Bill
£21.00 A sum called across the room by Zahir.
The Aftermath
You’ve been away a long time – remarked Zahir’s able assistant.
I’ve been away, travelling. Fear not, I shall keep coming back.
It is five months since our last visit.
Only Marg, Clive and Maggie have shared a kilo of Zahir’s outstanding Karahi Gosht (£35.00) with Hector.