Monday lunch, with Marg, of course. Today, another trip across the river to a Southside Curry Cafe first visited towards the end of last year. The Chaat Corner (516 Cathcart Road, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7BX) does not go out of its way to promote itself as a Curry House, yet the Desi / Punjabi creations: Haleem, Paya and Nihari are foremost on their menu.
Arriving at 14.15, Mein Host was sat at a table near the doorway. Two couples occupied tables at opposite ends of the room. One had a wean which thankfully would only perform momentarily. Another wean came over to our chosen table to inspect us, then disappeared, to who knows where.
The menu was brought to the table, no price increase since last time. The board looked minimal, I enquired as to Curry of the Day – Haleem (£9.99).
No thank you.
I had hoped for Kofta which was available last time. Lamb Karahi (£11.99) I have enjoyed here, time for something else.
Chicken Karahi (£7.99), calm, Hector, one doesn’t always have to eat Meat. Aye right. Then the solution became obvious: Aloo Bujjia (£4.99) accompanied by a Keema Paratha (£5.99). The Bread costs more than the Curry? Bujjia, a crispy snack, made from Gram Flour, so not a Curry, but listed under – Curry. We shall see, soon.
In passing, let’s consider Chicken Cheesy Paratha (£5.99). This could be a hoot, horrendous, or wonderful. One day, perhaps.
Marg found Papri Chaat (£6.49), another – crispy – creation. I reminded her that this would be Chickpeas, smothered in Yoghurt, and not necessarily her favourite. Kashmiri Tea (£2.49) also caught Marg’s eye, we would be advised that only Karak Chai (£2.19) was available.
I had told Marg about the malfunctioning coffee machine, which Mein Hostess assured me would be working soon after my previous visit.
On seeing a jug of water being taken to another table, I asked for one. This would not appear until after the presentation of the food.
The décor at The Chaat Corner is tired, the layout decidedly – ad hoc. In recent weeks I have visited Kabul Restaurant and Khyber Sheenwari, two Afghan outlets on the Southside featuring décor, reflecting major investment. The money coming from where? Closer to today’s venue, ongoing renovation and expansion at Darbar Grill. About time I returned there.
Crockery plates and metal cutlery, no wood or plastic utensils as on visit#1. A marked improvement already.
Papri Chaat
This was as described, indeed, more like a breakfast cereal than a lunch. With Pomegranate Seeds featuring prominently, I noted they must be in season. This was Marg’s second Pomegranate Seed encounter in three days, but they are not in season, unless autumn has come early. Another mystery.
In addition to informing me that her lunch was Spicy, there was an audible – Mmmm.
Marg: I chose Papri Chaat for lunch and was delighted with the dish. Crispy pastry on top of the spicy chickpea salad with cucumber, black daal, onion, pomegranate and potato. I enjoyed the crunchiness of the pastry with the refreshing salad.
*
Keema Paratha
Served whole, not quartered as on visit #1, this was no mean Paratha. Superhot, I had to hurry Marg to take the ritual photo. Peeling back the outer layer revealed abundant grains of Mince, the aroma defined it as – Lamb. No lesser, plastic pink, interior here, this was the Keema Paratha one seeks.
Not too greasy, despite the Butter which must have been employed in its creation, a meal in itself.
Cold and wet, the accompanying Raita felt out of place. Mint with Lamb, not part of Hector’s kitchen, where Coriander feels more fitting.
You like? – asked Mein Host.
Yes – a clear affirmative. There was still no sign of what would normally be considered to be my main course. I ate on, realising that what was due to arrive could be regarded as unnecessary. Then it arrived, why so long?
Aloo Bujjia
The thick Masala Mash looked far from inviting. Still, this would be a fine example of a moist – Dry Curry – the veritable antithesis of a Mainstream, Soupy Curry.
The Potato had been cut smaller than one finds in comparable Southside establishments. Finely cut Onion, and similar shreds of Green Chilli were visible in the Mash. I shall admit to starting this creation with a feeling of reticence, a feeling soon blown out of the water.
With nothing – crispy – here at all, the Earthy Flavour grabbed the attention, followed by a big – kick – which kept growing. Invited to help out due to the sheer volume, Marg accepted the Spice Level here was outwith her comfort zone. The Seasoning was a prominent feature, definitely in the – brave – category. Something unexpected was happening here. The Yadgar Taste! This was as close as dammit.
No carrots – observed Marg, who then pulled out a strand of something orange. Alwyas denied, the Hector has oft theorised that Carrots are the secret behind – The Yadgar Taste.
Cloves, a given, a slight Tang also, the complexity of Flavour could only be marvelled at. This was a counterpoint to my last Curry, Zeika (Clydebank) where I basically stopped eating through a lack of interest. I ate until I stopped, sated, content.
The combination with the Keema Paratha, as fine an example of Mince & Tatties as I have ever had.
With the car parked around the corner on Carfin Street, Mother’s birthplace, Takeaway was practical. I took my remnants to the counter, where Chef was having a break outwith the kitchen. Introductions and congratulations.
I grabbed a photo of the coffee machine, I had to ask. Meanwhile, Marg’s Tea was not the Peshwari/ Masala Chai she had hoped for, just milky tea.
Mein Host joined us, occasionally – The Aftermath – precedes – The Bill, but let’s maintain the format.
The Bill
£19.66 I kid you not, and only hours after it was confirmed that Scotland are coming home, early, as usual.
The Aftermath
I had given my Oppo to Mein Host, he took it back to his spot to read the review. His daughter, whom I met on visit #1, would be pleased, I was assured.
Back at our table, the sorry saga of the coffee machine was related.
A £1200 purchase, it worked for a week. Thereafter, the person who sold it to them could not be traced. I wonder why.
Next month, we were told by Mein Host, The Chaat Corner shall be renovated, there might even be a new coffee machine.
I’ll give it a few months, then we shall discover just how grand a job is done. I know a supplier of – epoxy resin.
A bit later, reheat of the remnants, and just as impressive.
2026 Menu
