At the end of 2022, Namak Mandi (100 Norfolk St, Glasgow G5 9EJ) move around the corner from their original premises on Bridge Street. It has taken the Hector some four years to set foot in the new premises. This was essentially down to a menu being more focused on Grill than Curry. The available Curry tends to be sold in large portions, one assumes the kilo, else the prices are certainly not attractive.
In recent months, Namak Mandi have advertised heavily on a certain social medium, both for their Monday and Tuesday evening Grand Buffet which at £19.99 does look attractive, and a Chai & Paratha Buffet (£7.99). Namkeen Karahi in the Grand Buffet should enough to grab Hector’s interest, however, Hector is rarely out to eat at these times. More suited is the Saturday afternoon Chai & Paratha Buffet which Marg and Hector attended this afternoon.
Arriving at 14.15, we walked through the impressive reception area and were greeted at the entrance to the vast dining room. Mein Host was sitting at a table, busy on his laptop, and with his back to the door. Maybe later. We were taken to a table in the extreme far right corner of the room. Not much of a view for Marg, but perfect for 
Hector to spot the wean whose parents were happy to have it bang a spoon on the table for as long as its heart desired. Beyond, another family group with three weans, who of course improvised some running events, more appropriate for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. The time of day for a family outing then, beware.
A waiter brought tap water to the table. Once again, in this part of Glasgow, it was found to taste of bleach.
The Chai & Paratha Buffet was set up at the adjacent far corner. There was, as expected, different Paratha options, but not the elusive Malabar Parotta. Additionally, there was range of mostly Vegetable Dishes to compliment the Bread. I doubt if anybody comes for the Bread alone.
At the end of the array, the Hector found – the foliage – a la Manchester Curry Cafes. The plate was duly filled, Marg followed suit, moments behind.
Plate #1
Spinach Paratha and Keema Paratha were Hector’s Bread choices. Limp, not flaky, already past their best, if indeed they ticked all the Curry-Heute boxes for a Paratha. The Spinach version being a first I tackled, more than a bit greasy. As I ate, I became concerned about an oil slick developing on my plate.
The Keema Paratha was the proper version, discrete grains of Mince, not a slab of dubious pink meat. Here, there was even more Oil. The bottom layer of the Keema Paratha had to be discarded, no way, Pedro.
The Bread, of course, was also being used to scoop up the various Curry Dishes. Gajar Mutter, what I took to be Carrots and Peas only, turned out to be a full Mixed Veg Curry, Sweetcorn and Green Beans were in the mix. Sweet, earthy, not too shabby.
Next a Potato Curry which took me by surprise: Aloo Achari with its distinctive blast of Pickle. This I most certainly liked.
Lastly, well for the moment, Keema Aloo with Chicken Mince: there was a good kick and impressive depth of Flavour, a dry interpretation. This immediately impressed, which was an achievement after the potent Pickle. However, as I ate more, I found the Keema Aloo giving less. The conclusion: it was the combination of Aloo Achari and Keema Aloo at the crossover point, which created the big hit on the palate. A lesson learned, mix them, Dear Hector.
Apart from the excessive Oil, my biggest concern with my plateful was the lack of heat. Nothing I had taken could have been regarded as being – hot food.
Marg’s selection
Across the table, Marg had helped herself to the Keema Paratha and the Cheese Paratha. The latter was certainly the least oily of the array. Marg reported minimal Cheese. Marg’s selection of Sides also included the Keema Aloo plus Chana, the Chickpea Curry, plus the Daal and Tarka options. She also took the Anda Bhurji, essentially Scrambled Eggs. This was mentioned in dispatches, and so when Hector went up to fetch a further Soupçon, this was sampled along with the Cheese Paratha.
Marg: Hector and I went for the Paratha Buffet in this impressive building both inside and out. I took a slice of Cheese Paratha and Keema Paratha. I was expecting the bread to be flaky and crispy but they were solid and the Keema was very oily. I enjoyed the variety of the food that went with the buffet.
My favourite was the Chicken Keema which had plenty of flavour. The Daal and Chickpeas added different 
textures, and the Aloo Dish had a spicy tomato sauce. The Scrambled Egg had an interesting taste and was very enjoyable. The crispy onions (Tarka) were an ideal accomplishment, along with the Raita-yoghurt. My only regret with the buffet was that everything was cold. I did manage to go up for two fresh pieces of Paratha which were piping hot. I like my food hot. To end the meal I had the Karak Chai with no sugar which was the perfect ending to this experience.
Plate #2
I had to agree with Marg re the lack of impact made by the Cheese Paratha. This is not a – go-to – Bread for Hector. I recall the first exposure to a Cheese Naan courtesy of the staff at delhi-2-go (Manchester) many moons ago. Whilst then it was enjoyed, this is something I have never considered again until today. The Anda Bhurji was in effect Scrambled Egg with pieces of Tomato. The watery residue, I always find off-putting when I cook this at home, and care is always taken to ensure that this does not end up on my plate. Whilst the Anda Bhurji was well-Seasoned, it lacked substance. Still, I felt this was worth having.
My overall conclusion was that had we been here at opening time, the qualityof the fayre on display would have been in better condition, most of the Bread was tired.
It was approaching 15.00 by the time we finished,
A waiter came over to advise it was – last orders: the Chai & Paratha Buffet ends at 15.00.
The head waiter came over to greet, sticking very much to his script – so proud and happy to have us – evidently being his stock phrase This, we had heard already, as he served the two chaps at the next table. They were dining a la carte. He made it clear that the elements of the Buffet would remain available until we had finished eating.
Chai & Paratha – is what it said on the notice and Marg was therefore not missing out. Marge drinks her Tea with milk, the Hector most certainly does not.
The Bill
£15.98 The card machine had a suggested various rates of tip already on the screen, and so I did. But really, why is one tipping at a Buffet?
The Aftermath
As we made our way to the exit, Marg asked – what’s the wonderful, circular bread?
I knew she meant the Malabar Parotta, sadly not part of the range on offer here.
Mein Host had departed, no chance of a catch up.
I would do this again, only if I could get here at the start, for the presentation of freshly prepared food. Recently, at The Chat Corner, I had a Paratha-based meal, today that felt to be the better option.