Hector having a Curry in Glasgow on a Saturday afternoon, dining alone, nothing new there, but it has been a while. After last night at Akbar’s, definitely an indulgence, but Curry was calling. And not just any Curry, something simple. Traditional, earthy, authentic, original, is what was desired. The Lamb Ginger (£9.50) at Curry Pot (139 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6PR) was the Curry that brought me back here after many years of passing by. The menu has been explored in detail, back to the beginning.
Walking in to Curry Pot bang on 15.00, all those in the kitchen took their turn to pop their heads out and give a warm welcome. This included Simrat, Mein Host, with his head covering confirming that he too, was cooking.
Good to see you.
Good to be back.
Two months since my last visit, and only my fourth of the year. So many places to get around.
RaJiv took the Order, but not before I had asked him the difference between Lamb Ginger on the sit-in menu and the Takeaway. The answer was evidently in the question. I have never had Takeaway from Curry Pot, presumably the portion is larger than the Tapas-plus served in the modest seating area.
To accompany, Mushroom Rice (£2.95), the price varies depending on who takes the order, it’s not on the sit-in menu.
I took a seat at the larger table, nobody else was expected. The door was closed, there was an offer to switch on the wall fan-heater, declined. Not the warmest of seating areas, I was dressed accordingly.
Hot food, and a warm plate, that is all that was required and this was catered for.
In the Mushroom Rice, Caramelised Onion would be encountered plus a whole Clove. The freshest of Mushrooms, and far tastier than I can source in any supermarket. The plate was covered, a sensible portion, every grain would be managed.
Lamb Ginger
Five large pieces of Meat in a blended Masala, a seemingly simple Curry. There was enough Masala to match the quantity of Rice. Topped with a threat of Coriander and three Ginger Strips, not a visible abundance of the latter.
The quality of the Lamb stood out. One can tell, and having had Mutton at the opposite end of the price spectrum in Athena. It’s good to be back to Scottish Lamb. The Masala evoked old-fashioned Curry. The Seasoning stood out but only when the Meat and Masala were combined. The Spice Level was sufficient, no need to be silly.
It’s OK? – I was asked by yet another kitchen chap.
It’s wonderful.
The blend of Spices was hitting the spot. Unexpectedly, Ginger was not one of them. There was no pronounced Ginger at all other than when biting into the Strips. There was so much happening here. The Spiced Rice, the earthy Mushrooms, the grittiness of the Caramelised Onions, then the Clove. A Whole Spice, Desi box ticked.
Usually the first intake of a Curry registers the – Wow! – moment, today’s was a slow, but steady, builder towards complete satisfaction.
The mind drifted back to the mid 1970s, Meat & Mushroom Bhuna Vindaloo was the Curry of choice in that era. Curry Houses were fewer, menus smaller, how far we have come. After all, today’s creation had essentially the same components, but in terms of Flavour, half a century apart.
The Bill
£13.45
The Aftermath
RaJiv enquired about becoming friends on a certain social medium. The price of this was a tutored tour through the layout of Curry-Heute. Interestingly, the restaurant that caught his eye is long closed.
The afterglow lingered long. Still I awaited the Ginger. Instead, the palate was saturated with a blend of Spice whose complexity I could only marvel at.
As I settled down for the evening and witness The Famous needlessly drop two points, there was an unexpected climax.
A gentleman stood up to greet and enquire if he could ask a question.
Initially I thought it was about my t-shirt featuring Gazpacho.
He then informed me that it was Chloe, his daughter’s birthday.
Ah, a family snapshot, I can do that.
Nope, a new Curryspondent, Chloe, was being introduced as – a huge fan of Curry-Heute.
It’s always good to be recognised, that people actually read these words is motivation enough to keep going. Good to meet you, Chloe. Do keep in touch and maybe reveal your own Curry adventures.
Chloe, and family, went on to Akbar’s. I hope they asked for Desi-style.
As the mandatory photo was being set up, I had to make Dr. Stan aware of what was happening.
Dr. Stan was last seen tunnelling towards another universe.