Buffet Price
Monday – Thursday – £11.95.
Friday – Sunday – £12.95.
The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) Buffet served during Ramadan has featured before in these pages, now known, it is not to be missed. The sun does not set in Glasgow until near enough 22.00 at this time of year. Today is the Solstice, The Longest Day. This meant that for the majority of the Diners at The Village this evening, an extraordinary fast had been required. Marg and Hector had minimal food intake today so as to maximise our enjoyment of what is the Finest Buffet ever encountered. The Desi Main Courses rotate daily, one cannot guarantee that a particular favourite will be available, though disappointment is most unlikely.
Arriving just after 22.00, the place was busy for this late on a Sunday Night. We were shown to a window table for two by the Head Waiter. In the Buffet Queue, a Chap started to explain to Marg and Hector why the place was so busy at this time, Welcoming.
Mr. Baig (Mein Host) and his son, Kassif, were manning The Starters. These were being served rather than being on a help-oneself basis. Marg was up for Samosa and what looked like Lamb Tikka but turned out to be a (Minced) Lamb Kebab. Hector had considered bypassing The Starters so as to maximise enjoyment of The Mains, however, I found myself with pieces of Fish in Batter which was significantly different from any Fish Pakora I have encountered. Very Good. The aforementioned Wonderfully Spiced Lamb Kebab was another new experience, it’s too tempting to keep eating these – Snack/Starters. The Chapli Kebab was up to the expected standard. The star of the show was the Ribs which Mr. Baig insisted I sample. These were approaching the style of the White Karahi that have featured in these pages before but never seen at The Village. Minimal Red Spices, the accent on Salt and Pepper. On our departure I noticed in the Takeaway section that Afghan Cuisine was on offer, Kebabs and Breads from what I could see. These may not be particularly the style of food Hector seeks, but shall be investigated further.
The Young Waitresses were puzzled as to the time Marg and Hector sat once the debris from The Starters had been cleared. We were taking the time to let The Starters digest, something that people tend not to do in a Buffet situation. I never put away as much in a Buffet as would when tackling a Half Kilo.
The Lamb Lahori was on-the-bone, the Dish that seduced The Hector most. The Masala was Thin, the Meat was Very Soft, not the optimum scenario after all. However the Seasoning and Spice saved this Dish from Blandness. A piece of Naan was the sole Accompaniment. No more Bread.
Next up was a plate with Aloo Chana and the Lamb Nihari. The Masala in the Aloo Chana was Very Rich, again the Seasoning and Spice put this above the Average. With an Earthy Flavour, this combination of Chickpeas and Potatoes was a good break between the two Lamb Dishes.
Only a Modest amount of the Lamb Nihari had been taken. This Dish was Heavy in comparison to the Lahori. The Lamb was much more Cohesive but again served in a Thin Masala. A Killer Green Chilli was the only Vegetable contained therein.
Hector was on the limit but had not eaten a huge amount. Was the late hour affecting the appetite?
The Kofta Anda was the final Dish to attract Hector. A stalwart of the Sheerin Palace, Hector has never had this at The Village. One Meatball and Half a Boiled Egg would bring the Feast to a conclusion. With Fresh Coriander strewn through the Masala which ironically was Thicker than the Shorva served at the Sheerin Palace, this was it – The Winner! Even from this Small Sample the Flavours flooded out. I have to come back, and start with this! But will it be on?
Meanwhile, across the table, Marg was trying her first ever sample of Haleem.
Not a Hector favourite, I described to Marg how this Dish was created by boiling the Lamb in Lentils down to a Pulp. She enjoyed the Modest Sample but accepts this would not (for us) necessarily make the basis of a Main Course. She was not up to sampling Paye, Trotters. Hector has never tried this either. Maybe next time.
Soft Ice Cream – Irresistible! The array of Desserts otherwise will never seduce The Hector. If there is space for Dessert, there is room for more Curry!
Irram, the Daughter, greeted us between visits to the Buffet. Kassif took the opperchancity to grab some of the Delightful Food on offer. Having to work they were certainly on their limits. I mentioned that in Morocco, the the clocks have been put back an hour for the period of Ramadan to make it dark an hour earlier. I have asked for years why we have B.S.T. anyway. The nights get longer so we put our clocks forward and make it lighter, later. Hector prefers G.M.T.
The Bill
£27.00. Including Sparkling Water and a Mango Lassi.
The Aftermath
Irram has subsequently confirmed the existence of a Persian Menu but the term White Curry/White Karahi may not be there. After Ramadan this will be checked out.
Yvonne followed 
Sixteen, one-six, Lamb Fillets.
Fresh and Spicy, the Chapli Kebabs were Superb. The Seasoning was Perfection. The Hot Chilli Dip was the Ideal Accompaniment. The Salad proved to be Voluminous, careful, let’s not fill up on Greens.
Khalid came into the 
Saeed introduced the New Chef, dressed in Black. I was wondering who to expect. This Chap I may have seen at 
As Shkoor passed by the analysis continued. I had to admit to thinking that Falafel were – Meat Balls – when I first encountered this delight in 1980. Shkoor finally revealed some Ingredients – Ground Chickpeas (Falafel!) and Onions. Still, there was something else. A Minimum of Chicken may have been present.
The Spice Level was more than adequate – a Two Nose Curry. Think about it. Very little Seasoning had been used in the creation this Dish, a pity, it definitley needed more.
As ever, the Curry was accompanied by The Bits – Coconut, Pineapple, Spiced Onion and Fresh Tomato. The Latter Two gave a Varity of Texture when added to the side of the plate.
A couple of The Waiters recognised me and so I thought it was time for a Staff Photo. Most obliged. These Chaps have been here for years.
Better than Mainstream, but not Wonderful enough to rave about.
The Calling Card was given to The Waiter who immediately summoned Kulwant, Mein Host the Chef.
Magnificent – was Alison’s verdict. The guest always has to be polite, however, Alison was emphatic that she had enjoyed her Korma and ate the lot.
For Hector this was Rice with a Creamy Sauce. The Korma was – pleasant – but as ever with Chicken I found that the Meat was incidental. What does Chicken add to Curry? I know not. Perhaps a Vegetable Korma may now suit me?
Mags and Craig announced they were starving and would share a Vegetable Pakora. Qaiser disappointed The Doctor by stating they do not serve Chapli Kebabs, and so he and Jonathan ordered Seekh Kebabs. Qaiser offered Tarka Daal to Jonathan at this point, accepted.
I have never seen Mags eat a Starter then finish all of her Main – Still the best, a bit more coriander.
Craig thankfully had much more to say, quel surpris!
Not as fearsome, more flavoursome. He then compared this to his two recent visits and pronounced this to be easily his favourite. Craig may be more Spice Tolerant than he will admit. He will be back.
