What is Hector doing on the South-side on a random Wednesday lunchtime in May? It is most certainly not a holiday.
Last night’s dinner was approaching disaster. Lesson learned #127.5, do not add leftover Couscous to a Tomato-based Sauce, it looks totally unappetising. So much so, Marg and Hector ate very little yesterday. With enough work for the day completed, Hector glanced at his Weekday Lunch, the Perpetual Fruit Diet continues. As Winnie-the-Pooh famously said – There’s a rumbly in my tumbly… A quick glance at a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I’m on my way, ah-ha…
Café Reeshah (455 Shields Rd, Glasgow, G41 1NP) is in its third year of operation under the current management. They serve potentially the Best Keema Mutter in Glasgow. Potentially? I discovered when taking Marg there last November, Keema Mutter is not always available.
Entering just after 13.30, Mein – The Most Modest – Host in Glasgow smiled in recognition. I parked my jacket over the back of one of the nine available chairs, there only are nine. This was to establish I was here to Sit and Savour, not for a Takeaway which Café Reeshah basically is.
Approaching the counter I could see the pre-prepared Curry Dishes, no sign of Keema, no sign of Lamb at all.
Mein Host talked me through the Kurry – Pakora Curry, Daal, Chickpeas, Chicken… I even spotted Spinach. Not really what I was looking for. He lifted a tray on the far side – Aloo Gosht, then another – Mince and Potatoes. Both looked wonderful, Hector was here for the Keema.
A bit of both? He suggested. Oh yes, and two Chapattis. Buttered or Plain? Buttered.
What is the Hector doing ordering two Chapattis at lunchtime? Autopilot, hunger.
Plates of Curry were taken away for reheating, I heard no – Ding, but who knows?
The late Lunchtime Trade was brisk, Curry and Pizza were being purchased, far too early for a Kebab, Ten hours too early.
The Music Machine burst into life. Before, Dear Reader, you think Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is the only Qawwali singer Hector knows, and Allah Hoo the only Asian song … I was exposed to this famous song in its warm up stages, however, the voice was as familiar as it was unfamiliar. Did Nusrat record this Fifty Years ago, or has some young upstart dared to re-record this classic? Who has a copy of this epic with the British chaps playing synthesiser as backing?
Plates were assembled on the counter, Mein Host was the aerial conveyor, first to be set down was a single Chicken Seekh Kebab. He wanted me to sample it, and so I did, and as is befitting those who wish to feed the Hector, it is reviewed. What might be considered a half portion of Aloo Gosht followed and a fair-sized portion of Chicken Mince and Potatoes (Aloo Murgh Keema) was placed last.
Let’s not overlook Two of the ifnest Chapattis I have seen in weeks. Large and with girth, these were taunting. They had the stamp of authenticity all over them. Two Chapattis. Folded over, the moistness from the Butter was retained inside whilst I tackled the Kebab.
Chicken or Lamb, Seekh Kebabs are a great way to start a meal. This was Fresh and Spicy. Accompanied by a Modest Salad and a generous plate of Raita, an amusement to start.
What Next?
One Dish would cool whilst the other was consumed, or tackle both at once?
The Lamb and Potato in a near-Shorva was further from the heart’s desire. What looked like four pieces of Lamb became Six. The Lamb was also on-the-bonefour Bones, one a Sucky.
The first dof the Buttered Chapatti in the Masala – Oh, yes. The kick, the Seasoning. This was another treat, to think I could have missed out. The classic 1960s Curry Flavours, way thinner than the Hector onrm but not so thin to be a Shorva-proper. Some may disagree, however, this packed a suitable Tasty punch. Mein Host was over to inspect the proceedings. All was well. The Potato content was confusing given the size of the pieces. There was much more – than I first thought.
Chicken Today
And so Hector had another Chicken experience. Chicken Tikka Masala looms. The Oil content was so minimal there was next to no residue on the plate at the end. More Seasoning required, this did not have – The Wow – I have experienced from the Lamb Mince version. Still, the kick was there, Dry as Curry can be served, no Masala to speak of. With the fresh Tomatoes on top, the much sought after Diversity of Texture; how many boxes ticked? As the second Chapatti was tackled the realisation had long since hit home, no way should I have ordered this one. Still, we are not in Aberdoom where Two Chapattis cost as much as a Glasgow Curry.
My mouth loved me, the stomach was wondering wtf? Where’s the Apple and Orange? This is hopefully the shape of things to come and why Hector shall retain ownership of his own vehicle for as long as is viable. Desi Lunch in the South-side Curry Cafés?
The Bill
I offered £10.00. There was £2.00 change.
The Aftergmath
I asked Mein Host if business was doing well. He put this down to his prices. There is a lot of competition in this part of the city.
He told me he is happy and impressed by the fact that people are coming from outside Glasgow to enjoy the Fayre.
Somebody is doing something right.
This is a reat Lunchtime Venue. Go soon before popularity has people Queuing for a seat.
Now to go home and prepare Paella. Marg, Dinner is at 22.00.
The Monthly Trip to 
e so enjoyed two weeks ago – Chicken Karahi. He was offered Palak but stuck to his guns and had the Chicken version of the Hector Lamb Karahi with Dry Methi sprinkled on top.
The Aloo Gosht had seriously large pieces of Potato. I must try this Dish. However, the Masala is in the Shorva-style, not the Dry-Thick Masala Hector prefers.
With Bones, the Half-kilo is easily manageable. Superbly Tender Lamb in a Minimal Masala Mush, a Curry Fantasy. A Fantastic Curry. There is only one 
Poppadoms and Dips were brought, enough for Five. Jamie and Iain arrived moments later. By this time Irfan had confirmed that – The Dish – would be Lamb on-the-bone and there would be enough for Three. That was Dr. Stan Steve and Hector sorted, the joy of being punctual.
The Mixed Combo is One Seekh Kebab, Two Pieces of Chicken Tikka and Two Pieces of Lamb Tikka. The Spiciness from the Seekh Kebab Titillates The Palate. The Succulence of the Chicken Tikka complements this. The Intensity of Flavour from the Lamb Tikka brings this Starter to a Wonderful Conclusion. Jamie demolished the Lamb Tikka, without the build up it’s not the same.
Steve was given Four Good-sized Lamb Chops. Two had Big Bones, two Small. Tasty! Next time. We were on the £15.00 eat a la Carte Deal despite it being a Friday. Cheers, Rashid!
This must be Hector Special #4. Dry Masala, Thick with Methi. Rashid is a Regular Reader of Curry-Heute, he knows.
The Seasoning was less intense than has been served previously, Steve was glad. The Spice Level was at a Killer Level. The Tenderest of Lamb had minimal Bones in the Hector Portion, some in Steve’s, Dr. Stan took the brunt. This was Excellent Curry but still a bit short of – Wow! The Good People of Glasgow’s 
Hector finds himself at The Ashoka Ashton Lane (9 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, G12 8SJ) mid afternoon. Completing the visits to all Harlequin Curry Houses north of the River Clyde, Hector is delighted that it is possible to eat here all day from noon. Not enough venues are open in Glasgow after lunchtime.
No sooner had I poured the Water into the Glass when a Chap came through the adjacent door with the Chaat. Two Little Chicken Pieces. 
The Lamb was spot on in terms of needing chewing but not being so soft it didn’t. There was no Flavour emanating from the Lamb itself. As in a previous visit to an 
I couldn’t possibly be here and not have the Tandoori Lamb Chops. Normally I have to share some of the Portion of Six, not tonight. I informed Clive that we were having a Portion Each. Yvonne and Craig would share One Portion. I was set to go up to the Bar to order when a familiar Young Waiter produced a pad, we would be served at the table. This also means one is not paying in advance. The system is evolving.
The Lamb Chops are that Magnificent. Spicy, Succulent, almost OTT. If Craig can eat these, he can eat a Curry at any strength. There are two ways to eat Lamb Chops – as Nature Intended, or the Posh Edinburgh Public School way.
Both Craig and Yvonne were using their knife and fork. Que? In the end, Yvonne gave up, Her Weegieness disproved a long held myth – Yvonne would do that…
Meanwhile elsewhere, Craig was swearing at The Hector. He was thoroughly enjoying his Methi-Melange but he too was finding the Spice Level to be nearing Ten. If Craig survived the Lamb Chops, he will be fine with this.
A familiar face from the days of 
The Familiar Waiter, Akhtar, came and sat at the adjacent table. He knew my face, knew of Hector, but had not matched the two. He even has my phone number. There was a lengthy discussion about the Menu. That which is written above was relayed. The Desi List impresses, but where is the Fish equivalent? As I whipped out the Trusty Samsung to show the Fish Chettinad served at 
For many, this is a Bank Holiday Weekend, but not for Marg or Hector. Settling down to watch the Sunday afternoon Football on Sky Sports, Marg received a text inviting us to join former colleagues… on a School Night? They had today off.
Hector had been sated. This was an Impressive Curry. I shall have to go back and re-establish the 
Hector went to bed this evening with the knowledge that overnight, Curry-Heute would pass through the 3 Million Mark.
Lime Pickle and Mixed Pickle were added in a quantity which was enough to give the required Tang. When one goes down the Achari route, it is difficult to fail.
A Young Waiter resplendent in a Singh Tartan Kilt brought the Menu and took the order for Sparkling Water. Hector was tempted to order a Pint of Soda Water, smiley emoticon understood.
This was Hector’s second sample of Haggis Pakora on consecutive days. Last night on my Birthday Treat at the 
s, seating around 80 at an estimate, the place was starting to fill up. A Painting of the Scottish Football Team adorned the wall. The 1974 World Cup Team was my first take. On closer examination this is an – All Time Greats Fantasy 11. More customers and more staff was steadily streaming in. This was early for a Glasgow Curry House to be attracting custom. Why are more Glasgow Venues not open all day? Think back to 
The Masala was thankfully not Thin as it could have been presented. The Masala had a Rich Texture with the Oil visible but not to excess. The Dish was Piping Hot, as food should be served. The Paratha was well-fired. A bit beyond the – Flaky – I had in mind but better the slight Crisping than the serving of Limp Bread. 
Dipping the Paratha in the Masala revealed a Mysterious Flavour. The initial reactions were – More Seasoning – required, after a few moments this was re-written to – not so. The Very Tender Lamb was a mixture of on-the-bone and off. What was I tasting?
