Hector The Tourist?
Unusually, Hector has only reported from Eretz Glasgow once in recent weeks. Today, work takes Hector to The Far East once again, a chance to meet up with Neil who first made me aware of the formerly – Impressive – but now deservedly described as – Outstanding – Lazeez Tandoori (191 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EB). Note also, there is no Hyperbole in this report, and the next Three Curry-Heute Blogs will be from places afar and will not match this.
Firstly, another chance to rant about our transport system. Is the departure platform of a train a State Secret? The Glasgow Queen St and Central Station habit of not revealing a platform number until moments before departure was equalled this evening at Haymarket. Haymarket has a Departures Board showing a maximum of four trains. Mine was the Sixth, shown on a board labelled – Arrivals – and leaving in five minutes.
Yes they have to fix that. – said a helpful First Scotrail employee.
A pity Deutsche Bahn don’t run our Railways…
When you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal
Neil and Hector passed two other Curry Houses in the Haymarket area this evening. One is reportedly Excellent but is a Franchise. Why should this be better than the one in Glasgow which closed? As for, the other, if ever there was signage designed to – Keep Hector Out.
Neil is a regular at Lazeez Tandoori, but for Takeaways. This was Hector’s second Visit, the Lamb Karahi was calling me back. Taking a table at the window, we saw Mein Host busy behind the counter dealing with the Phone, Takeaway Customers and some Chaps at the table occupied last time by Mr. Snax, Marg and Hector. After some minutes he asked if we were ready to order. The anticipated wait for a Fresh Karahi is what motivated me to order a Starter. Lunch was substantial and relatively late. Lamb Seekh Kebabs were not available, only Chicken… I try to avoid Chicken. I was told the Chef was out sourcing more Lamb Mince. It was verified that Lazeez does not do Lamb Chops. So, Mixed Pakora (£3.95) – same as last time.
I asked for the Lamb Karahi £9.75) without Capsicum. Mein Host immediately looked up from his note taking. There was an obvious challenge coming my way, as if my request was not possible or was upsetting. I had it that way last time, it was so good, that’s why I’m back. Capsicum withheld. Do you have Fresh Methi? Only Dried was available, ok. Extra Methi Please, assuming there was Methi in the Karahi originally. Given Lunch, I should have ordered Chapattis, the Keema Paratha (£2.50) had to be sampled.
Neil was set on Keema, Boiled Rice would accompany. We were invited to help ourselves to Drinks from the fridge, glasses were provided. .
Mixed Pakora
The Pakora arrived, Vegetable, Chicken and Mushroom. Again it was apparent that this had been half-cooked previously and now just finished off, not ideal. The Mushroom Pakora was the Dodgy part last time, tonight it was Fine. The Vegetable Pakora was the Highlight, better than the Chicken in Batter. Why was I eating Lumps of Meat? Lunch would have its revenge.
Having introduced myself on arrival, Mein Host was over to chat whilst we waited for The Main Event. The Chef returned laden and acknowledged us sitting at the door. He is also the Proprietor. On reading the re
view of the first visit, Mein Host defended the half cooked Pakora. If they didn’t do it that way, what they served would be too solid to eat, and – too Dark and Crispy. He went on to identify the Young Chap who served me last time as the Son of the Chef, his own Nephew. The Mother was seen popping in and out of the Kitchen, answering the phone as necessary. Note, no Deliveries on a Tuesday.
Advertising itself as Takeaway and Sit-in, space at Lazeez is limited. I had to ask if I could use The Facilities. I suspect not many have asked for this, the wish was granted. I had to walk through the Kitchen and was happy to observe a Pot with Raw Onions ready to be pulped. There was no sign of the Great Curry Pot. I was even happier to find the toilet clean and working. Two mysteries solved.
We pride ourselves on the size of our portions … and also our Karahi
Neil’s Plate of Keema was delightfully Dry, the Portion Significant. The Karahi was something else. Served Bradford-Dry, even the Lamb Pieces approached Bradford-Small. The Lamb was Tender, with enough Resistance. The Masala was Thick, Very Thick, and Minimal. The Methi was there, the Oil residue was not excessive. This looked exactly how Hector wants his Curry.
The Eating was a Joy, the distinctive Blend of Flavours which can be identified as – The Bradford Taste – were there. There was a Blast of Cinnamon, Methi too. Just how wonderful was this Curry? Sheer Pleasure, there’s more.
The Paratha was Chunky, Substantial. There is a slow realisation that Perfect Flakiness cannot be achieved in a Stuffed Paratha. The test was the Mince, this Paratha passed, and some. This was as good as The Best of Keema Parathas. The Individual Grains of Mince were most visible when the Paratha was town apart. Why did Hector have Lunch?
The Combination of Bread and Karahi is the Staple of the Punjab, I am told. Dipping the Paratha in the Oil collecting at the base of a Karahi is one of Life’s Great Indulgences. Bradford-with Cinnamon – was how I described this dish to Neil. I could not pay it a higher complement.
Hector is used to a Half Kilo on-the-bone. This Portion must have was an equivalence, and being Boneless, the Meat content was Bountiful. Defeat was inevitable. The Exit Strategy was to eat Half thus leave a Decent Portion for another day.
Meanwhile Neil was having what was for him, a regular order. He found last week’s Keema to be Spicier but put this down to the aftermath of the couple of pieces of Pakora he had sampled.
Excellent Keema, enjoyed the Pakora, lovely food.
Doggy Bags were arranged.
Before we left our table, Mein Host placed a – Reserved – sign on the optimum table. This is worth noting for future Trips to Musselburgh?
The Bill
£16.79. We paid our own. The Karahi at a Tenner is more expensive than many Takeaways, however, this is in effect Two Portions.
The Aftermath
Assuming Chef was busy I asked for a Photo with Mein Host and The Mother. Chef/Proprietor appeared, they were happy to pose. Chef asked – I hope you found the food OK.
I didn’t come for OK, I seek Excellent, and this most certainly was. I mentioned the – as Good as Bradford.
Edinburgh is more famous for Tartan Dolly Shops than Curry. This is Hector, a Weegie, describing an Edinburgh Curry as being – as Good as Bradford. Can I praise this food any more?
Neil has not been to Bradford. I feel a Trip may be upon him very soon, then he will discover what the fuss is about.
Peter was a Teenager last time our paths crossed, he had flown up to join Father. By the time we decided Food was imminent, Mags decided to join us. Neil was not up for it. Hopefully we shall dine together on Tuesday. A Table was booked just in case 
Mr Baig stopped to acknowledge as he passed – photo opperchancity. I later caught him filling Plastic Takeaway Containers, he was off home with some of his Excellent Wares. The entire Baig Family were at our table at some point. Did I get a plea in to restore the much-missed Lal Lahori?
How long have you been here?
The Enjoyment was enhanced by a Flavour from the Thin Paratha. There was something coming through which added to the Curry. The Paratha could only have had Slivers of Vegetable Smeared inside it. This as mentioned was Thin, too Soft and had little hint of Flakiness. I’ve had much worse and I did like the Flavour.
The Takeover of the empty WokWay premises was related and the aim to have a Contemporary Design. The Wall Coverings are unusual. Note, this Venue is Small.
Rizwan was in his usual place behind the counter, introductions were given, hands shaken. I was in the mood for Fish but Rizwan said the Fish was frozen somehow that was off-putting. The Specials Board had Keema Potatoes, that was too tempting. I also negotiated a Half Portion of the Mixed Vegetables and a Single Chapatti (60p). Marg would spectate.
The Keema Potatoes was Curry, just. This was Mince and Potatoes with a Small Kick. Marg had to be given a sample, her favourite Dish. She wasn’t tempted to order a portion but did come back for more. This was a very tasty plate of Mince and Tatties.
The Vegetable Curry was a generous half portion. With Potatoes, Peas, Cauliflower, Diced Carrot and a Single Green Bean, this was served in a Shorba-style Masala. This had very Earthy Flavour and stood out from the Keema Potatoes. A Great Combination.
With Marg present, a perfect opperchancity to have a photo taken with Rizwan.
Our Booking was originally for 20.00. however I saw fit to bring this forward, it could have been a very long day otherwise.
The Welcome Salad was brought, I immediately asked for Sparkling Water to prevent the For Sale Still Water being brought. Poppadoms and Dips – Compliments of the House – were much appreciated.
The Chapattis were Large and Chunky, Proper Chapattis and Perfect Vessels for the Curry.
Mango Kulfi (£1.50), as purchased in KRK, served on-the-stick in the wrapper, no fuss. Great.
Two minutes. 
We settled down for the long wait. Having declined the Starters I felt we would be some way down the list of Dishes being prepared in the open kitchen which lay in front of me. I was surprised when the food came well within a decent time period. The Karahi Gosht was clearly going to arrive last and so Judith insisted I sample her All-Sorts. Gosh! The Bradford Curry Taste was right in my face. This was excellent. Marg invited me to sample her Fish Karahi. Gosh! 
The Calling Card was given to the young waiter who took the cash. The Calling Card was passed up the chain of command. Our appreciation was expressed.
A Whole Five Weeks since the Last Holiday, and some were in a Joyous Mood as the Glasgow September Weekend was under-way. A Visit to 
Sharing makes it OK. With Succulent Lamb Chops, a Moist Seekh Kebab and Chicken Various, this was Joy on the Palate. It was hoped there would still be room for The Mains.
The Keema Paratha was Dry and almost Crispy, a Very Good interpretation. Hector was in Curry Heaven, only one thing would mar the visit, no way could the Curry be eaten and the Last Train caught. Takeaway? No chance.
Curryspondent James recommended Priyas Palace (2 Robertson St, Greenock, PA16 8DB) a couple of years ago, tonight was the second visit. Having ordered 
A few tables were occupied as we entered the upstairs premises sometime after 18.00. We had timed our arrival right, others arrived, the Buffet would be replenished with some regularity. £13.50 per head, matching the Standard Price which Hector expects to currently pay for a Main Course and Sundries.
The Starters included Seekh Kebab, the expression – We’re on a winner – came to mind.
One always tries to have a decent wait between Starters and Mains. Failed again. The Waiter asked about our Bread requirement. On the last visit a well above average Paratha was presented, time for something different. A Garlic and Coriander Naan was prepared to order, and so we waited for this to arrive before going up for The Mains. For once we hoped for slower service.
Unless it’s 
The Buffet included a choice of Vanilla Ice-Cream or Coffee. Marg fancied both and so Hector had neither. A small price for dragging Marg to Greenock on a Monday evening.
Palak Gosht in 
Expectations were not high, the Flavour lacked Intensity. A proper Onion-based Masala would be a welcomed addition to what is typically served. This is what passes for Curry in 
Hector had a Boot to catch, no time to hang around. Calling Card #2 was left.