Established in 2008, Chillies West End (176-182 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LL) has been on the radar for sometime. It has the Aura of a Chain which is why I have not eaten here before, yet apart from here, they only have a Takeaway on the Southside. To my current knowledge this is therefore a Local Firm. Marg and Hector were in the mood for Tapas a couple of years back and so dropped in one Sunday afternoon. Realising there was nothing Spanish we left. Yes, Hector does eat other Food.
This was meant to be an afternoon of Curry Cooking and so the Friday Ritual Curry was not anticipated, however, others had different ideas and so Hector was free to go exploring.
Entering just before 17.00 I was the First Customer of the evening. A Chap was leaving with a Massive Pizza, so the Usual Kebab House Fayre is on offer here too. The Reception doubles as the Takeaway Area. From the street the seating area is highly visible, it was instinct then a Waiter which took me to the right and towards one of the two tables for two at the window. The Hector was Window Dressing once again.
Humidity had established a Thirst, a Litre Bottle of Sparkling Water was ordered. At a bit over £3.00 this was way better value than the Micro-Bottle supplied midweek at the Indian Platform. The Young Waiter brought this and apologised for the Water not being Chilled. Ice was provided, no problem. A BYOB system is in operation, there is no Corkage Charge which must therefore suit the Student Population.
The Menu had all the usual Standards, Desi Dishes are available with consultation. A Chinese Menu is available at Lunchtimes. The Prices would lead to a bit of confusion. The Prices of the Starters did not suggest Tapas, they were what one would expect to pay. Tapas Curry for The Main Course – introduced the section from which I would choose my meal. Karahi Lamb Chops (£5.90) grabbed my attention. An Aloo Paratha to accompany.
Mein Host took the order. I had to ask if the Capsicum could be withheld. He explained that this was in the – Sauce – already. Normally at this point there is an impasse. He suggested that None would be added on Top. An Acceptable Compromise.
Whilst I waited I could not help but notice the Statue erected along the road in memory of Bud Neill’s Cartoon Hero – Lobey Dosser, the Sheriff of Calton Creek, accompanied by Rank Bajin, on the famous Two Legged Horse – El Fideldo. Glasgow Culture. We have a sense of humour.
Initially the TV was showing the News and the nonsense that is ongoing in Iraq. Our Chaps have given Life and Limb, what has been achieved? The channel was changed to the Football. Mexico v Cameroon, more dodgy refereeing decisions. Come on, Hector. Hector Herrera that is.
The Food arrived, Two Lamb Chops in a Thick Masala. Only Two? The Paratha was Quartered (why?) and served in a Basket. This was way too Hot to touch initially, Great! This is the joy of dining alone, the Food comes when it is ready, One is not waiting for everyone else’s. The Paratha was in the Stuffed-style, a Layer of Potato was visible and some slices of the Large Green Chillies. The Paratha was a Good Size and was Cooked-through. There was a Kick, Good Texture and was Well Seasoned, a Very Good Paratha, most Satisfying.
Dipping the Paratha in the Masala revealed another Kick. The Seasoning in the Paratha dominated, so a Perfect Accompaniment. The Masala was presumably Thickened with Capsicum and Onion. I have no problem with this whatsoever, the Dreaded Green Vegetable was not all visible, nor it’s Raw Flavour. I was Happy with the Texture and Flavour, however the balance of Masala to Meat was questionable. Two Chops. I called over the Young Waiter, he looked concerned.
I only have Two Chops. I’ll have another Portion please. It took a moment for the order to sink in, off he went.
The Chops were not the Largest, but they were decidedly Tasty. Had they not impressed I would not have ordered more. By the time I had eked out Portion #1, Portion #2 arrived. Again more Masala than Meat, but at least I knew now I would be Fed, the Excellent Paratha would take care of that.
Mein Host approached. He explained a Full Portion was available for £11.00. Had I missed this on The Menu? Apparently not.
Watching the World Cup and Eating Quality Curry. A Pleasant Afternoon.
The Bill
£17.75. This was more than I would normally pay for Four Chops and a Paratha.
Tomorrow should illustrate this.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed to Mein Host. He enquired as to my level of enjoyment. That I ordered Two Portions confirms I enjoyed the First.
I shall certainly return. The Curry was impressive, just need to get the Portion Size agreed upon at the Start. And Desi Dishes are always an Attraction.
The Botanic Gardens from Kelvinbridge to Kelvindale then another Tunnel on to Ruchill Golf Course. With George and a Torch initially, who could afford Batteries? A Stick scraped along the Wall proved sufficient in the end. No Rats, there was no Food.
The Menu was fortunately not vast, enough choice, none of the Two Hundred Variations from the same pot nonsense. Poppadoms were most definitely not Complimentary. 95p was listed at the Start then again with the Breads at the end of The Menu. ,
The Machi Masala was brought by the Waiter. Soup!
my Main Course. I was. Moments later the Curry and Bread were brought.
At £6.95 I have paid More and received Less. There was enough Tender Lamb with added Pieces of Potato. A Decent Quantity. More Seasoning and More Kick required, however, was this the penalty for sampling the Mongshor Jhol so soon after The Fish? There was nothing here NOT to like.
Rishi’s Indian Aroma, with branches in 
A familiar face was serving. Two Big Curry Pots were on the go. One had Vada Pau a Vegetarian Curry, calm, and Keema Pau. On my first visit to 
The Date had been in the diary for some time. Waris’ White Karahi as served at 
Ikram greeted us on entry and had already introduced himself to Howard and Tracey. Waris, the Celebrity Chef for the day, appeared from the rear kitchen. The Five were assembled, here we go.
Is that us? asked Dr. Stan after his conveyor belt method of eating drew to a close.
feel we are taking advantage, but do realise that the overheads must be much lower in these modest premises.
The Portions were decidedly Tapas. The Aloo Gobi was attacked first.
The Roast Indian Vegetables of course featured 
Mein Host informed me that Chef would (next time) replace the 
I was given a Menu and took a seat. At the table it was made clear that this is a Self-Service set-up. There was a 20% surcharge on the quoted prices for sitting in, so it goes. I had studied the Menu on-line before arrival and was swithering about the Lamb Karahi complete with Onions and the 
Whilst I waited I took in the scene. The Takeaway Business was quite steady. A group of four ladies sat in the corner having – Curry and Fun. I estimated Cafe Sizzler can sit thirty or more, comfortably. There is a spacious air to the venue, one could not help but think back to the days when Neil and Hector would enjoy the occasional pint of McEwan’s Export in these premises, but strangely as I recall, never on Match Days.
The Seekh Kebab was accompanied by two pots of Spicy Dip and a Salad. The Salad had Pickled Chillies and Green Olives, always a welcome sight. I pondered at the Kebabs, too light for Lamb, too dark for Chicken. The plastic fork was too flimsy to cut through, Fingers! The interior took me back to Lamb. Great Spicy Kebabs with Cumin coming through. Most enjoyable. Am I allowed to write – Finger Licking Good?
Nadeem says they have been in operation since the end of 2013. They have altered the layout to make it more spacious. Since Nadeem and Uncle Mohammed have began working together great plans have been hatched. Nadeem then revealed that the Menu is currently being updated, a range of Desi Dishes are planned. I suggested that they invite me back when these are available.
Somebody told Hector about the Ayr Spice (The Old Minishant Memorial Church, 22 Ayr Rd, Minishant, Ayrshire, KA19 8EX) last year. Despite the inclement weather Marg and Hector headed off to the Ayrshire Coast this afternoon. Troon was the First Objective. As we parked near the Front, a chance meeting with Duncan, Author and Astronomer, and his Lady sent us to the Chit Chat Coffee Shop. They were celebrating their First Birthday. Food was declined, Curry was planned.
The Aloo Palak Pakora was Stunning. The contents were a Mash of Potato and Herbs. The Seasoning was Significant, a suitable Kick, Very Tasty. Five more pieces would have been welcomed.
I suppose I am The New Boss – was his reply. Javid introduced himself. I had to ask what became of the Famous Person referred to throughout the Restaurant – He is my Father.
Half of the Mince was then cooked in the Masala, the remainder in Oil and copious freshly ground Garam Masala. An entire Bag of Frozen Methi was absorbed. I managed to keep the quantity of Oil down to 750ml of Vegetable Oil. Keema Curry has to be served Dry.
Normally I Microwave Rice in batches for Three People. Today I risked using a Pot, well Two Pots. What does Rice for Seventeen look like? Better to have too much than too little. The Company were invited to bring Plastic Containers for a possible Takeaway. Of Curry, not Bier.
A Small Portion is £3.50, a Large Portion is £5.50. Just how small, Small is would be discovered shortly. With Two Roti and extra 50p. 25P for a Roti! This is well in keeping with the Spirit of Curry-Heute, almost Bradford Prices.
It was Ikram who greeted me on entry – Hi, Hector! Waris was quickly out of the Kitchen to shake hands. We discussed the Curry on display, the Chicken Curry actually looked tempting, good sized pieces of Chicken on-the-bone. The Lamb and Potato Curry was more in Hector’s Style. With Chapattis. Waris said he had just finished making Fresh Chicken Kebabs. So, Two of these to Start please.
