Not to be confused with its more Famous Namesake, the Shish Mahal (1348 Maryhill Rd, Glasgow G20 9DG) is lies on the northern frontier of what can still be considered Glasgow West. Situated opposite the Wyndford Estate this is close to the part of Glasgow in which Hector spent his formative years.
It was exactly half an hour from Hector’s House to the Shish Mahal. Walking up the stairs at 17.25 I was not surprised to find myself the first diner of the shift. A young waiter greeted me warmly and took my coat. I was invited to sit anywhere. Being upstairs premises there was no window as such for me to be sat at. I chose the third booth on the left of Four. Another three booths ran down the opposite wall. It was tight squeeze getting in, I suspect others wouldn’t manage. I was given the Set Menu (£9.95) and the a la Carte. I was only interested in the latter. The waiter invited me to call him when I had made my selection. So far, so good.
This was not the most extensive of menus so no pretentious tweaking. The Lamb Karahi Lalpuri and a Vegetable Paratha was the Hector choice. What the significance of Lalpuri may be remains unknown. The withholding of the Green Peppers was not a problem. The Sparkling Water was provided and I cleared away all the cutlery, side plate and cloth napkin, I needed space.
I estimated the Shish Mahal sits around 50, with the seven booths each taking four at a squeeze. The décor is remarkable and truly outdated, garish even. However, they would be mad to change it, it has a childish charm with the simplistic artwork adorning the walls. I amused myself on the rusty Samsung whilst the Waiter and an elder chap behind the counter filled the oillLamps, well that is what I assumed they were doing.
The wait was adequate, enough to convince me that this was not straight out the Big Curry Pot. I could hear scraping sounds from the kitchen.
The waiter and a beaming young lady brought the Curry and Paratha.
Good Evening – she said. Very pleasant.
Lamb Karahi with no Green Peppers – said The Waiter. He also questioned my lack of Rice with the Order. A bit late now. Who could eat all this and Rice?
Served in a traditional cast iron karahi sat on a wooden base, I carefully manoeuvred this in front of me and dispensed with the plate. The Curry was Dark Red, with a Thick Tomato and Onion-rich Masala. Buried in this Mash was the Lamb. It looked like Lamb Tikka, the occasional Smoky Taste made me convinced, the tenderness then Confused. The combination of Lamb and maybe excessive Masala more than adequate in terms of portion size. The overall experience was reminiscent of what I have described previously as the Clydebank Curry Taste, with Tomato and Onion dominant. The Spice Level was not overwhelming, a moderate kick.
The Vegetable Paratha was excellent. I have now abandoned the Keema Paratha, it is too much to eat with a Meat Curry. This was well filled with Potato and Fresh Coriander, a good size at £2.45. For the record, Chapattis are available here at £0.85.
The Waiter approached to ask the Customary Question – Very Good – was mysSpontaneous reply.
With the Killermont Polo Club the only near neighbour, one suspects that this Maryhill Road Curry House must do well. It is a bit surprising that there is nothing further north than this venue other than Takeaways. Does Springburn not deserve a Curry House, perhaps Bishopbriggs is too close?
By the time I was finishing an extended family took up a table adjacent to mine. They had arrived from the rear of the premises, a back door with a car park I deduced. The Shish Mahal operates BYOB with no corkage charge. I went up to the counter and was shown the Bill by the elder chap.
The Bill
£13.45. Bang on what I would expect to pay.
The Aftermath
I presented the brand new version of the Curry-Heute Calling Card. I was hoping to chat but the phone went.
Somehow I was resembling a snowman. Flecks from the tablecloth had covered my clothing. Crazy.
The Waiter returned the coat, he was now busy showing more people to their tables. It would appear that 18.15 is Curry O’Clock in Maryhill.
A 90 Bus emerged from Ruchill St, whatever happened to Harrington Street, it is no more…
Update
Shish Mahal became Spice Room, then at the start of 2021 – Divans Darbar
The decision was made to have something Earthy, Genuine home-cooked-style Curry. A venue which has only been operating under the current Management for ten months has impressed twice during 2013. And so Café Reeshah (455 Shields Rd, Glasgow, G41 1NP) was chosen as the locus of the first Glasgow Curry of the year.
It was going to be a struggle to eat the Curry and Rice. So quantity was in the inder’s favour. The Mince was served with truly Minimal Masala and next to no Oil. The Seasoning was exactly to Hector’s Taste. The presence of cooked Tomatoes and a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander added to the overall Flavours and Texture. This was so simple, just like Mother never used to make. When Mein Host came out to asked – Excellent – was the reply.
Given the size of the Premises, it is interesting that they still do not serve alcohol. I congratulate them for this. Hector goes to Curry Houses for Curry. Craig ordered a Tropical Fruit Mocktail whilst Yvonne ordered a more simple Fruit juice. Marg was not put off by the somewhat excessive £3.95 for a Glass of Mango Lassi. All these Soft Drinks were around the £4.00 mark, well one doesn’t have to order them. Hector stayed with Water.
At this level of Dining, the Bread is not Inclusive. Chapattis are not on offer. It is £0.95 for a Roti, £2.25 for a Plain Pratha and £3.55 for an Aloo Pratha. We ordered Two Roti, a Plain Paratha and a Pilao Rice.
Marg, Craig and Yvonne all went for Lamb Karahi, Two Medium, One Baby Strength. They do actually sell Baby Food at 
For those seeking a Big Night Out then 
Marg had been planning a Portion of the Lamb Chops (Starter £3.90) for days. A Mango Lassi (£1.50) would top this off.
As with the Lamb Chops Achari enjoyed by Clive and Hector on
The Hands had to be washed, the Facilities used. The doors separating the Ladies and Gents were open. That was a good one – came a Female voice from not too distant a locus. If one can’t do it here, then where? – was the reply. As I took my seat I related the events to Marg. The next Lady to emerge will be wondering… she came out, I smiled – Was it was you? The same Doris who had spoken to Marg earlier. She was in a Party Mood, one deduces something had happened today to make her Particularly Happy. Perhaps one day she will read this and tell the world.
Hector felt the need to update the – Taken with – Photos. So, Khalid, Mr. Bashir and Hector took the Opperchancity of Marg on Camera.
January 2nd, it must be 
Sadaqat had Complimentary Salad, Dips and Poppadoms on the Table as soon as they could be mustered. He took the Order and then we discussed The Hector Curry. How can I resist my Lamb on-the-bone Sheesh Mahal Special with Extra Methi?– I told Sadaqat. I was torn between this and Fish. It’s New Year, I’ll do you Fish as well. 
Although Marg made no remark. Her Vegetable Pakora did look a bit Scrawny and unless he got there before the Camera, only Four Main Pieces. Knowing that we would be indulging ourselves shortly, Marg ordered Kashmiri Tea. This is a Spicy, Milky Creation first experienced at 
The Lamb on-the-bone was Full of Flavour, Very Tender. The Methi evident but not Over-dominant. The Quantity was more than Adequate, Two Chapattis were enough. This is why Hector comes to Bradford. Another perfect Curry, and a Rare Hector Smile!
en to Ilkley. This Story is related Elsewhere.
Five of us entered what turned out to be a Sizeable Venue. We were shown to the rear. In comparison, Lala’s was much busier, Hector was still Confident. The Menu revealed the availability of Ostrich and Venison. The Prices for these were not Ridiculous either. Craig was seduced by the Venison – Jalfrezi. Deer – The Menu said. At £9.50 maybe not. Pilao Rice would Accompany. Yvonne went for the Chilli Lounge Special Karahi (Lamb and Chicken) plus a Roti (£0.95). Mags loves her Aloo Gosht, well so does Hector. Lamb Alu Nagha is how this appeared on The Menu. Hector was straight on to the Trusty Samsung. Whether this meant Capsicum or Chilli remained unclear. A Mushroom Rice and a Chapatti (£0.65) would be an Elegant Sufficiency. Now, let’s stop to recall the ridiculous prices for 
A Lamb Achari with a Chapatti please. This was a Marg First. Hector has been adding Lime Pickle and Tamarind to most Home Cooked Curry Dishes in the past year. Whilst Marg has eaten these, sometimes one feels under duress, this came as a Complete Surprise. Fifteen years ago Marg ordered Chicken Korma.
There is an Aberdeen Curry House which does not, and likely never will, feature in Curry-Heute. We arrived late-ish , they took us in, then cleared everything away whilst we waited a ridiculous time for our Curry. It was here the period of time referred to in this Blog as – The Robin – materialised. I mention this, not because of the wait, but the fact that many tables in my field of view were stripped and the chairs arranged in rows beside me. Not clever. However, the tables were then congregated and large Serving Trays appeared. They were setting up for the MEGA Buffet, available on Thursdays and Sundays. One wonders how many of the Exotically Named Dishes appear in the Buffet?
Hector was presented with a Bradford-Dry Curry and No Capsicum! The Lamb was cut Small with Big Pieces of Potato. The Spice Level was Impressive. More Seasoning and More Methi would have made the Dish Outstanding, however, for the First Visit this has to be regarded as a Commendable Curry. When The Waiter came over to ask – I gave the Thumbs-up. The Aloo Paratha was most enjoyable, Fresh with just the required amount of – Hint of Crisp. I think I’ll be sticking to these. Just how much Potato did I end up with?
The Two Poppadoms and Pickle Tray (£1.50?) disappeared whilst Hector was dealing with an irate Ricky who had guessed a Bradford Curry would be part of the Hector Ritual. I could never give him an accurate ETA. The Spanish Terrorists would arrive in Bradford when Traffic, Weather, the slow A65 and Coffee stops permitted. Yvonne said the Poppadoms were Greasy.
Two Prawn Curry Dishes were brought. The Waiter realised the error and was prepared to fix it, however, Craig decided to take the extra Prawn. In the end he and Marg shared the Fish and the Prawn. Yvonne enjoyed her Prawn Karahi. Tasty and Light – is what she was after, exactly what was provided. Craig kept repeating the phrase which never appears in this Blog. He was thoroughly enjoying his Prawn/Fish. I’ve never had a Bad Bradford Curry – he also said more than once. Well done, Hector! Marg – Very Tasty, Flavoursome. I enjoyed the Sweetness of the Prawn. Everything had a Kick. She was also taken by the fact that the Fish was served Flaked and not Whole Fillets as served at Home.
I had to try the other Two Dishes. Marg kept me a Prawn. Indeed, the Sweetness was evident. Pleasant. I only had a Soupçon of The Fish Karahi. Bloody Hell! This was Outrageous. Despite the Hector Palate having Overdosed on Pickle this was again Outstanding. I shall have to return for this. Sixteen months since my last visit. #3 will be in February, Guaranteed!
Ricky, Our Man in Bradford and Dr. Stan had been informed about another Wonder Curry House and were reportedly heading off to Who-knows where? Time may well reveal this New Venue. The Words – Blood, and Stone come to mind.
Dr. Dr. Awais, Ahmed and Shkoor were all in the Class of 19??. Accompanying them this evening was another from the same era and locally resident – Raza. Raza and Hector’s paths must have crossed, we eat in the the same places. I was amused when Raza admitted that when he goes to 
Just when Hector started to think that we were having The Vegetarian Option the Kebabs were presented. Chicken and Lamb Seekh Kebabs. More of The Same came soon after topped with Chicken Chapli Kebabs. This was just the Beginning. A Plate of Lamb Chops was placed Proudly on the Table.
A Bowl of White Lentils was greeted warmly – Daal Maash. Ahmed explained that each Lentil Grain should be seen to be separate. There should also be no Oil collecting at the Base of The Bowl. This was Perfect.
Two Large Karahi emerged from The Kitchen. There was speculation that they may be different, however, we were assured that both Karahi were identical. This meant Dr. Dr. Awais and Hector would take care of One, whilst The Nibblers addressed The Other. Shkoor had now joined us, we were Six.
Hector has a new Word, I shall be trying it out in every North Indian/Punjabi Restaurant from now on. Namkeen is Salt. Regular Readers know the importance of Seasoning in Curry. This Dish comes from the NW Frontier, heavily influenced by the Cooking from Afghanistan. Indeed, this is what 
This is the Fifteenth consecutive year that Hector has enjoyed a Curry on the Eve of Marg’s Favourite Day of The Year, or – xmas – as I can just about force myself to call it. To say I could care less would be appropriate. Still, I need a new Pair of Sox, and in Two more Days I might even have a Bier. Yes Hector is full of The Festive Spirit. Five Hours in Glasgow Airport on Friday followed by another Five Hours at Heathrow Yesterday (after Two Hours in Düsseldorf) has placed me in a Very Relaxed Zone. Dr. Rick sent an email suggesting I should have realised the gods were sending me Signals.
The Manzil Restaurant (22 King St., AB24 5AX) is a Venue we have driven past en route to the Lahore Karahi, it is years overdue a visit. I phoned to ensure they had a Table for Two. On entering we found ourselves to be the First Diners of the Evening, it was just after 18.30.
The Menus were brought and The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips. I shall highlight the Plurality of the Poppadoms, one each. The Accompanying Lime Pickle, Mango Sauce and Spiced Onion was, shall we say, Minimalist. Hardly enough for One, but at least there could be no question of these sneakingly appearing on The Bill later.
The Waiter came over and offered to re-locate us. The Father stood up, Cash in hand and was willing to depart, immediately. I thought The Waiter meant to move us to another seat within the room, however he showed us through to another room which was in Darkness. This was set up differently. Buffet in one room, A la Carte in another? Our Appreciation was Expressed. The Lights went on, Cue The Music! We then had to endure some Murderously Awful C&W Interpretations of songs that weren’t. One has to retain a Sense of Humour.
The Masala was Rich in Onion (Strips) and Pulped Tomato, if I had ordered Rogan Gosht then this would have been exactly what I would have expected. This was a pleasant enough Curry. Three times we were asked if the Meal was – OK.
Now Marg had to remark on the Strips of Onion in her Curry. Finely cut – she distinctly recalled from the description of the Nentara on The Menu. How many times in the years of Curry-Heute has Marg ended up with a Dopiaza Variant. Excessive Onion is not to her Taste. However, Marg thoroughly enjoyed her Curry – It was Great, Lovely. A Good Curry with a Good Hint (?) of Ginger.
Anchorman 2. If one enjoyed the Original, this is certainly worth a viewing.