Shahed’s, Union Street, Glasgow

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Hector

Established 1974 it says above the window of the latest Curry Café to be established in Glasgow.  Located in a main thoroughfare across the road from the side entrance to Central Station, Shahed’s (78-80 Union St, Glasgow, G1 3QS) is on a prime site.  When the scaffolding disappears from the redevelopment next door this place will be even more visible.

The 1974 refers to their first shop, a takeaway next door to the Allison Arms on Pollokshaws Rd, so Hector has definitely sampled their fare at some time over the last forty years, even if it was just a Pakora.

With another branch in Giffnock one can only deduce that they are confident in what they sell.

It was John who tipped me off about this place over the holiday period.  He had taken advantage of the £5.50 Specials Offers and had been satisfied with what he was given.  As Hector entered the City Centre premises at 21.00, later than he normally would on a Friday evening (?Stan!  was away on his travels) the place was empty but very bright.  Everything was gleaming and with Charcoals their closest, and more dingy competitor, these premises should stand out more.

Having parked the jacket I went up to the counter.  Table service did not appear to be on offer.  I told the young Chap I was not interested in their Special Offers but was interested in procuring the best Curry they could provide.  I was passed to what I later established was Mein Host. The website suggests that this must be young Shahed himself, a trained Chef.  He listened to what my description of a Curry should be and took the order.  I made it clear what I did not want as much as what I did want: no Soup, Capsicum – a dry preference, bitter if possible.  Hector has been very spoiled in recent weeks with the Bradford trip still last week and the wonderful meals prepared at The Punjabi Charing Cross.

I had in effect ordered the Special Lamb Karahi (Meat or poultry cooked in an Indian wok with green chilli, tomato, garlic then served with lashing of coriander and freshly sliced ginger strips, creating a lovely dry and spicy dish).  This ticked the boxes.

Mein Host brought the meal with Chapattis to the table himself.  It looked appealing but did not match the description as written.  Perhaps I had been given a further variant.   At the time of eating I had not read the description anyway.  The dish was in no way dry, and the promised Ginger Strips were not evident.  The taste is the important thing.  This was decidedly sweet, but than having overdosed on Karela and Methi in the last few weeks the palate would find any Curry without these to be so.

The Chapattis and the Curry were steaming hot, this was just as well.  The room was freezing, the door was open, and there was a balance of temperature with the street outside.  I suppose it is better for them to have their door open to prove they are open for business so I have no real complaint with their tactic.

Overall this was a pleasant experience and definitely worth another try.

The Bill

£9.10.  £7.50 for the Curry and £1.60 for the Chapattis – which of course in Bradford would have been included in the price of the Curry.

The Aftermath

Hector finally made it to the Bon Accord where ?Stan! was leaving as I arrived.  How did this happen?  He has decided that our next Friday night outing in this city will be the Banana Leaf.  ?Stan! also has a strategy for Manchester next weekend, what is happening with this man?

Posted in [Shahed's (City Centre)] | Comments Off on Shahed’s, Union Street, Glasgow

Glasgow – Punjabi Charing Cross – credit where it’s due

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Hector

Last night was wonderful, tonight was going to be something else.  Hari, Mein Host at Punjabi Charing Cross (157 North Street  Glasgow, G3 7DA) had promised Hector fresh Karela prepared in his own inimitable way.  One assumed this would be mixed in with the recently created wonder-meal the Lamb Gurmeet, however, Hari had a surprise in store.

Marg and Hector awaited the company of Alan and Tracy next door in the Bon Accord.  They had managed to overcome the transport restrictions imposed by the local railway franchise.  Just how convenient is this Curry House, and just how welcoming can they be?

Hari was leaving for his other branch in Paisley Road West as we entered.  He confirmed the order was already in.  That was me sorted.  The others reviewed the menu in the dimmest of light.  Tracy eats Chicken, well we cannot all be perfect.  The Mulaidhar – Spinach, Green Chilli, Coriander in a Creamy Masala, a fine choice, but surely better in Lamb?  Alan gave up trying to read in the darkness, both he and Marg followed the Hector.  The order was completed with five Chapattis, a Garlic and Coriander Nan, and yet another pint of Cider. Marg then produced a torch.

Raita and Mango Chutney were added to the normal Complimentary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney, all was set.

Behold the Karela

Tracy’s dish looked splendid and was thoroughly enjoyed, Hector was too absorbed at what was set before him.  On completion of the delivery of the Breads and Curry we were all tucking in when Young Hari presented a plate of Karela.  Generous portions of this bitter vegetable had been Stuffed, Salted, Spiced and presumably roasted.  This was a new experience.  They were certainly well Spiced and well Seasoned, the Salt was to the fore.  Yet again Hector has managed to be present for a new experience in a Glasgow Curry House.  I have never seen or heard of this vegetable being made available in this manner.  Superb!

The Lamb Gurmeet was therefore intact and served as it has been in the last few weeks.  This is as good a Curry as I have experienced anywhere.  Alan having it for the second time was even more enthusiastic than before and pronounced it to be even better than his first sample.  Despite being served as Lamb on-the-bone, Marg was so impresses she ate more than her norm.  Alan and Hector rescued her with her two last pieces of Lamb.  Gentlemen to the end.

The Bill

£65.50.  Not all of this was Cider.  Our Helensburgh guests were impressed by the modest total.

The Aftermath

Young Hari insisted that I have a Liqueur having declined the offer last evening.  Three Liqueurs were set before us, the driver showed due patience.

Hector has been spoiled in the last week; every Curry has been a gem.  Next Friday ?Stan! gets to choose where we dine, on Saturday. Craig has offered to follow me to a Southside Café to which I am long overdue a return.

Google Analytics

For the last few weeks Hector has been able to establish the locality of his readers.  Belfast was the first to be highlighted, then Birmingham, Montreal, and Groningen and of course Islamabad (I know who this is.)  My thanks to all those who take the time to read these Blog entries and hopefully salivate?  Work is looming, the normal pattern of life will return and the indulgence of the last three weeks subside.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 5 Comments

Glasgow – Punjabi Charing Cross – every day in every way…

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Hector

The holidays are over; it is back to the normal routine.  This means the Friday 6pm Curry rendezvous with ?Stan!. ?Stan! has eaten Curry twice over the New Year period in the company of Hector: at Ulverston on Hogmanay and on January 2 in the wonderful Sheesh Mahal in Bradford.  Tonight is his first visit to Punjabi Charing Cross (157 North Street  Glasgow, G3 7DA), next door to the Bon Accord.

Hector was greeted by Hari and Hari’s Son on entry.  They were expecting me tomorrow in different company and were all the happier to see me for the extra visit.  That my frequency of visit in the last few weeks has increased to the point of regular must say something about the quality of food on offer.  In the course of the visit Hari told me to advise anyone coming to get in touch in advance and they will cater for all tastes.  They will cook anything to order.  The last time Hector encountered this was in Balbirs Route 77 (Symington) on the way down to Prestwick Airport.  The house Chef, Mr Gurmeet, may well have had experience of working there.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were being devoured when Hari came over to take the order.  ?Stan! had decided to follow the Hector and accept the new Lamb Gurmeet creation.  Four Chapattis would be sufficient accompaniment.

Another couple entered and sat opposite, they clearly knew what they were after as the Lamb Chops were a major part of their order.

Lamb Chops are the meat basis for this new amalgamation of menu items.  The Masala is thick and the fresh Herb content – Coriander and Methi – is to the fore.  It is from here that the wonderful flavours emerge to complement the secret blend of Spice.

This is very tasty – ?Stan! commented spontaneously.  The man of few words had spoken.  There were occasional audible – Mmms – from the retired Doctor of Physics.  I dared to ask for a verdict at the end of the meal: Very enjoyable. was the none too verbose reply.

This is good enough to set before Ricky (our man in Bradford) was my conclusion.

The Bill

£24.85.  This was for two and included a large bottle of Sparkling Water.  The next visit will be for four people and I bet the bill is more than twice this modest sum.

The Aftermath

Tomorrow’s visit is already on the radar.  Hari told me that he bought Karela freshly this morning in order to prepare it for my visit.  This is service.

If only the Real Ale pubs of Glasgow would cater for their customers’ desires to this level.

 

Postscript

On Wednesday evening I met up with some of The Chaps at The Other Place.  Four people asked me as they arrived where I had eaten my Curry-Heute.  When the ever dutiful Marg collected me from the Bon Accord she asked too.  Do people think I eat nothing else but Curry?

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

Bradford – Mid-day at The International

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Hector

The final day of the New Year trip did not mean that Hector would let up.  With OCD to the fore there had to be a lunchtime Curry-Heute before embarking on the drive back to Glasgow. When one is in Bradford there has to be the consumption of Curry, it is written.  Marg was happy to come and watch, Craig and Yvonne, our passengers, had stated last evening that they would go off and find breakfast whilst I ate my noon Curry. Imagine Hector’s surprise when they both announced in the lobby of the Bradford Hilton that they were up for it too.

The Sheesh Mahal does not open early and so The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD 1BA) would once again be the restaurant of choice.  I phoned to verify they were open, else Kashmir would have been the fallback.  They were, and so the short hop from the Wilton Street car park was completed.

Hector had Fish in mind, something light, and something different.  The Fish and Potato Krahi was the winner. Yvonne opted for a Krahi dish too, the King Prawn.  Craig always aware of his Spice threshold decided the Shahi Keema would be safe.  Caught up in the wave of Curry binging, Marg ordered a Prawn Puri.  One Boiled Rice and six Chapattis were secured too, inclusive of course.  This is Bradford.

Mango Lassi

Marg took the opportunity to enjoy one of her other Curry House pleasures, a Mango Lassi.  Craig had a taste and more was ordered.  I suspect that this will be a recurring feature of Craig and Curry in the days to come.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips kept us amused whilst the food was prepared.  The place had opened at Noon, there was already a dozen diners.

The Fish and Potato Krahi did everything it was meant to.  All the flavours of the wonderful Masala coupled with the fresh and light texture of the Fish and the accompanying Herbs awoke the palate.  The Coriander Stems were particularly outstanding.  The three fellow diners also were very positive about their respective choices.  Craig and Yvonne have never had Curry twelve hours apart, what has Hector created?

The Bill

£32.00.  Bradford Curry is simply not hard on the wallet.

The Aftermath

The long drive up the A65, M6 and M74 to Glasgow.

The Bradford Beerfest beckons in February…

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Bradford – Midnight at The International

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Hector

After an evening at The Fighting Cock, a taxi for eight was called for.  Seven of eight were heading for The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD 1BA).  Two taxis later courtesy of Holden Tours we were all in situ at the other great Bradford Curry outlet.  It had not taken much persuasion to secure Ricky’s presence for his second Curry of the evening.  Hector knew that he would be having two feasts today after the events of Hogmanay in Ulverston where some of the company claimed to be too stuffed to enjoy their Ale after an early evening feed.

For reasons offered by Ricky, late at night, midweek, a holiday (how many excuses is this?) Mein Host was only able to offer one Lamb dish on-the-bone – the Lamb Desi Methi.  Hector knows that this is outstanding and so was not perturbed, in fact this made life easy as I was busy reading back through my own Blog entries to find out my options.  Mags went for the same.  This dish can take up to twenty five minutes to prepare and comes in a standard or large portion.  Marg decided that a second Curry was excessive and so had a Coconut Kulfi.  Yvonne ordered a mainstream Lamb Madras, Robin and Craig both chose the Inter’s Special Biryani (Combination of lamb, chicken, prawns, cooked with basmati rice fried in oil with onions.)  Ricky decided to have a safe Keema straying from his current exploration of Offal dishes.

Ricky went for the Nan option, a pile of Chapattis for the three of us not having Rice was inclusive in the price of the dish.

The Poppadoms and Dips were on the table in a flash.  Mein Host put his hands on my shoulders and asked if I had completed the task that he has set me.  I have to try and find a source of beaten up old Minis.  So if any readers know where these can be sourced, please contact Hector.

The Biryani dishes were a hoot.  I have never seen so much Rice served to an individual.  I have never seen so much Rice in a Bradford Curry House.  The accompanying Masala had Chickpea too. The Chaps got tore in but were beaten before they began.  Yvonne marvelled at her Madras, the Spice level was precisely on the limit of her enjoyment.  The flavours therefore were therefore able to emerge and give the satisfaction craved.

Mags was no so happy, she found the Desi to be too hot, strange.  Hector marvelled once again at the quality of the Lamb Desi Methi.  This is everything Hector looks for in a Curry.  I was a bit worried that the palate may have been dulled after the splendours of the Sheesh Mahal earlier, but this was not the case.  Ricky did not have much to say for himself, for once.  Would he be joining Hector for a possible return to the International for lunch at Noon?  He sounded tempted.

The Bill

£50.00.  This sounds a very round figure but that is what it came to for five meals and one ice-cream.

The Aftermath

We made our farewells.  Mein Host by this time was enjoying the delights of his own restaurant. Now, what did he have?

Posted in International | 2 Comments

Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – The Sheesh Mahal has re-opened!

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Hector

The Sheesh Mahal (6 Saint Thomas’s Road, Bradford, BD1 2RW) re-opened exactly one week ago.  The Friends of Hector are in town, let the Hector have his Curry!

Arriving from New Year in Ulverston via an afternoon in Haworth, a night in Bradford was a necessity.  Hector could not possibly be this close to Bradford and not have Curry.  In September Marg and Hector found the Sheesh Mahal had been demolished.  In November the shell had been completed and the interior was due for fitting.  How they have rebuilt these premises to this standard is a mystery to this commentator who has watched The Village (Glasgow) still not open their new premises after nearly two years.  One has to admit, the rebuild was necessary, this was not the most attractive of venues, however the Curry was outstanding.

Would it be the same?

Jonathan, Marg and Hector left some of the company behind in Haigy’s.  There was a second Curry sitting planned for this evening, Hector would be attending both.  We now had Ricky, the great Bradford Curry Guru and his mate Mick in tow.  I was last to enter having had to take the ritual photos of the new exterior.  I did a double take with Omar, now sporting a beard. Omar recognised me; I was introduced to his Dad, Taj.

There is now a spacious upstairs; the café style has been maintained.  A metal spiral staircase separates the floors.  Perhaps this may separate the late night diners too.  The Sheesh Mahal now looks splendid, Marg was impressed.  The staff wear either shirts or polo shirts with the Sheesh Mahal logo.  I tried to buy a polo shirt.  I shall keep asking on every visit.  (XXL please!)

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were already on the table when I sat down, more were brought.  Marg was given a menu, I was not.  My order had already been recited to me whilst chatting to Mein Host Jr.  Marg ordered a Kashmiri, Ricky is determined to try all of the strange additions to the menu.  I witnessed him dining on Sheep’s Brain last year, other parts of the anatomy appear to interest him currently, and they come in pairs.  Jonathan and ?Stan! ordered Keema Balti and Keema Masala and Mick ordered Chicken.

Seekh Kebabs were ordered by the other Chaps, Hector was keeping the appetite intact.

And so the food arrived. The Lamb on-the-bone, the Masala, the complexity of the flavours, the Sheesh Mahal serves the perfect Curry.  I could have sat and eaten this all night.

Marg enjoyed her selection.  It will be interesting to hear Jonathan’s choice of venue next time we are in Bradford.  Ricky admits to alternating between here and The International.  ?Stan! said nothing, but no doubt will be back in February – our next planned visit.

The Bill

£49.10.  For fifteen years or so the Sheesh Mahal has given CAMRA members a 10% discount.  Ricky negotiated the Discount, whilst Marg organised the Tip. We ended up back where we started.

The Aftermath

Once the Bill was sorted we were about to leave when we were asked to sit down again.  A platter of Dessert was presented.  Even Hector tasted a very sweet moist sample.

And so to The Fighting Cock.

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Ulverston – A Taste of Balti on Hogmanay

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Hector

Taste of Balti (23 Market St, Ulverston, LA12 7LR) is next door (almost) to the Piel Castle where The Friends of Hector made their rendezvous. A table for twelve was booked for 20.00.

Arriving punctually it was evident we would now occupy about a third of the premises.  Once assembled, fifteen Poppadoms with accompanying Chutneys and Dips were presented. Only a single Lager was purchased by the company – we were here to eat Curry!

Hector was first to order.  Fish Tikka would be sufficiently light and hopefully get the taste buds attuned to what would follow.  Two others had the same, including Howard.  Craig was also one of three who ordered the Sheesh Kebab.  In the distance were other Starters were ordered including Prawn Pakora, Lamb Tikka and Kathi Kebab (Marinated lamb grilled with fresh onions and peppers.  Served on a bed of salad.)

The Fish Tikka was more salad than Fish.  This was not particularly impressive, but was lighter than nay meat dish I could have ordered.  It did what it was intended to do, keep the Hector happy until the arrival of the main event.

For the main course the Special Sathkari Gosht (Lamb cooked in calamnasi juice (wild lemon) and spices. A superb lamb dish with lots of flavour, served medium to hot.)  Five more of us ordered this dish, including Howard.  Mein Host assured us that this was a good choice.  He also revealed that his best selling dish was not on the menu.  Marg ordered the Thaba Lamb Lahori (Fresh garlic, ginger, onions and green peppers with red yoghurt sauce served in a sizzling korai.)  One Podina Jal Murg (Bhuna spices, fresh mint and green chilli), one Garlic Chicken, one Sylhety Special (A delightful regional dish, almost dry cooked with sheesh kebab and chicken tikka.), one Chicken Bhuna Kathi and finally one Chicken Rogan Josh completed the mains.  Five Chapattis, 3 Nan (various) and six Rice (various) completed the order.

There are definitely some new terms here.  Sylhety is aka the Surma Valley in north-eastern Bangladesh.  Sathkari is from Eastern Bengal and is a common Citrus dish served in a number of UK restaurants, especially south of the border it would appear.

One assumes the Chef was happy with the seven Lamb orders, six of which were medium to hot.  This is a lot of Chicken ordered at the far end of the table.

The Naans arrived first, the opposite of the Glasgow experience, followed by the Rice.  Hector’s meal was set before him.  It was brown without excessive Masala.  The Lamb had been cut into thin strips resembling Beef in a Stroganoff.  This puzzled Yvonne.  The Citrus was what had attracted me; the Masala was as good as one could hope for. This was a thoroughly pleasant dish.  Howard could have had his hotter, perhaps someone stole his dish?

Marg’s meal was indeed red.  A dish that nobody wanted was passed up and down the table.  ?Stan! ended up with a Chicken dish when he had wanted Lamb.  An error had been made, the Bill does not reveal any error made by Mein Host – does everyone know that Murg by default is Chicken?  Jonathan I believe had the combined meat dish, the Bhuna was not in any way dry.

Given that this restaurant was completely unknown to us I have to state that I was impressed.  They have only been in business here a couple of years.  The service was excellent; the banter with Mein Host was not intrusive.  The lights kept dimming and then recovering; something to do with the heat in the restaurant? Really?

The Bill

£192.10.  This was within acceptable parameters.

The Aftermath

We headed to the Swan, where we made very welcome.

Update:

ulverston-taste-of-balti-curry-heute-comOn September 24th, 2016, this venue was found to be closed.

Akbar Spice will open at some point, though as Hector has – done – Ulverston, it is unlikely there shall be further updates.

Posted in [Taste of Balti] | 1 Comment

Glasgow – Punjabi Charing X – The proof is in the repetition

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Hector

When I first encountered the wonder that is the Goshat Karahi last year at Yadgar, the first thing I did was arrange a quick return visit.  Was this a unique dish created by a particular Chef, could it be replicated? Such was the background to such a quick return to Punjabi Charing Cross (157 North Street  Glasgow, G3 7DA).  Last Thursday Hari, Mein Host, and Hector with the aid of Chef Gurmeet of course, created a combined dish of two of those featuring on the menu.  The Lamb Gurmeet was born.  Alan was keen to experience this too, and so for our end of year Bier and Cider night this was the Curry venue.

Arriving earlier than planned, Hector met Hari outside the premises; the food was therefore ordered in the street as I made my way in to the Bon Accord.  Paul and Thomas who own/manage this modest Ale Establishment eat next door regularly and only have positive things to say.  The Lamb Chops are spoken very highly of.

The new waiter was puzzled when I declined the menu.  The combination of the house Karahi and Methi dishes was no doubt already being prepared in the kitchen.  He had to finally come over and ask us what we ordered so that he would know what dishes to bring out.  Chapattis are the best accompaniment for this type of Dry Curry.

Somebody ordered Cider, Hector stuck to his usual Sparkling Water.  The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were supplied, the feast was underway.  More Cider was ordered, disgraceful.

The Chap brought out our much awaited Curry, time for the first dip:

Yadgar! – was Alan’s first remark.  He recognised the flavour instantly.  This is what I can only describe as The Bradford Curry Taste.  For fifteen years I have sought a particular blend of Herbs and Spice, only Yadgar and New Karahi Palace have come close in Glasgow, this may be it.

The basis of the meat was once again Lamb Chops.  One had to be careful that small bone splinters did not end up creating a dental crisis.  The quantity was impressive and so the meat content was not an issue.  A pile of bones – was how Alan described his last Curry encounter with Hector.  There was no such problem this time, however, Alan did not think the Punjabi has become his favourite Glasgow Curry Experience – that title still belongs to The Village  – where Hector is overdue a return.

Hari was keen that our visit was all he could make it.  The other Hari made fleeting appearances; he was dealing with the steady trade in Takeaways.  There were another dozen diners this evening, so business could well be taking off.  Once upon a time the diners of Glasgow used to fill Café India nightly.  This was located where the new Tesco is sited, a few metres away.  Hopefully, more people will discover this gem of a venue.  Alan has agreed that when we have our night out with the Ladies in the New Year we shall return.

There was discussion as to who had enjoyed their meal more, no tongues were permitted.

The Bill

£32.45.  This included quantities of Cider.

Did I mention they sell Cider?

The Aftermath

We retired to the Bon Accord where Tempest’s Rye PA preceded the intake of Augustiner Edelstoff.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

A word from our Pakistan Correspondent – Ahmed in Islamabad

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Hector

Dear Hector,

 I am in Peshawar (North West, the gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia). Just came back from dinner at “Charsi”. Charas is “hash” in Urdu and a Charsi, therefore, is a hash addict. The story is that one of the cooks many years ago was a charsi and became known for his “taste”. So eventually they renamed the place to Charsi. It has two branches; one in the old town and the one we went to on the road to Jalalabad and Kabul.

There are only two items on the menu – BBQ lamb and lamb karahi. You can select the meat and they slow cook it over coals. Takes at least an hour. The karahi is cooked in the animal’s fat only, no oil or spices or herbs or chilies, just salt. Finished off the meals with two pots of sweet green tea.

 Ahmed

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Aberdeen – Jewel In The Crown

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Hector

Plus ca Change

There is still scaffolding on the outside of this famous Curry House in Aberdeen, and this still used to be my favourite Aberdeen Curry House.

On the last night of our almost Tropical Trip to Aberdeen there was a piece of unfinished business. Sister-in-law Kath presented Hector with a generous and much appreciated voucher for  Jewel In The Crown (145 Crown St, Aberdeen, AB11 6HP). Now there’s an appropriate postcode.

Last night they were fully booked, tonight was their first available slot, so business is excellent. Indeed, one tends to have to book at peak times anyway. The prices at Jewel  in the Crown  are very much on the high side of what Hector is prepared to pay for a Curry. With main courses ranging from £9.00 to £16.00+ one anticipates something special. The fact that the Fish Dishes are the most expensive is quite peculiar, don’t they make the stuff up here?

There was space in the Car Park at the rear so I do not know if the front of the building remains shrouded in metal, the rear certainly does. The back door takes one down past the toilets and into the midst of the diners. It always feels a bit of an imposition walking in this way. Our table was allocated quickly, we were given a table for four. The next arrivals were squeezed in at the small table in the corner so we felt privileged.

Poppadoms and Chutneys were brought to the table with the Menu. Poppadoms were on the menu so we would not know if these were complimentary until the arrival of the bill. We were invited to order drinks, now this is where Hector gets the opperchancity to remind the readers that one has to beware. They do not give a drinks menu so one is ordering blind. On no account should one order a large bottle of Sparkling Water without establishing the price in advance, it can cost as much as a main course!

The Lamb section of the menu makes a point of stating that the Lamb is boneless, so do they have Lamb on-the-bone?  I would ask.  Also, Lamb appears in the Fish section, so something has become confused in translation.

The waiter appeared and was duly asked about Lamb on-the-bone.  We have Lamb Shank in a Brown Sauce.  Well that tells me nothing.  Was it Nihari style as I have eaten this cut in the past at The Village (Glasgow), what was it?  I shall never find out.

Marg selected Khalia Gosht, a Creamy dish which claimed to be Spicy too.  The Lamb Methi disappointed on my last visit and so the old faithful Karahi Gosht was the order.  No Capsicum – was stated clearly to the waiter.  We decided that three Chapattis would suffice.

The wait was not excessive and given that the restaurant was full this is a positive.  Marg made enthused about her Khalia Gosht from the off.  The Thick, Creamy Masala did pack a punch, but not excessively so.  For once, Marg had picked well.  Unfortunately her excesses at lunchtime caught up with her and so the Doggy-Bag was sought.

The Karahi Gosht looked the part.  The Masala was a bit more than I prefer but not excessive.  It was thick too and so no criticism about the texture.  There was more than enough Lamb in the portion so this perhaps justified the price.  There was a major excess of largely sliced Onion, one wonders if this would have been the case had I not excluded the Squishy Vegetable.  Sadly, there was no overwhelming taste from either the Lamb or the Masala, the Onion was the flavour which dominated this dish most.

The three Chapattis turned out to be good judgment, there was no waste.  We watched people at the adjacent table order starters and then find that they were unable to do their Mains justice.  How can people eat Starters, Curry, Rice and Bread?

Sliced Orange was brought to the table to clean the palate.  The hottest towels ever encountered then followed.  These are the touches that Marg enjoys, I see nothing wrong with using the normal facilities to wash ones hands.

Two White Coffees were then ordered.  These were ordered again after nothing had arrived.  Two Black Coffees and a jug of Cream were presented along with an array of Chocolate.  This initially pleased Marg who then realised that as Hector chooses not to eat Chocolate, she was faced with the lot.

The Bill

£34.05.  The Bill was ordered.  It came with more Chocolate.  The Poppadoms were inclusive and therefore can now be classed as Complimentary, rare in Aberdeen.  The Voucher was placed in the wallet along with a £20 note, change was required.

Nobody came, as it was now thirty minutes since we had finished the Coffee, Marg took the money to the counter.  She was then short changed.  Don’t mess with this lady.

 The Aftermath

What was once regarded by Hector as an Outstanding Curry House can now only be regarded as – Mainstream.  What some may regard as service and ambience may justify the inflated prices.  Hector is out for a Curry, the best he can find.  Aberdeen has better outlets.

 

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