A Taste of Punjab

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Hector

Located in Finnieston the Taste of Punjab (1131 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8ND) is located a few metres form the former great Glasgow Curry outlet the Crème de la Crème.  Hector has passed this venue hundreds of times, most significantly on the late night 62 bus.  The façade does nothing to entice one in; the place does look a bit down at heel.  From the bus the clientele are visible, usually Asian, so there must be something good on offer.

The entrance to the modest eating area is through the takeaway.  Bottles of Bier and Wine are visible, so the venue is licensed as they advertise.  I still wonder why people want alcohol with Curry, I do not expect pubs to sell Curry, unless I am in Crawley.

I took my seat at 15.00, the normal Saturday Curry time, as ever I was the Lone Diner.  The menu had Specials none of which looked that Special.  I thought there was going to be nothing for Hector to eat when I spotted towards the Karahi at the bottom of the Popular Curry Dishes section.  A peculiar place to locate this surely?

The Chap from behind the counter became my waiter.  He took the order but brought me Still Water, not Sparkling as I had asked.  This was changed to Fanta.  So Lamb Karahi (Madras Hot) and Basmati Special Fried Rice it was then.

Whilst I waited I was treated to what sounded like a radio broadcast of prayers. Somebody somewhere was very excited.  This eventually gave way to traditional music, some of which was quite catchy; indeed as I left there was a tune I could not get out of my head, different.

After some  minutes of scraping sounds from the kitchen the meal was brought.  The vapour was rising from both the Rice and the Curry.  The Rice portion was excessive for one person, with some Sultanas and Mushrooms this did look very appetising but I knew I could never eat all this.  The Karahi looked the part, the portion appeared to be generous but this turned out to be a superficial observations.  There was Lamb but this was outnumbered by large pieces of Onion and yes, the dreaded Capsicum.

I kept waiting for the flavours to emerge, but sadly nothing. This was simply a bog standard Curry.  Had I read the front of the menu more carefully before ordering I may have noticed the information which states that they will basically make anything you want.  I should have therefore asked for some Methi of even Karela.  The inclusion of either of these does enhance the dish significantly.

I left quite a bit of Rice, Onion and Capsicum.  I was definitely Onioned out.

The Bill

£12.90.  I noticed as I stood up to leave that there is a flat charge of £1 for sitting in.

The Aftermath

I wonder what the regulars eat?  If anyone associated with a Taste of Punjab cares to contact Hector, I would be happy to return and eat what they really serve.  I do not believe it was on the menu.

Update

Taste of Punjab closed in 2014.

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Nearly two months since the last visit to Cafe Salma, unglaublich!

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Hector

With the gnashers restored to something resembling their former glory, Hector made the rendezvous at Cafe Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X,  Glasgow G3 7PQ).  ?Stan! was already in situ and was tucking into this Complementary  Poppadom and Dips.  This is Hector’s first normal weekend for ages.  Life has been busy as the Curry-Heute Blog shows.  Bradford last weekend was simply outstanding.  ?Stan! was also available once more to resurrect the Friday evening Curry at Café Salma.

Hassan was nowhere to be seen when I entered, but once spotted he was straight over for the now customary hug.  Hector has graduated.  Hassan told of a Berlin couple who had been recently and complained there was nothing like this in their fair city.  If they looked at this Website then they would have found the Naveena Path which is definitely worth a visit.

More Poppadoms were presented, it was then I realised how hungry I was.  The Lamb Lahori (Hot) with vegetable Rice has been missed.  ?Stan! loves the Kofta Palak, so no Dessert for Hector then.  Strangely ?Stan! chose Vegetable Rice too which is puzzling as surely this dish is better with Chapattis.  This is further proof that Dr Stan has been kidnapped by Aliens and this replicant is my dining partner.

 

To say the meals were hot when they arrived would be a understatement,  ?Stan’s! photograph makes him look like a Djinn who has just emerged from his bottle.  ?Stan! thoroughly enjoyed his Kofta Palak, ‘This must be their signature dish.’ he stated.  Who is this talkative man?

Hector’s Lamb Lahori was certainly steaming Hot, but not Spicy Hot as I had asked.  Still, the warm, sweet rounded flavour emerged as ever, true satisfaction.  The Vegetable Rice was served in a sensible sized potion.  It was all over far too soon.  How I would love to have shared a Kofta Palak for Dessert.

The Bill

£26.00.  There was a discount because Hassan was happy to see us. It would be impolite to reveal what we were actually charged.

The Aftermath

Friday night in the Bon Accord.  Hector has missed their Festival, it has been a long time…

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Cafe Lahore, Helensburgh

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Hector

Hector fancied a change. The Curry-Heute had to follow a superb weekend in Bradford, Curry Capital of Britain. Maybe tonight was the time to visit the commonly least fancied of Helensburgh’s three Curry Houses. So tonight Marg and Hector descended upon Helensburgh’s seaside front to visit the Cafe Lahore (33 West Clyde St, Helensburgh, G84 8AW).

Arriving first I had time to read the menu in its entirety. My choice was simple: Lamb Saag Karahi (Hot). Marg appeared out of the pouring rain, when will it ever stop?, and selected the Lahore Khas which is a mixture of Lamb, Chicken, Prawns and some Vegetables.

We were four diners in all. The other couple enquired about the advertised Buffet, it was not available. They also asked for drinks to be advised that none were available, but they could bring in their own. People want alcohol with Curry? The accompaniments were two Chapattis and a Vegetable Rice.

Complementary Poppadoms and Dips with a splendid Onion Chutney were brought to the table. The wait for the mains was not too long which is just as well as the house was a bit on the chilly side. A new Bert appeared to serve us. What happened to Bert #1?

My first reaction to the Karahi Saag was to admire  the plentiful amount piled high in the dish. However this turned out to be a mass of Spinach. At least it was not ‘Soup’, the meal looked the part. Sadly the taste was minimal. How can a plateful of Curry with Spinach not have the normal bitter? Marg suggested that as I was recovering from the common cold my taste buds may be operating outwith their usual efficiency. I did taste the Cauliflower which was with the Rice.

Marg had not asked for a Hot Curry, but somehow what was presented was indeed too hot for her enjoyment. She ate about half. Now normally this is the cue for Hector to dive in and therefore aid the revue of two Curries simultaneously.

Something Happened

Having remarked on how grisly the piece of Lamb was that I was about to eat, I prepared myself for the long chew. There was a crunch. Something alien had attached itself to the Lamb. Hector is falling apart. A back tooth had disintegrated, with a mouthful of Lamb it was an age before Hector could determine the extent of the damage. That was basically the end of Hector’s dinner.

The Bill

£20.30. This included two soft drinks, so not bad at all. The portions were more than adequate. They really need to work on the overall flavours.

The Aftermath

The calling card was graciously accepted. Many of us still wonder how this place survives. The venue has been there for years but I know nobody who visits. The Akash has little to worry about.

Update

The Cafe Lahore closed mid 2012 and has been redeveloped – but not as a Curry House…

Posted in [Cafe Lahore] | 1 Comment

Bradford, The International Curry #3 : Curry, three times in one day, at the same restaurant!

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Hector

Craig and Yvonne planned to join Hector for his third Curry-Heute at The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1BA). Howard and Tracey had taken an earlier train back from Huddersfield and might possibly still be there. Alas, Hector was too late. ‘Your Friends have just left.’ I was told by our longest serving waiter as I entered. Mein Host verified that I had indeed been there this morning. This was the third visit in ten hours.

Having spotted the Lamb Karela in the wee small hours, this had to be the Curry on which  to finish the day.  The Complementary Popadom and Dips were presented, this time I ate them. It felt like a long time since breakfast.

The Lamb was again cut into the small pieces that is the norm in Bradford. It feels like a mountain of food. The Chapattis were put to good use scooping up the Lamb and minimal Masala. I had not specifically asked for Hot, but this certainly was. What the secret is to create this style of cooking is beyond the skills of Hector. Anyone can make a dry Curry, but to still pack in all this wonderful flavour remains a mystery. The Salt content was significant – Karrah!

The bitterness of the Karela was not excessive. How different this was from my Karahi last evening I know not. I was too busy having fun to take this on board. Karela v Methi? Both give an even drier flavour to the already dry dish. It is the balance that is difficult to get right.

The Bill

£7.00. The menu said £7.50 but this is the Bill that was pre-written and awaited me at the counter. The Chap I consider to be the owner was still on the premises. Maybe there is a special discount for eating this much Curry in the same restaurant. Who else has done this? Who else loves Curry this much?

The Aftermath

‘You should open premises in Glasgow and call the place ‘Bradford Curry” I suggested to Mein Host. Somebody should.

I received a text from Howard: ‘Now we understand what you are trying to do with your Curry, Dark and Dry.’

And so my day of indulgence in the Curry Capital of Britain draws to a close. It will be back to bland UK food for the next days. Spag Bol anyone?

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Bradford, The Curry Capital – The International Curry#2 : Curry for Breakfast

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Hector

Robin and Hector joined ?Stan! for breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. Coffee and Juice is all I was interested in. Hector had other plans. The rest of group were heading through to Leeds for the first part of our Bier-Travelling. Hector had a Curry on his mind at The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD 1BA).

Hector passed the premises at 11.40, the door was closed. I walked on by and took out the HTC. ‘When do you open?’ I asked knowing full well the official time was noon. ‘We are open now.’ By the time I put my phone away the door was open and Hector was the first customer of the day shift. The Chap I assume is the owner took my order. He may have remembered me. The Fish Karahi would be the perfect start to this day, light on the stomach and hopefully as full of flavour as the Lamb counterpart.

Once again the Complementary Poppadom and Dips were placed before me, once again I did not touch them. It takes no time at all to cook Fish and so it was no surprise when the meal arrived within minutes.

 Breakfast of Champions

The three Chapattis might prove too much for Hector at this time of day. They were magnificently warm as I tore off a strip and grabbed some Fish. Superb!

Some pieces of the evil Green Capsicum had been included. I even ate a couple of these as I thought the crunch would add to the soft texture of the Fish and the Masala. This was lovely dish. If I am ever lucky enough to be here for breakfast again, this will be the ritual order.

 The Bill

£7.50. This now has a familiar ring to it. Great value, great Curry.

 The Aftermath

Robin was waiting for me at Bradford Interchange. And so we sped off to The Hop to sample Ossett’s Excelsior and join the rest of The Chaps.

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Bradford, The International, Curry#1 : It may have taken ages to get here, but I made it…

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Hector

After the pleasant but brief visit to the Saltaire Brewery, ?Stan! kidnapped us before we had a chance to check-in at The Holiday Inn Express in the fair city of Bradford. It was well after midnight when we finally took the elevator to the second floor where reception is located. On presenting our bookings, the Chaps announced that Expedia had not transferred the payment to them, there was problem with my credit card, and that we would have to pay again. There was also the matter of a US address on the form they wanted us to sign. By the time we got hold of a rep at Expedia and the confusion was all sorted, it was 01.30.

At 01.45 Hector sat down at his table for one in The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1BA). The welcome was appreciated, I have been here a few times this year. The Complimentary Poppadom and Dips were set on the table and the main Chap came to take the order. The Lamb Karahi Methi had put me in an ecstatic place on the last visit in September. This had to be the Curry-Heute. ‘Rice or Chapattis.’ This wonderful Bradford tradition of including Rice and Chapattis in the quoted price for a dish makes a mockery of places trying to charge £1.80 for a single Chapatti.

At the adjacent table four chaps were finishing their meal. One appeared to be be a Curry Guru, a couple of his mates were not necessarily sharing his enthusiasm. Maybe they were tired.

As I shared my happy situation vie the HTC, I was ignoring the Poppadom. The meal was brought. The warm plate was set aside. The cutlery wrapped in a serviette was set aside too. With three Chapattis as my tools and the hot Karahi pot itself, nothing else required.

02.00 on a Saturday morning. What dafter time is there to eat a Curry? I could not let a Friday night in Bradford pass without a Curry, it was now clearly Saturday morning. There were nods of approval given to each member of staff who passed by. They could see that I was in that special Bradford Curry Zone. There really is nothing like this. The Masala, what there is of it, clings to the Lamb. The Lamb itself is not served as soft as it can be in Glasgow. This is not melt in the mouth, decidedly more chewy. The flavours are indescribable. If Hector knew how to describe flavours this website would take on a whole new level of writing. This is Bradford Curry at its absolute best.

The staff showed an appreciation of my appreciation. The Curry Guru had become intrigued at my photographing the food. He took my card. We both knew that what we had eaten was spectacular.

 The Bill

£7.50. For an outstanding Curry and of course three Chapattis included.

The Aftermath

Mein Host asked how long I was down for. He knows I am from Glasgow, he used to deliver to the House of Shah and ate at The Village. Yadgar he knows too. I told him I would visit more often if they were open earlier. 16.00 is the norm. He assured me they would be open at Noon. I as given a card and told to phone any-time after 11.30, I would be let in.

We discussed other Curry options. The Fish is something I have never tried here. Then I spotted, tucked away on the far right of the laminated menu: Lamb Karela.

There would have to be two more visits to The International, today.

Posted in International | 1 Comment

The Village for Thursday lunch, how extraordinary

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Hector

Hector had a training day today.    The new continental approach is to end the meeting at 13.30, in this way the organisers do not have to feed the delegates.  One does not hold the meeting in Robertson St., adjacent to the Squiggly Bridge and not expect Hector to start salivating as the morning goes on.  ‘Tis but a  two and a half block walk across the Clyde to The Village (129Nelson St, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), I was there at 13.35.

Sixteen other diners were taking advantage no doubt of the lunchtime menu offer.  Hector declined this, a Village small portion is not what I seek.  I asked for the Full Bhoona.  Today this meant the classic Village Lamb Desi Korma (Hot) with Vegetable Rice.

There was time to share my sheer delight at having a Curry-Heute experience on a workday at this time.  The text replies came back, being the ultimate professional, I took these in my stride.

The new Lunchtime Doris (so when was I last here at this time of day?) brought me my meal before the four Chaps sitting opposite.  How people must hate this.  The camera did not attract any attention despite being in a house full of staff I for once did not recognise.

The dish was full, of Masala.  The Lamb count was not high, eight pieces, maybe a pulped ninth.  For a moment I wondered if this was the lunchtime mini portion until the Chaps received their modicum of food.  The Rice was back to its old self, none of this upturned bowl serving nonsense.

I piled on the Lamb and went for it..

Oily Soup with Yoghurt, anyone?

The place has lost nothing in terms of flavour.  This Curry assaults the taste buds.  It is almost the old 1960s classic taste of Oily Red Sauce with Meat, but the Yoghurt gives it a new dimension.  Is this Shorbva with Yoghurt?  The Citrus then hits the back palate and one instinctively knows that this is a Village Curry.  Give me a blindfold, I will pass the test.  But will the Chef on a Wednesday night?

 The Bill

£10.95.  This included the Sparkling Water.  One assumes the Lunchtime Deal would have been less.

 The Aftermath

There was a demonstration on the north side of the Squiggly Bridge.  Hector was told there are plans to build a two storey building (a restaurant?) on the Broomielaw effectively blocking the riverside walkway.  What will the Planners get up to next?  Back to work, today’s shift ends at 20.00.

Tomorrow is a Bradford Curry Day!

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Glasgow – Balbir’s in Partick, a very ordinary experience

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Hector

Hector and Marg ate at Balbir’s (7 Church St., Glasgow, G11 5JP) some years ago. The fact that such a time has passed before our return may speak volumes. This was not our intended venue, however, Mother India’s Cafe was queued out the door.

This is a cavernous Curry House, with a bar area at the entrance selling Pilsner Urquell.  One knows that this is not the usual Curry Cafe that Hector now prefers. With classic wallpaper, drapes and tablecloths one instantly knows the prices will be higher than average. Marg likes this ambience.

Despite the place being less than half full there was a stutter in our table allocation. We were given the last of what appeared to be the tables for two. The venue is set up for larger groups and they were decidedly in the majority.

The menu was minimal compared to many outlets in the city. We gave the Fish a glance and disregarded it, way over-priced.  Marg chose the Lamb Mince Palak and Hector chose the Lamb Ginger Bhoona (Hot). A Garlic and Coriander Nan, not specifically mentioned on the menu and a Mushroom Rice were our traditional Accompaniments.  Two Chapattis tend to be our norm, but not at £1.80 each.  This is a nonsensical price for this modest Bread.  In the Curry Capital of Britain, Chapattis are free and come in threes.

The wait was not a long one. This raised Hector’s suspicions. Just how much tweaking was necessary in their Curry pot to produce these dishes?

Ginger Bhoona
The Ginger Bhoona had a thick-ish Masala, it looked the part. The Nan was dry and thin, nay tired. On dipping the pre-sliced bread into the Masala there was little impression. The shared Rice had Onion and Mushroom. Marg was impressed by this. On spooning the melange of Curry and Rice still nothing. The Lamb was very tender but there was absolutely no flavour coming from it. None.  There was no kick either.  So much for Hot.

I could only shake my head. Actually I did find some taste, from the three slivers of Fresh Ginger that topped the dish. Is this what made it a Ginger Bhoona?

Lamb Mince Palak

Marg’s take on her meal is an entirely different report. She enjoyed her creation. Again when I sampled it nothing came to the fore, and this had Spinach.  How is this possible? I remarked that my dish needed a Clove, a piece of Cinnamon, something to give it an edge. Ironically, Marg’s plate now had two Black Cardamom Pods and a sliver of Cinnamon set aside.

*

*

 The Bill

£33.60. This was with no Starters, shared Sides, and two soft drinks. It could have been worse. I gave my Calling Card in exchange for their takeaway menu. I was asked how I had found my meal.

Ordinary – was my reply.

The Aftermath

Whilst walking around to The University Cafe for Dessert – a full flavoured Italian Ice-Cream, we debated the situation. Marg enjoys these venues, she thinks the setting is as important as the food. I disagree entirely. I cannot understand why people go out to eat Curry and choose a venue where the food is this ordinary. Go for a real Curry!

Update 2022

Balbir’s in Partick closed on august 28

Balbir’s Route 77 has re-opened.

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A late night Curry-Heute, the return to Papa Gill’s

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Hector

Long, long ago, well until about three years ago, Jonathan and Hector used to slope off for a late night Curry.  Papa Gill’s (337 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow, G11 6AL) was a regular haunt.  Jonathan is well known in this establishment, Hector is only known as a Friend of Jonathan, quite a turnaround.

Realising the insanity we had started, the daytime pre-Bier rendezvous took over.  This evolved into the Saturday afternoon Curry Club, or the meetings of The Friend’s of Hector.  Today had been spent in Mussleburgh at The Staggs.  Yvonne had mustered us for the 11.00 to Waverley, there are no Curry Houses reportedly open at lunchtime on a Saturday according to the information I could find.  As we were on a group ticket, yes group travel is possible in this country (!), we had to return en masse.  For some it was time for bed, for the two intrepid eaters a nostalgic return to Papa Gill’s was long overdue.

Marg and Hector have also frequented the Papa Gill’s outlet in Yoker; these are traditional Glasgow Curry Houses, not the sort of place I normally seek these days.

Binder Gill, Mein Host greeted us on entry, he and Jonathan caught up with the events of recent times.  The minimalist laminated menu was still in vogue.  The traditional dishes of the past fifty years are still available with some of the more contemporary evolutions e.g. Butter Chicken.  In the past the regular waiter had been challenged to make me something in the Bradford style and a decent attempt was forthcoming.  This new chap tonight did not know us from Adam and so the choice had to be made from the menu.

We both selected the Garam Masala  – Cooked dry using spring onions, garlic and coriander leaves sprinkled with garam masala, with a real Punjabi taste. For an extra bite ask for green chillies to be added, we did.  Jonathan asked for a Garlic Nan which became a Garlic and Coriander Nan at the waiter’s suggestion.  I opted for the Special Fried Rice in the hope that Vegetables would be to the fore.  Jonathan ordered Pakora too.

The single non-complimentary Poppadom was presented.  We immediately asked for another. The accompanying Onion Chutney had a dark red covering, it looked superb.  It was certainly one of the best Onion Chutney’s ever set before Hector.

There was further chat with Mein Host and the meals arrived.  He had been in attendance at the Curry Awards earlier this year: my existence was unknown to him.

Garam Masala

The plate was filled with large pieces of Lamb, the portions here are always generous.  The Masala was thick and certainly headed towards dry, but not Bradford-dry.  The dish looked wonderful.  There was a modicum of flavour but it lacked the Salt to bring out the full flavour of the contents – not Karrah, therefore.  The consistency of the Masala was identical to that served in a Palak dish.  I realised that with Spinach this could have been a truly great Curry.  I did mention this at the end of the meal and was told to ask for Spinach to be added next time.  I shall.

The Special Fried Rice came in a sensible quantity.  It would be possible to clear the plate.  Slices of Onion was the added Vegetable, maybe a wee bit more imagination here would have made this more memorable.  The combined Curry portion and Rice portion were perfect.  When Hector leaves a plate with not a single grain of Rice this says it all.  Satisfaction has been achieved.

There was in depth discussion with Jonathan at the end of the meal:

Yes, that was good.

The Bill

£31.25.  This included two pints of Soda.  Well, they did not have American IPA on draught.

The Aftermath

Jonathan retired, Hector moseyed along to the Three Judges to meet up with ?Stan! who may have eaten today.  I was rescued by Marg long before I could finish the final and least memorable pint of the day…

Posted in [Papa Gill's (Partick)] | 1 Comment

The Village, post München

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Hector

There was the delay due to fog at München Flughafen.  Then the drive back along the M8 was not a pleasant one. We were caught in the rush hour.  The new M73/M74 route home was reportedly slower today than the traditional M8 route back to Glasgow.

Marg had by now accepted that cooking tea was not on.  The Village (129 Nelson St, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), in particular the Lamb Laal Lahori had had become fixed in Hector’s mind.  The Village would be quick, the portions not excessive, the unknown level of appetite after a flight would not be over-tested.

Well that was the plan

Marg ordered a Lamb Tawa (medium hot).  Hector the Lamb Laal Lahori (hot), both off the bone.  (On-the-bone is 45p dearer and I am convinced one receives significantly less meat).  As the venue has been skimping on the Rice of late too I thought the large Vegetable Rice would be the safer bet.  Two Chapattis to accompany these.

The place was quiet.  It was a Monday night, only we were on holiday today.  The food was brought to the table.  The Large Rice portion was about the same as one would receive for a single portion at Yadgar or the New Karahi Palace along the road.  There was enough to share.  What was impressive this evening was the volume of the Curry.

Has someone at The Village been reading the comments of Hector?

I have received almost half of the portion I was given tonight in recent visits.  I have previously written that I wold be happy to pay more and maintain the portion size of a year ago.  Instead, they put up the prices and kept the portion size small.  But not tonight!  This was impressive.  In fact, Marg was caught out and half her meal became a Takeaway.  It was also hotter than she had ordered.

The Laal Lahori

This is on the Desi section of the menu.  It is Tomato rich and comes in a thick Masala.  Not in any way as thick as a Bradford Curry, but way better than the standard fare served in normal Curry Houses.  The food at The Village rarely disappoints (just the volume!).

The Bill

£22.50.  This included two soft drinks.  Given that Hector paid €21+ for his main course in the Pschorr House in  München two nights previously, for two diners this is excellent value and certainly more rewarding than Schnitzel.

The Aftermath

Master Baig was Mein Host at the till.  I made sure he knew that I was impressed by the portion size this evening.  In fact I may be inspired to write to Daddy once again.

The update on the works across the street is that they remain optimistic that the new premises will be open before the end of the year.  I assume he meant 2011.  The original upstairs venue will be abandoned, this is a pity, as is written in the stand alone page for this venue, it had genuine ambience.

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