Jonathan’s first visit to Cafe Salma

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Hector

It was hard to believe that Jonathan had not been to Cafe Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) before.  But then again, he is usually on his way back from the frozen north when Dr Stan and I make our near ritual Friday teatime visit.  Where was Dr Stan?   Jonathan was early and was tucking in to the complementary Poppadoms and Chutneys.

Hector was wondering why Jonathan was paying such close attention to the menus.  The dishes of choice are all on one side panel.  That was the moment I realised this was his first time.  Hector gave his recommendations and Jonathan selected the Lamb (off-the-bone) Garam Masala with a Garlic and Coriander Nan.  Hector decided that for a change an Aloo Paratha would accompany the usual Lamb (on-the-bone) Lahori Karahi.

The staff were as attentive as ever.  Dessert was mentioned before we had made order, alas the consumption of all this bread would make a shared Kofta Palak out of the question.

Jonathan actually made no comment whatsoever about the quality of the meal: he presumably knew it would be excellent, it was.  One cannot help think that a Chef must have been to The Village at some time as the Masala looks very similar to the Desi Korma/Tawa served across the river.

The Bill

Hassan must have noticed my puzzled expression.  There was a £4+ item, the soft drinks? Hassan came over to the table and reduced the bill to £11.50 each, much better.

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Yvonne @ Yadgar – # Birthday Bash

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Hector

…We need to find somebody who can fly this ‘plane who did not have Fish for dinner…

…or Big Curry, small Cake…

Today Yvonne chose Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) as the Curry House of choice for her birthday.  Actually the decision was made well in advance…

It was Wednesday when Howard communicated his desire to sample the Fish Curry.  Hector could not possibly let Howard have this and not be in on it too; suppose by some miracle it turned out to be better than the Goshat Karahi?  Unlikely, but then one never knows…

When one visits Yadgar it is advised to communicate the order in advance.  Hector began negotiations midweek:

‘A few of us intend coming Sunday afternoon…

There is an enquiry about Fish….

Can Fish curry be available then?

Will let you know full order later in week.

Visited a Bradford house, twice, last weekend…gosh…’

‘What quantity and type of fish dish would you like? Karahi, dry, in a sauce, hot etcetera.’ (Shkoor Anwar)

Fish flown in especially, from Scotland

‘I have a nice bit of cod (Scottish) coming in just for the occasion.’  (Shkoor Anwar)

Four of us would have the Goshat Karahi, Howard and Hector the Fish Karahi with a sneaky Aloo Gobi side dish.

The Yadgar Welcome

Marg dropped Hector off at 14.05, just a tad late.  The complementary Starters immediately began to appear: the Salad with Chillies, the Onion Chutney, Mango Chutney, Dips… a plate piled high with Popadoms.  Tracey had ordered a tea.

The side orders came next: Paratha, two Chapattis, the excellent Vegetable Rice (with Capsicum for those who like it) and Mushroom Rice portions for the wise.

The arrival of the Goshat Karahi was greeted with an audible gasp.  This was for the three ladies only; a less extreme portion was ordered for Craig.  Why was I having the Fish?

The Fish arrived in a similar sized Karahi to the Lamb: this was to share with Howard.  It was a good Fish Curry but I suspect next time Howard and Hector will return to have the best Curry served in Glasgow.

We ate like kings

The ladies could not finish their Karahi banquet, how sad.  This meant Howard and Hector were able to have some crumbs…  Mags managed to arrange a generous portion to takeaway in the end.

Yvonne?  She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday meal, and why not?

Aloo Gobi

Not forgotten, but a splendid decision by Hector just in case the Fish was only em, Fish.  This provided great diversity to the meal.   Let us have more Vegetable Sides as standard.

Mr Sha, the magnificent Chef whose creations we had consumed, came out from the kitchen to take his well earned bow.  We cannot work out why this venue is not queued out the door seven days a week… just as well for us…

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A Saturday Sojourn to Sheerin Palace

Posted on March 5, 2011 by Hector

With a big day planned for tomorrow a solo Curry-Heute was called for.  Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) just around the corner from Yadgar, is a venue I was determined to return to.  Last time it was Quail but the Kofta Anda had caught the eye: it was available.

I surveyed the dishes under the glass counter – it looked pretty much the same as on my last visit: the Chicken-Rice, Chana and Okra Curry all lined up.  I thought the Chicken-Rice was worth another try and so ordered this along with the Kofta Anda and sat down.

Another chap was about to get tucked in.  A woman arrived with an annoying wee brat.  Hector counted 24 seating places – tight but maybe not so cosy.  This place is very much the Café-style Curry house, the takeaway trade was doing well.

Huge portion, big bones

I received my Kofta Anda in one plate and an outrageous portion of Chicken-Rice on another.  Who on earth could eat all this – still it was worth the try.  I poured the wet Kofta Anda over the Rice and started on the two Chicken pieces; well I assume it was Chicken.  The bones were large.

The Egg factor had created a sense of daring in the back of my mind yet as soon as the first piece of hardboiled Egg was tasted I realised I have been eating Curried Eggs all my life, indeed the recipe is in the drop-down menu above!

Why meatballs – do they taste better than Mince, perhaps?  I could not discern anything to make the Kofta element stand out; however it is all about the Masala.  This was dark red, oily, very runny and took me back once more to the 1960s and the very first Curries served in Glasgow.  I love this taste and miss it – raw and uncompromising.  I could have done with more to make the Rice more interesting.  In the end I had to leave some Rice.

The guys behind the counter were interested in the calling card and permitted the above photo of the shop to be taken.  They have pride in what they serve and justifiably so.  Next time more Quail please.

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Cafe Salma : Business is booming…

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Hector

It was pleasing to note on arrival at Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ)  that the place was busy upstairs and throughout my meal people emerged from downstairs too.  Hassan’s business is growing and rightly so.  A colleague dared to suggest that on his visit the food was ‘poor’.  Those of us who are regulars were gobsmacked by this statement.

No need for a menu tonight, just bring me a Lamb Karahi, on-the-bone and a Mushroom Rice: and no Capsicums!

The complementary Popadoms (singular) and Chutneys helped passed the minutes until the meal arrived.  Meanwhile a table of five patiently sat for their Moroccan dishes to brought up from the downstairs kitchen.  The three guys on the ground floor were certainly being kept busy on the Curry front this evening.

The Lamb Karahi was as good as ever.  The Masala is decidedly thick, one suspects more than Onion is blended into this sauce.  The aftertaste is what makes it all the more memorable.

Hassan came up from downstairs and shook my hand, even though I was eating.  How many handshakes did I receive tonight?  It is like walking into a place of friendship.  ‘I have been looking at you website’, Hassan said. ‘…all that lovely food makes me hungry.’  Hassan calls me ‘Hector’, quaint!

 

I was offered ‘Dessert’ even Ice-Cream(?), I declined.  Hector had consumed an elegant sufficiency.

 

The bill came to £12 plus and was rounded down, one cannot then leave a tip when this happens.

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Saturday night, Sunday morning – The Sheesh Mahal revisited

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Hector

There were a few trains and a few Biers as Dr Stan, Jonathan and Hector did the Yorkshire legs of the Ale Trail. When we returned to Bradford the others went to bed. Jonathan had sneaked in a Chinese Buffet in Huddersfield, I was surprised that Dr Stan did not join Ricky and his friend, ‘fresh’ from their stint at the Bradford Beer Festival. Ricky had texted me to say that he wanted a Curry at the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) around midnight.

We were given the table at the door. Omar was straight over: ‘I have been on your website! He now knows I cheat a bit with the dates of posting. How could I possibly make the posts minutes after I eat the meal?

The friend of Ricky aka ‘ Mr Daft’, ordered a strange Chicken with Fruit dish. Ricky a Keema Kerala and I was basically told what I was having. No discussion was required. Could they impress me as much again? There was discussion about the number of Chapattis, the others ordered Roti.

The Breads are inclusive in the price of the Curry.

Ricky demanded Poppadoms and also ordered a Seekh Kebab and ‘Fred’ ordered a Bahji like pancake. As no take away menu was available I am somewhat in the dark. The mysterious Onions in Batter arrived, apparently this is the norm.

I did not have to wait very long for my indulgence to recommence. The meat was in smaller pieces tonight. There was certainly enough of it despite having to keep pulling slivers of bone from my mouth. The taste was not as overwhelming as last night, but I have had a long day and a previous Curry.  If I was a Bradford resident I would probably live here. Given the level of banter between Ricky and the staff, I think Ricky does. Am I not glad that Glasgow has places on this level to compete? The Sheesh Mahal is now firmly on my radar. I shall be telling the world, if they wish to listen. Oh, in some ways I just have.

We had to ask Omar what he had given me for the last two nights – as written on the menu – else the next time I may not get what I want. ‘Meat Karahi –  was the inevitable response

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Bradford – Breakfast at Kashmir

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Hector

Jonathan and Dr Stan took advantage of our Hilton Hotel deal, again it was Ricky who found this, and went down for breakfast. Hector had other things on his mind. A noon Curry-Heute at Kashmir (27 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AG ) was what his plan was to start the day running.

I did check the other premises around Great Horton Rd and Morley St to see where else was open, just in case a Sunday ‘breakfast’ was required. The Lahore (52 Great Horton Rd, Bradford, BD7 1AL) was open but told me that normally they would be open early on a Sunday but they had a wedding party booked. It was a bit posh looking for Bradford.

The Kashmir is always open, I have eaten more Bradford Curry here than anywhere else in this city. That they are one of the oldest Curry Houses in Bradford may have something to do with this. I realise that I have been eating here now for fifteen years.

The downstairs room is is the day room, there are about half a dozen others already in place. I am not alone. The waiter comes and asks if I want a menu. I took it and decided to select from the right side of the page for a change: Meat Karahi. Now there is a surprise, but my normal selection is a Dry Curry from the other side.

Rice or Chapattis come inclusive.  I decided on Rice, I was – Chapattied – out This turned out not to be a wise decision. It was plain Basmati Rice, I prefer more interesting Vegetables in my Rice. The lack of Masala makes Rice a strange choice. Had I made a serious mistake?

The meal came in minutes, with the volume they sell this must make the job simple. The Curry was fine. Sadly that is all I can say about it on this visit. The Curry from the night before was still in the forefront of my mind. I was not doing the meal justice and the Rice was killing it. I should have known better.

I shall be back and I know I will enjoy another superb lunch at Kashmir, however, evenings will be spent at….

The staff were interested in my calling card..I explained that I am from Glasgow and that I was making a Curry sojourn in Bradford. One chap mentioned Pollokshields, I mentioned Yadgar, he claimed to know it. They asked if I worked there, this is a challenge I have yet to meet.

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Bradford – The Sheesh Mahal – Behold the Bradford Curry!

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Hector

A Friday night treat

Until tonight I never knew that the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford BD1 2RW) existed. Now I do and it goes straight in to the recommendations list and I am led to believe deserves to take the place of The International on the Curry-Heute Homepage. It is that good!

Mr Holden drew a map to instruct us where to alight from the 662 bus from Saltaire. I phoned to see what time they closed: ‘Five o’clock’ (am) was the reply. We are on.

Hector had made a dash to Glasgow Central to catch the Carlisle train connecting with the train towards Leeds. The Ribblehead Viaduct is the highlight of this train journey, useless in the dark. There is always Sunday.

Jonathan, Dr Stan and Hector left Ricky at the Bradford Beerfest and arrived in pouring rain at the Sheesh Mahal. This is another Curry Cafe, no ceremony here. Indeed the building sited just off the main road has another Curry House next door with a taxi office above. This must be the perfect combination for people out late. One wonders what the food is like next door and how the reputation of the Sheesh Mahal impinges on their business.

Menus were brought

Dr Stan chose Keema Palak, Jonathan the Keema Prawn. We had been advised where to look on the menu for the best dishes, however there was the option of asking for whatever one desired, clearly the way ahead.

Our waiter, Omar, asked me what I was looking for.

Lamb, with lots of Herbs, Coriander, Methi and minimal Masala. This was written down. Omar returned a few moments later: Do you wish that on-the-bone or off?  Wonderful! You will be famous. –  I told hum.

This creation became instantly known as Omar’s Curry, it should be on the menu.

The Chaps had Starters, Jonathan a Pakora and Dr Stan a Seekh Kebab. An extra plate of Onions in batter, not quite a Bhaji was also issued. I did nibble on some of these but was determined to keep the appetite intact.

The Curry arrived

 Bradford portions are not as large as Glasgow ones, are they anywhere? Still, they are always filling. Jonathan was about to get stuck in to his Nan when Dr Stan and I were issued with three Chapattis each, the latter inclusive.

Sheer Pleasure

 Hector tore a Chapatti in half, he tentatively dipped it into what little Masala there was and thought, gosh! With a larger piece of Chapatti he scooped up some of the Meat ………….. absolutely magnificent! The thick oily warmth of the Lamb and Masala wrapped itself around the tongue, this is just the way Hector likes his Curry.  Sucking the meat off the bones, fun too.  I was provided with a bowl for my bone detritus.  Just how well were we being looked after?

*

There was not much talking and lots of eating in the next few minutes. Jonathan and Dr Stan were thoroughly impressed by their choices. We agreed that our Curry had a high salt content. This is something Dr Stan and I have realised is common to our favourite venues.

Hector has done well in the last week, the Goshat Karahi at Yadgar (Glasgow), the Kofta at Mother India’s Cafe and now tonight. Indeed, this could well have been the best Curry-Week of my life. It is fitting that a Bradford Curry House should feature in this Curry extravaganza.

Money did change hands

The bill was under £24. We paid this standing up as a large group had arrived and our table was the obvious place for them to sit. I gave Omar my card on departure, he was interested in the Blog.

 Back to the Hilton, well to be more correct, time for Hector to check in. With a deal like we have this weekend, just how often can we get down here?

Could Yorkshire become the new Germany?

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No. 28?, it’s the 24th!

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Hector

Can Helensburgh support three Curry Houses? (and the Flamingo Take-Away next door)

Hector was informed recently that No. 28 (28 East Princes Street, Helensburgh, G84 7QA) had reverted to being a Curry House. Needless to say I had not set foot across the threshold since it had ceased to do so.

Window dressing

Despite there being only three customers, Marg and Hector were given what appeared to be the only table for two – in the middle of the floor – and effectively blocking the door. Is there a worst seat in this restaurant?

The menu was issued, the middle pages were devoted to the Chef’s Recommendations.   Chicken Tikka was the standard with Lamb an extra £1.50. Hector does not wish Tikka Lamb in a Curry.

There was nothing really to catch my eye. I was even thinking of bailing and crossing the road to the ever dependable Akash. However, over the page under the banner ‘Popular Curries’ was a short list: Methi Gosht! Hang on, Staff Curry! Hector is staying.

It did not take much persuasion to sell Marg the Methi Gosht. The waiter then blew the charm by telling me that the Staff Curry was not available on-the-bone as advertised…’authentic Indian cuisine’. A Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the usual sides.

It was then we were offered Papadoms, why where they simply not brought to the table? Are they complementary, the price is not on any menu I saw. Hector declined.

Think again

Two steel platters were brought to the table. These had been warmed. ‘Original plate warmers’ thought Hector. Surprise! These were our plates. This was original but as steel cools very quickly so they were ‘stone-cold’ (sic) by the end of our eating.

The Curry-Heute

The Vegetable Rice was excellent, there were large pieces of Potato as well as Cauliflower. The Chapattis were dire, far too dry and tired by the time we were given them. Oh, the Curries?

Sadly the Staff Curry left me hoping that the staff go elsewhere to eat. This was blaaaaand. There were thin slices of Mushroom and some Capsicum had sneaked in but not too much to make it remarkable. The Lamb was sufficient in quantity but could have been cooked longer. The question is always one of how long the Masala and the Lamb had been intimate?

Marg announced that the Methi Gosht (with Lamb! Duh…) was ‘hot’. It was thick with Methi and resembled a typical Palak/Saag consistency. This commentator thinks that the Methi should be more subtle than this. Lucky Hector was able to finish the last morsels of the Methi Gosht (with Lamb, duh!). It was significantly better that the Staff Curry.

£28 with two soft drinks and a coffee. I could not help but note that there is apparently no discount for take-away orders but there is a £2 delivery charge.

Will Alan and Tracy one day insist we make a second visit or shall it be old faithful, the Akash?

 

Gone with the wind

Tomorrow is another day.

Bradford, here comes Hector!

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Glasgow – Mother India’s Cafe – More Curry? Marg: I want Butter Chicken

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Hector

Marg – This is the best Butter Chicken served anywhere!

Last night Marg declared that for the last day of the holiday we were going to Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD). This certainly surprised Hector who thought that the – Yadgar experience – would be the natural Curry-climax to the week.

Marg wished Butter Chicken, the real one, having had a poor impersonation earlier in the week.

Hector felt – Lambed-out –  and so there was a determination not to have my usual combination of Machi Massala and Lamb Karahi. The Specials today contained Kofta, ok if it is Lamb Meatballs but rabbit food is not for me. Marg also had a Vegetable Pakora about which no comment was made whatsoever, she was too busy marvelling at her Butter Chicken with Lemon Rice.

It may be my imagination but have the portions at the Mother India’s Cafe have got larger? I wondered how many meatballs would define the – Kofta Tapas – portion, three large ones was the answer.

Kofta

The Masala with the Kofta was thick and dark. I had some of Marg’s Rice as the Paratha had not arrived. The taste of the Masala was out of this world, the salt content was high which one concludes is necessary to bring out the full flavour. The Kofta Meatballs were almost incidental but one supposes it is the combination of both which makes the dish.

Machi Massala

The Machi (Fish) Massala has been a stalwart dish in the menu since my first visit. I could not contemplate not ordering this dish. The Masala was drier, just how Hector likes it! The Fish had been battered, again I wonder why they do this. The Masala was decidedly different from the previous dish: this had more Citrus and was distinctly Spicier. There was a lot of it too.

This venue and Cafe Salma remain Hector’s favourite two sources north of the River Clyde.

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Yadgar, the best show in town

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Hector

The welcome at the Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) simply gets better and better.  There were just three hungry eaters assembled for what we three agree is the best Curry currently being served in Glasgow.  The Goshat Karahi (on-the-bone) served dry in the ‘Bradford style’ has been the mainstay of our visits in the last few months.

The meal was ordered by email from Köln.  The question was one of quantity.  Dr Stan and Hector can easily polish off 1kg between us, at Shkoor’s (the owner) suggestion we ordered 1.5kg.  If there was any left we could always take it away.  A Mushroom Rice a plain Pilau one Chapatti and one Paratha were the accompaniments.

A complementary plate of Salad has been the norm on arrival; however in recent visits this has swelled considerably to include Popadoms, Onion Chutney, Mango Chutney and various Dips.  Presumably this gives the Chef a few more minutes to work his magic and ensue the dish is presented at its best.

The Karahi was sizzling and filled to the brim.  Hector took a video of this wonderful presentation, now I just have to work out how to reduce it such that it can be posted…

Ladies First

Tracey and Howard tucked in and Hector took a generous portion.  There was easily another portion of Curry left for each of us.  Shkoor appeared from behind the scenes to observe our progress.  He is rightly proud of what his Chefs produce.

The flavour of the magnificent Masala wraps itself around the tongue; there is familiar warmth without excessive heat.    The Yadgar blend of herbs and Spices is what makes this dish stand out, it is perfection.  ‘Can I get you anything else?’ Shkoor asked.  We had the classic elegant sufficiency.

On the House

We were offered Sweets but felt full.  I did ask why people eat Dessert after a meal, if there is room then eat more Curry!  As we left Shkoor insisted we try his Rice Dessert at home.

‘What a lovely man.’ remarked Tracey.

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