One of the 5 places for a great Glasgow Curry… so wrote The Herald many years ago, as reported by Hector back in 2011, the first visit to The Alishan Tandoori (250 Battlefield Road, Glasgow, G42 9HU) in the era of Curry-Heute.
Twenty five years ago, Hector was a regular at The Alishan, my favourite Glasgow Curry House for many years. The discovery of Bradford Curry set the Hector on a new path. The Village, so my first post at this venue reminds me, captured the Hector back in 2004. I have been discussing Desi v Mainstream quite a bit of late. The Alishan is decidedly Mainstream, but has ambience. Marg likes ambience, so where better to take her on her return from Aberdoom? A table was booked for 20.30. It’s always better to book at this venue.
Since Mother passed (she was last here in 2016), this part of Glasgow is rarely visited. I note Shezan Tandoori disappeared at some point during Lockdown. This is the twenty-fourth Southside Curry House to close in the time of Curry-Heute. Mt. Florida has no Curry House, once again. Why nobody in Battlefield has dared to open a venue to rival The Alishan puzzles, especially given that The Moti Mahal has gone also. Where is Tony now? I know someone who has the answer.
Arriving punctually, I gave my Sunday name, we were led beyond a large group to one of the four remaining tables. Ali, I believe it was he, helped me in to the table, the social distancing barrier was still in situ. Actually, as the photo of Hector below shows, this might predate Covid. The decor hasn’t changed, nor have the staff. Surely the lady behing the bar has been there since the 1990s?
The menu was brought, a tome, nothing has changed except the prices. Both Lamb Curry and Chicken Curry are being charged at the same price, cheeky.
No large bottles of Sparkling Water were available, 330ml Perrier sufficed. Was I really charged approaching four quid a bottle?
Pholan Devi (£15.50) was once the Hector’s go-to Curry at The Alishan. Marg had previously enjoyed the Lamb Balti (£12.90). Something different: Lamb Mirchi Garam Masala (£15.50), one Curry that certainly avoided the otherwise ubiquitous Capsicum. Yes, we’re back in the Mainstream, one has to be careful. For Marg: Karahi Mince & Mushrooms (£10.90). Can one deduce Beef Keema given the price differential?
The Nan (£3.10) at The Alishan was once legendary, in – recent – visits, I know they have been reined in, still, for old time’s sake. Samundri Rice (£4.10) completed the Order.
Ali offered Marg extra Chillies on top, declined, Hector accepted. I no longer see the – extra 50p – charge for this. Marg asked that the Peppers be withheld in her Karahi, not a problem.
At this point one usually settles down for the wait. Not tonight. The Birthday Party was a 40th. Alas, at the coffee stage of the meal, they were not for moving on. Two weans were running wild, each trying to outdo each other in who could offend our eardrums more. Past their bedtime, surely! There was no respite.
We, the other five diners, were here – to dine. What chance do the children have if the adults have cognitive disabilities?
Perhaps we should have been warned at the time of booking?
Did this ruin the night?
Yes!
So much for ambience.
The Curry arrived with two portions of Rice. There had been a boo-boo. Plain Naan, not Pilau (£3.10) had been noted. There would be a three minute hiatus. In the meantime, the Rice featuring – Onions, Peas and Mushrooms – was divvied up. Plenty to share, and tasty it was too. Excellent Rice.
The Naan came as soon as, nowhere near as large as the halcyon days when it was one and a half times the size of the platter. Pale, a rushed job, barely risen despite the puffiness, thin, and glistening. The wetness did not register until later.
Lamb Mirchi Garam Masala
That’s a serious Topping of sliced Green Chillies.
The Meat count was well into double, albeit small pieces. Having decanted the Lamb and sufficient Masala to create what looked like – Curry & Rice – I was left with half a bowlful. A – Soupy Curry – therefore by any definition, not what the the Hector seeks. A bhuna style sauce – said the description on the menu. In what way was this a – Bhuna? It’s just as well we ordered Rice.
With the abundant Green Chillies, there was a suitable – kick. The Seasoning was woefully lacking. On the second Alishan post in Curry-Heute, ironically titled – A Place to Dine – the lack of Seasoning was also raised. I could not help but notice tonight that Salt & Pepper were on the table, a rarity these days. Hector of course has a pact – eat the food as prepared by Chef.
There was a tangy edge to the overall Flavour, however, something wasn’t sitting on the palate as I would like. As with a rogue hop in a Craft Beer, there was a definite sense of something – nasty – here. Whilst I tried to dismiss this and get on with eating what was otherwise an enjoyable Curry, the brain was determined to identify the intruder.
All that glistens is not always Garlic, however the sheen on the Naan could well have been. The Hector goes out of his way to avoid Garlic Naan for this very reason. I should have ordered a Fresh Coriander Nan (£4.20).
Karahi Mince & Mushrooms
Keema Khumbi should be served as Dry as a … not have an Oil slick sitting on top. Why was this not dabbed off before serving? Far too wet, again, it’s just as well we had the Rice to absorb the wettest Keema I have seen in yonks.
A Soupçon crossed the table, there was definitely more of an Earthy Flavour to this Curry.
It’s got a kick! – exclaimed Marg at the outset. Oh we’re back to the pre-Lisboa – Chilli shock experience – well a month has passed.
Spicier than expected, an interesting combination with the mince and mushrooms. I found it quite oily, but mixed well with the vegetables…
Having finished all on the table save a scrap of Naan, Ali saw the empty plates.
We’d rather it was this way than have a Starter and leave half the Curry. We are out for – Curry.
There was a concurrent nod.
This means I appear to have accepted the realistic size of the Naan as currently served, though back in the day, it was a hoot. For that, go to Akbar’s, order the Family Nan (£5.95).
In the hope that the mob might actually be leaving, and I report the longest departure in history, Marg ordered ice-cream. The Alishan still serves industrially produced Desserts. Honey Pot (£3.95), complete with almonds, was her choice.
Marg finished her ice-cream. Suddenly all was quiet. Ali suggested coffee – now that it’s peaceful -, declined.
The Bill
£45.05 £7.50 for 660ml of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
On discussing the meal on the way home, Marg, who had a better perspective, assured me the wean count was more than two, as many as four possibly. Are there no baby sitters on the Southside? An average Curry, ruined as a dining experience.
One of the 5 places for a great Glasgow Curry – once upon a time. Hector stands by his own recommendations – Glasgow’s Top Rated. OK, many are Curry Cafes, but where was the ambience this evening?
2023 Menu extracts
There was a half kilo of brown Turkey Meat needing cooked, and nobody else to cook for. It may have been a year past its – best before – but being a packet of dry ingredients, well, why not? It was time to use up one of two remaining Curry Kits from Rafi’s Spicebox (
We all know that in Urdu, Turkey translates as a variant of Chicken. Brown Turkey Meat is way more absorbent than Chicken, though not having been in the Masala for that long, the limitations of a quick Curry were exposed. There was a definite packet taste, but to be fair, the ingredients had been in the polythene for some eighteen months. 
Not since early 
Hector managed to arrive at 
Eight pieces, a whole Fish, by any other description. When 
14.38, my precious. Shafiq had done well, especially given the stream of customers front of shop. 
Who would need a second Chapatti? Behold, a huge, Wholemeal Flour based Chapatti, featuring one large risen blister. Light, thin, filling, around a half of this would do. 
A classic Shafiq portion, he who once served me a Karahi with fifteen Lamb Chops. There’s no denying that Lockdown affected Hector’s eating patterns, today was a test, has recovery been fully attained?
At the halfway point, a quick Meat count. What remained I’ve been served as a – portion. Fear not, I knew I would empty the plate.
It’s Dr. Stan’s birthday! There had to be Curry-Heute. We arranged to meet at 
The three of us headed west, Dr. Stan spotted us and stopped in his tracks. He had deduced the scenario – 
Hector and Mags last dined at 
A jug of tap water plus a 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.95) completed the Order. This must still be the best value Sparking Water in the city. 
The Starters came in good time, however, that we were having these was eating into the parking.
Three large, not a bad quantity given this was part of the meal deal. 
Again three large pieces. Well fired, this may be something for Hector to consider next time. Mags was impressed:
A pair, as expected, they did look a bit thin. Spiced in their own right, the accompanying Sauce certainly boosted this significantly. The Flavour of the Lamb Mince took me by surprise. Is it possible that having had Chicken Seekh Kebab more often, the Hector has actually developed a preference for these? 
The sliced Green Chillies differentiated Hector and Mags’ Curry. A couple of Ginger Strips completed the garnish. With a sufficiency of Meat protruding through the Thick Masala, all was set. 
There was a Big Spice hit, guaranteed by the extra Chillies. The Seasoning was decidedly – low. It’s possible that I still had the halcyon days of the 
Enjoyable as this Karahi was, the full depth of Flavour hoped for, was not revealing itself. Nor was the customary 
Apart from being served in a different karahi, this appeared to be indistinguishable from the Karahi Gosht. The Flavour, however, would be markedly different. But as the Hector was not having this today, then one may look to 
One can see the Herbs mixed through this wonderfully Dry Keema. With no Oil showing, this must be as fine an example of the genre as one can encounter. 
Marg made short work of this. One was enough, so the extra Chapatti was shared with Mags. Marg immediately remarked on the portion size, her karahi was full. This was the Lunchtime Menu portion? Marg demolished all this and her enjoyment was declared. For reasons that shall unfold, there is no direct quote. 
Every so often, a classic photo opperchancity presents itself: Adam, at work, Mr. Baig, surveying his empire…
A – Bank Holiday Monday – whatever that means, Hector is home. Unusually, Marg has no hockey and knows if she doesn’t come for Curry-Heute, she’ll not be fed. Glassy Central (285 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3HQ) has been visited a couple of times recently, Marg had yet to experience – Glasgow’s first Desi Pub – however, she has been to 
To date I’ve had the 
The Curry pots were brought first, neither of us could start until the Bread or Rice arrived. It is frustrating watching hot food going cold. After a few minutes the Naan came, and later the Special Rice. On seeing the Rice, I knew I should have checked, so let this be a warning to all – not for sharing – but ordering two portions? 
Having just returned from Europe where abundant Rice is inclusive, that would hurt. With Cauliflower, Carrots and Green Beans, a tasty Rice. Marg took little more than a Soupçon, Chapatti remains her preferred accompaniment. 
A modest garnish of Coriander topped the tall pot. A suitably Thick, brown Masala shrouded the Meat which reached double figures. Still great value here on the base price for Curry. 
The Lamb was decidedly Tender, one senses quality Meat being sourced here. There was a distinctive Flavour, however, if I write a House Flavour then I’m giving in to – Desi. With a slight tang, the Spice was definitely there, no whole Spices to identify. The Seasoning was below the Hector level of perfection yet the Flavours were coming across. 
The wedge of Tomato, and I suppose the flatter pot, distinguished this Curry from the Garam Masala. Otherwise, they were indistinguishable. The Hector Soupçon revealed no significant difference either. Like Hector, Marg cleared her plate, nothing was left:
A tasty dish with a smooth sauce, some chewy pieces of Lamb, but overall, very tender. I enjoyed the small portion of Vegetable Rice, however, the Naan was more like a Chapatti. (which suited Marg)
An Indian & Thai restaurant? – not Hector’s usual cup of tea, but hey-ho, one never knows. Arriving at 14.00, Diyo – Indian & Thai Restaurant (Tadeusza Kosciuszki 23/1z, 50-027 Wroclaw Polska) was empty, though as I was about to depart, two pairs of diners did arrive. 
Ginger Strips and a sprinkling of Coriander topped as Thick a Masala as one can encounter, the antithesis of 
Whilst – packet of mixed Spice – came to mind at 
Wroclaw
2023 sees a Boy’s Trip to the Bier Festival, with Michal making his debut in Curry-Heute. Again the correct rendition of – Micha? – is lost. To humour him, yesterday we had – Golabki – a traditional Polish dish I’ve been eating for more than sixty years. 
Choices were minimal. I had to dismiss the Lamb Kadhai (Zl44) due to the listed ingredients featuring the 
The Curry was a classic example of why Karahi is preferred. This was – Soup. So – Soupy – it is difficult to describe the Masala as anything other than – gravy. 
Pieces of Onion had been stirred in, one wonders how much Onion was used in cooking the Base Sauce? I counted eight pieces of Meat as I arranged the Lamb on the Rice. 
Boxed Spices – the immediate reaction, this Gravy tasted as if it had come straight from a box of Mixed Spice Powders. With no solid Spice in the Sauce, the Hector was left shaking his head. But hang on…
I’ve had better – was Michal’s only remark. 
Two Days Later
Steve, who has been sneaking out for Curry on his own, paid a visit to Maharaja. Not only did he enjoy his Curry, the debris on his plate shows whole Cloves and pieces of Cinnamon Bark. 
Seven hours on your feet, a daunting task. The venue – The Platform – the original railway station before the line was cut back a few hundred metres. Seats were available for those who really needed them, however, one really wants to be as close as possible to the action. Being present an hour before the band came on stage, meant the last – cuddly-sized – t-shirt, as Nick’s wife – Rachel – put it, was secured. We also got to see Rog Paterson’s solo acoustic set. Rog would then play twelve string guitar as and when during the Pendragon set. 
The second hour was a trip through the back catalogue, the joy being that the Band could choose different songs for Saturday and Sunday. 
There were seemingly automatic – goodnights – from the stage, however, we all knew there was more to come. With the keyboards reduced to piano, no drums, we were treated to another half hour, the acoustic set.
At times it felt like it was Peter Gee who was holding it all together whilst Nick and Clive went exploring on the fretboard and keys respectively. How do we get out of this? The Morecambe and Wise tribute was pure improvisation, we all think we know the words to – Bring Me Sunshine – until the second verse, then…
This morning, 11.00, there was a rendezvous at the Eric Morecambe statue. An opperchancity to chat with Clive. No more Arena gigs are scheduled for the UK presently. The last tour was missed due to not being able to get into London thanks to the periodic train strikes. Hector was ticketed for London, the gig having been postponed by one year, meanwhile as a consequence, Kinross became impossible to attend. Marg disappeared momentarily, she returned with a photo of herself with the latest drummer – Jan-Vincent Velazco.
Strangely, the music today was scheduled for the afternoon. At 14.15, Nick did a talk about his pedal array. This was followed by a full band – Q&A. Clive has five albums in the bag thanks to Lockdown. Instead, Nick has a book nearly finished. 
Rog Paterson was due to play another thirty minute solo spot, Marg and Hector went next door to rest the feet. We timed our arrival for the beginning of – Not of This World, the entire album, performed in order. Lyrically some of this is brutal, – the divorce album. Faithless-All Over Now, delivered with due emotion. 
Following on, another collection of classic Pendragon songs. 
After the gig it was Hector’s turn to be photographed with the famous. Having introduced myself, I reminded Nick of the Glasgow gig @1988 when there was but a handful present for a late night show in an upper room. I think it was Barrowlands, Nick thinks Night Moves. Is there an upper room in Barrowlands? 
Finally, and with feet that were comfortably numb, it was time for Curry-Heute. Having passed Saffron (6 Skipton St, Morecambe LA4 4AR England) yesterday, an upstairs venue was expected, instead, it was down to the basement. A few tables were occupied when Marg and Hector entered at 19.15, Pendragon t-shirts were already in situ. We were led to a quiet corner at the rear, from here we could see some of the intricate décor through the basement arches. Ambience and Mainstream Curry, one has to give in occasionally. 
T
Lamb Bhuna – said the waiter as he placed the Lamb Methi on the table. A welcome mistake, Dry Curry is what the Hector seeks. This was a suitably Thick Masala, Bhuna indeed. The Meat count reached eight, not the largest portion. 
The Flavour of the Lamb itself may have been the most potent feature of this Curry. The Spice was pitched at a low level. The Seasoning, however, was fine. Tender Lamb with a hint of Methi, was noted. An Earthy Flavour rather than a blast of Herbs was forthcoming. After the intensity of 
This is how a Keema should look, Dry, and no Oil slick. The grains of Mince appear to be coarse. Marg made short work of this. No kick – was her first utterance, which is quite a departure from her norm: 
There was not a morsel left on the table at the end.
Syhiba is a name that has appeared previously in Curry-Heute, a Curry House I have praised in 
Hector and Marg spent a pleasant afternoon in Hebden Bridge, how many coffee shops can Marg visit in one day? More than I can visit Curry Houses! We arrived at Syhiba Restaurant (57 Wharf St, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2AF England) at 19.10. The sheer size of the premises impressed, from the outside it was clear the place was stowed. There was a crowd at the door and screaming weans inside. Marg was happy to wait at the doorway, I gestured her to walk up the steps inside, here we spoke to a waiter who promised us a table. Two minutes later we were led to table 11 in the far right hand corner. What a viewpoint. 
Cash only – was made clear at the doorway. This has been the case on visits to 
During the wait, I went walkabout. Large as the venue is, the premises are quite narrow. I counted some fifty diners. However, upstairs there was another large room, initially empty, Marg reported a large group there later. Was all of Sowerby Bridge at Syhiba?
We were prepared for a long wait, imagine the surprise when the food was served at 19.35. The Naan was spectacular. Served vertically, it was therefore whole, had risen, burnt blisters were present, and it proved to be light and fluffy. Hector’s Naan idyll, Marg was happy too. Unusually, we ate the lot! Marg then spotted that some had a larger Naan. The Family Naan (£4.95) would have been too much. 
Topped with a threat of Coriander and featuring a Lemon Slice, this looked the part. Perhaps a bit more Oily than would be served a few kilometres away in 
The first dip of Naan in the Masala was one of those rare and special moments. The Flavours flooded out, wonderful! The Spice kept building, the Seasoning caught up, this was Curry.
Apart from being boneless, the Curry looked identical to the Handi: the threat of Coriander, the Lemon Slice and the embedded half Bullet Chilli. Bradford Curry was written all over it.
Zingy – said Marg at the start. I suspect the Lemon Slice was the cause of this. Adding a squirt of Lemon Juice in Curry, something to consider. Marg’s verdict:
The Bill
Thereafter we walked down the canal locks, the largest drop on the planet, well maybe not. 
12.40 is somewhat late for Hector to arrive at 
Marg asked for two Meat Samosas (£1.00), only – Veg – was available. 
These were the largest Samosas seen in a while. The deep frying had altered the pastry accordingly. Marg:
For a 
The Spice Level was moderate, the Seasoning was low and the expected – Methi – blast wasn’t coming. Instead, Cloves hit the palate yet no whole Spices were found. The Earthy Flavour was quite straightforward, – Umami – a Meat Curry, it was what it was. 
The Bill