Jumping Japanese

Nanakusa, Sauchiehall Street


This week brought me to Nanakusa, the popular Japanese restaurant in Sauchiehall Street.  Everytime I pass this place it is pretty busy, always a good sign in my book so Sunday night was no exception.

The menu is big, supplemented with pictures for ease of ordering and varied.  In Nanakusa you don’t have to conform to the traditional starter, main course format but you can mix up the smaller dishes, sushi, bento boxes and main dishes any way you like.  I loathe the term tapas other than in its Spanish context but you can apply the same logic to the smaller dishes , sushi and side orders.

My husband and I decided on a selection of small plates all served at the same time, it is a great way to introduce yourself to the delights of Japanese cuisine without stretching the wallet and the waistline.  Chicken gyoza were small and perfectly formed, the fried variety but light and tasty with a sensational piquant dipping sauce.  Next up, Karaage chicken which is seasoned chicken pieces fried lightly and again served with dipping sauce.  Now I will admit that I am partial to the Karaage in Wagamama which is made with juicy thigh meat but the Nanakusa one made with chicken breast is equally as good and  a hit with all.  Edamame and pak choi were a great accompaniment decently prepared.

Sushi next, Tobiko nigiri, which was beautifully presented flying fish roe on rice surrounded by nori seaweed.   I couldn’t resist a Temaki cone which comes in a cute little stand that looks so enticing as it leaves the open plan kitchen.  I opted for the soft shell crab variety, Kanikar, which arrives with a few little crab legs diving out the top as if the poor beast is making a run for it.

Now for the highlights, another soft shell crab dish, Kani Karaage, which is deep fried until delicious and crisp, tasted excellent although if there are crab fans in the party you may want to order more than one.   A surprising highlight was also a nonchalant side order of pickles, which arrived in a perky jenga style all stacked high on a plate, now although it was only made up of cucumber, carrot and daikon it was so beautifully pickled and moreish that I would insist you order it, especially given the tiny price of 75p.

 The service was speedy, friendly and efficient, the bill for the two of us with a glass of wine each was a reasonable £40.  The real lure of this restaurant is its consistency and obvious popularity, I’ve never had a bad meal here and for the money I think it’s a real winner.

Arigato! 

Time for Tiffin

Balbir’s Tiffin Rooms, Sauchiehall Street

We recently paid a visit to the popular Balbir’s Tiffin Rooms with visitors from Melbourne and we’re glad we did!  The food was excellent, the service attentive and we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. 

In between Christmas and New Year can be an odd time for restaurants but there was a pleasant buzz at Balbir’s.  Inevitably, when ordering our drinks, the blokes wanted Indian beer however the knowledgeable barman informed them of an American beer, Blue Moon, which is slightly flavoured with orange and apparently well matched with curries.  When met with dubious looks he produced two samples for trial, one met with gusto – the other not so much but never the less off to a great start!

When  perusing the menu the friendly waiter offered plenty of suggestions and took time explaining many of the dishes.  As we were dining with a vegetarian he also informed us that any type of curry on the menu could be done as a vegetarian option which was appreciated.

Starters for four were a chicken pakora, vegetable pakora and a stunning dish – Bhel & Papar.  The pakora, as any Glaswegian would know, is self explanatory although better than average with a nice zingy pink sauce.  The Bhel & Papar is a different beast, made with the gram flour straws commonly found in Bombay Mix, it is also contains onions, coriander, nuts and fruit and is served with poppadoms, it truly is exceptional.

For mains we opted for one meat Thali and one vegetarian Thali, both of which were above expectation.  A Thali at Balbir’s is a selection of three curries, served with rice and chapati all on one platter and designed to be shared.  Our vegetarian had already been given free reign over the menu but the choice of Thali curries is still wide.   From the simple korma to the deep and tasty saag all were beautifully executed and for us, an ideal size.   I don’t doubt that many seasoned curry goers would find the portions on the small side but having had starters we were all perfectly satisfied.

The bill was reasonable for the standard of food and there were also a nice variety of specials on the board for the adventurous. 

For me the big advantage to the Tiffin Rooms is the combination of traditional Glasgow curry staples flecked with some more interesting newcomers and, if ordering the Thali with three choices, it leaves room for some experimentation.

All about the crab

I've been known to be crabby on the odd occasion, but mood swings aside one of my all time favourite things to eat is crab.  Definitely pros and cons to the hard shelled wee beast but I'm of the opinion that the meat is so delicious and sweet that by nature it has to be a pain in the a** to eat!  Such is life.


Salt and Chilli Crab – Loon Fung, Sauchiehall Street


The ultimate feast, it comes portioned up in neat little sections ready to be picked, prodded and polished off!  The crab is fried with garlic, chilli, spring onions and you guessed it.... salt.  The contrast between the sweet, fine meat and the robust hit of chilli and salt is seriously finger licking good.  Be prepared to give it some time and love and you will be rewarded.


Crab Cakes – Crabshakk, Argyle Street


This is crab for the lazy amongst us, these sweet, tasty little morsels come in a large or small portion.  I suggest the large unless you dine alone because inevitably your companions will steal a few when you’re not looking!  Made up of almost all white crab meat with a hint of chilli, seasoning and little else they really are fabulous.


Fresh whole crabs to buy – MacCallums of Troon, Houldsworth Street


In my opinion the best place in Glasgow to source any and all seafood is MacCallums.  The range is massive and quality outstanding.  Many a time have I been in MacCallums and have seen a live crab launching itself out of a container and making a break for it across the floor.


Prepared crab meat to buy – Waitrose, Byres Road


Waitrose have a lovely selection of ready to eat crab, from dressed crabs to a tasty crab terrine this would be my choice for any picnic or decadent treat.


 Good crabbing peeps


Gigi

Welcome to Glasgow Glutton

Hi, welcome to Glasgow Glutton!  Thank you for checking out my blog.

The purpose of this is to share all things foodie that I love in Glasgow, from restaurants to shops and any hints or recipies I can share on the way. 

I'm all about the food, hence the glutton! 

Gigi