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February 15, 2019

The Mother India group of restaurants expands further with today's launch in the former Lansdowne Bar and Kitchen.

A couple of decades ago, there was fierce competition among a number of Glasgow's Indian restaurateurs to be named the city's Curry King.

Charan Gill, Cook Gill, Asif Ali and Balbir Singh Sumal all tried on the metaphorical crown at one point.

While far from being a shy and retiring wallflower, Mother India owner Monir Mohammed never really seemed to play that game.

He just got on with building his empire starting with the Mother India on Westminster Terrace and then expanding with new restaurants, delis and even an Edinburgh branch.

Munch on the Middle East

The expansion continues with today's launch: The Lansdowne.

Or, to give the Lansdowne Crescent venue its full name, The Lansdowne in partnership with Mother India.

The menu at The Lansdowne has plenty of nods towards the Middle East; a region whose culinary traditions are very much flavour of the month.

Hoummus, baba ganoush and a leg of chicken flavoured with saffron and cardamom all leap out alongside a Lebanese mixed grill.

Not that Monir has completely moved away from the Indian cooking that built his business.

The inspiration for a dish of malai chicken tikka or the green herb chicken kebab are possibly closer to Delhi than Damascus.

That said, most of the dishes would be more at home in Beirut than Bengal.

We like the sound of the shoulder of lamb mince which is flavoured with fenugreek, mixed with diced potatoes and served on toast.

Veggie and vegan options

As you might expect many of the dishes are veggie and vegan. The idea of spinach and seared broccoli with corn bread floats our boat.

The most expensive option is the Lebanese mixed grill at £10.50 with many of the choices coming in at £5-£6.

A price point which suggests that we should think of the dishes as sharing or tapas dishes.

It's good to see The Lansdowne back in action and we wish Mo every success in his new venture.