Shezan

I’d looked on in slight bemusement for many years as the Shezan, established in the year of my birth, kept accruing rewards as one of Scotland’s finest places for Indian cuisine. I’d visited twice in the days before Lunchquest and been thoroughly underwhelmed, but assumed the various refurbs down the years had been matched by an upturn in the standards in the kitchen, too. I popped in on a Saturday lunchtime to check it out.

I was greeted by a familiar face in the shape of one of the waiters who used to work in Iman’s in Tollcross. I took a seat at a window table and contemplated the menus, both the lunch and a la carte choices. I opted for the former, starting with veg samosas then following with lamb bhoona and chapati.

My starter was soon with me looking quite bonnie. The expected crisp shells were rather thick and inelegant so they were more like little buns. The pea and potato filling was warmly spiced but fairly unremarkable.

The main course was a little better, with good tender lamb, but it profoundly lacked anything beyond the routine and ordinary. It was just good solid fare.

So overall, Shezan is decent and reliable but little beyond. I was served two good dishes that did the job, but it’s not a meal that will stick in the memory and service although friendly was slow. I’m glad to have visited but doubt I’ll be back any time soon.

Scores
Blythe scores Shezan
3/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3/5 for service
giving an overall 13/20

I ate: vegetable samosa, lamb bhoona, chapati

I drank: lager

I wore: unconvincing new sun spectacles

Total bill: £12.95