Hardeep Singh Kohli Indian Takeaway Paisley Review & Photographs

The following review is by Peter Greenwood for Paisley on the web..

“When it comes to curry, the British can’t get enough” smiles Hardeep, from behind his pots and pans. And from the smell wafting up through the crowd as he cooks it’s not difficult to know why.

Hardeep Singh Kohli is known for many things. Comedian. Author. TV host. But tonight, as he steps out onto the stage at the Paisley Arts Centre his primary role is “chef”.

His live show, Indian Take Away, has toured the length and breadth of the UK for the last two years and now he’s hitting his home away from home, Paisley. Barely a minute out on stage in a very fetching kilt and Lion Rampant shirt combo, and he’s already captured the audience with a slightly modest “I haven’t done anything yet!”

The show begins as Hardeep takes us back through his childhood, to the dishes his mother (who was late to her own son’s show) made when he was younger, in a time when money and tolerance were scarcely found among Glasgow’s west end. He tells a story about attempting to become a tree to avoid bullies and how it was a rare occurrence when he wasn’t chased for his differences. But for all there was back then Hardeep is so happy and proud of where we are now and he wasn’t afraid to tell us many instances, good and bad, from his past which brought us right back to the present as he starts cooking. Almost.

First of all, before anything can begin, he had a phone call to make. Placing the call to a local takeaway is a part of the show; Hardeep will call what he feels is the best Indian restaurant in town, order a delivery and while it’s arriving he’ll prepare his own take on a dish. Tonight we‘re treated to a Lamb Jalander from the Indian Scene Take Away.

As he cooks, he tells us some more stories about his family and what inspired the tour, with the true answer earning an “aww” and a smattering of applause from the audience as he tells us it was his mum. “With mum in the house, no matter what I do with divine intervention it’ll always be the second best curry in the house” he says. “I can’t wait for her to tell me what I’m doing wrong tonight!.

Dish prepared, delivery delivered, with the audience sharing around poppadoms, Hardeep invites three members of the audience up onto stage to try a blind taste test. His vs. the Take Away.

However there‘s doubt in Hardeep‘s eyes, he‘s tasted the local dish and he mouths to us quietly how good theirs is. But no, those gathered onstage take the test and Hardeep is declared the winner – by one point! A narrow victory, but still one he’s delighted with.

Indian Takeaway was a great night out, there was a great atmosphere as Hardeep chatted with members of the audience, offering advice to young Liam in the crowd and even taking the time to introduce his mum and dad to us all.
And the dish Hardeep made? Delicious.

Paisley Arts Centre Photographs

Photos from Saturday night in Paisley Arts Centre, all photographs taken by Tracey Clements for www.paisley.org.uk

To find out more about the tour and dates please visit www.hardeeplive.com

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X