THE faces my watch was making became increasingly mocking every time I checked it.

Waiting for Toots to get ready took so long each tick and tock was like a chortle at my expense.

I’ve been on shorter stake outs.

Glasgow detectives are usually men of steel but my kryptonite is hunger - be it for justice or grub.

I revved the engine of the old Buick just to quicken the pace of Toot’s beautifying procedure.

It was just as well her waltzing around turned in to a quickstep to the car as I was a fluttering eyelash away from dining on my own.

The night was full of eastern promise as we headed to Tuk Tuk on Sauchiehall Street.

The place had a nice and simple layout with bright and bold oranges and reds adding a nice zest to the surroundings.

We then got seated next to the window like ornaments.

I like to take more of a clandestine approach but having Toots dolled up like a marionette was all the cover I needed.

The fare on offer was a bit more spicy than I’m used to but blandness didn’t get anybody anywhere.

The joint’s selling point is the small portions it serves it’s dishes up in - encouraging you to order up tapas style.

The menu suggested we order three dishes between us, which we thought would be rude not to. The drinks situation was a ‘Bring Your Own Booze’ affair which put me on edge at first.

Luckily there were a couple bottles of Merlot clinking around the back seats of the Buick.

However, with a bit of forensic foresight I felt adding a deep and flavourful red would tip the scales on the richness of the meal.

So we went for the non-alcoholic options on offer.

Two mint mambos were ordered up to freshen our palates.

Starters up - for the lady in red it was a starter of samosas and for me it was a interesting little creation called yoghurt puri bombs.

Little crispy pockets encasing a refreshing creamy filling with sprinkles resembling Bombay mix in hundreds and thousands.

Both dishes were very tasty and incidentally complimented each other’s flavours.

The Moll and I took mutual credit in the culinary combination.

Soon after the main arrived sizzling on to our table.

From the top there was a little copper pot of a house special called railway lamb curry.

With potatoes, lamb on the bone mixed in to a curry teetering on the spicy side it was a knock out.

Another interesting choice of dish was the paneer dil ruba - a tangy curry with cottage cheese.

A serving of butter chicken and ginger garlic chicken curries brought more tones than sitar playing ever could.

On the side - yes there were also sides - was one of the best garlic naans I have ever tasted, some zesty Tuk Tuk chutney and two little pots of pilau rice.

I’m not going to lie - I was stuffed.

The dishes were served in pretty little pots and saucers which were lovely to see arranged on the table.

But packed in these dinky dishes were perfect epitomes of Indian cooking at its best.

The richness of the food left a warm glow on Toot’s cheeks as she reclined back on the chair with complete satisfaction.

We do go out a lot, but this place will be remembered for a while. However, I feel sorry for the joint’s dishwasher.

Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food

426 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD

0141 332 2126

Food:

Puri Yoghurt Bombs - £4.50

Samosas - £3.95

Railway Station Lamb Curry - £5.65

Paneer Dil Ruba - £4.90

Butter Chicken - £5.45

Ginger Garlic Chicken - £5.35

Poppadom - £1.70

Chutney - £2.25

Garlic Naan - £2.30

Pilau Rice - £4.70

Drinks:

Mint Mambo x2 - £7.50

Total:

£48.25

Scores:

Atmosphere - 3 stars

Food - 4 stars

Service - 3 stars