Interesting post Stephen. I think this forum lacks enough genuine restaurant and t/a recipes and techniques ,however good or bad. There is some great stuff on here, but not enough imo.
The coconut addition is in all sorts of bases on this forum, not least jb's base which has never had a bad review

'Desi' curries are all over the menus in Glasgow, using okra, mint, bitter gourd ,bone in meat etc, but I've never tried one. You don't even need to ask what the staff curry is some places as they advertise a choice of them on the menu. ' Oil free ' curries also
Hope he lets you have a good look round
ELW