Bala Sweet & Tandoori Centre – Bedford

The Bala Sweet & Tandoori Centre (111 Midland Rd., Bedford, MK40 1DA) was recommended last evening by a Taxi Driver when asked if there were any Punjabi Restaurants in Bedford. It is Day Two of the Bedford – Bamberg Spring Festival, a Curry for Lunch was required to set Hector up for the rest of the day.

Located near the Train Station, Bala is well away from Tavistock Street where the majority of Bedford’s Curry Houses are sited.

I presented the Calling Card to the Young Chap behind the Counter on entry. This would explain the Photographing of everything selected. Bala specialise in Vegetable Dishes, some were on display. The now familiar Vegetable Pakora Curry in the distinctive Yellow Masala sat beside a most attractive Vegetable Curry which was a Veritable Melange. A Menu on the Counter relayed information about further Dishes including Meat. I asked for a Lamb as Dry as they could make it, a Side Portion of the Vegetable Curry and Chapattis. I was invited to help myself from the Fridge and sampled my First ever Rubicon Lychee Drink. It was so good I had a second.

Bala is very much a Curry Café, my sort of place. Mein Host and his Lady sat at the far table presumably finishing Lunch. A second Young Chap appeared with the Curry after a short wait. He warned me about how Hot the Plates were, indeed, Piping Hot.

The Vegetable Curry had Minimal Masala hence the initial attraction. With Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Sweetcorn, Cauliflower and both Red and Green Capsicum it was an Excellent Accompaniment to the Main Portion. I realised that both Portions were the same size. This was a good helping of Vegetable Curry.

The Lamb Masala was Classic Old-fashioned 1960s Curry. The Masala was Thin and had the Glow from the significant Oil content.

The Lamb was Tender to Slightly Chewy, not a problem. Given the Heat and the Masala, Chapattis were maybe not ideal for this Dish. I awaited the inevitable Splash, but managed to avoid it. The Chapattis like the Two Curry Dishes were also Very Hot to touch. They too had a Glow from Oil. A Modest Salad helped cleanse the Palate.

Hector ate Heartily, a very good start to the day.

Is this yours? – asked Mein Host once he was behind the Counter. I explained who I was and from where I had come.

Nice People, Good Curry in an Informal Atmosphere. I shall return.

The Bill

£10.80. This in effect was for Two Portions of Curry.

The Aftermath

More Photos were permitted. I verified with one the Young Chaps that they were open tomorrow. Everyday at 10.30 I was informed. Home-cooking was how he described the Fayre. Indeed, Desi-style.