A Quick Return to Bala Sweet & Tandoori Centre – Bedford

Lord Clive of Crawley was keen to join Hector for his #2 Visit to The Bala Sweet & Tandoori Centre (111 Midland Rd., Bedford, MK40 1DA). That it was en route to the Train Station was very convenient. I now realise that on the approaches to the Station, there is a Small Cluster of Café-Style Curry Outlets to rival the more Formal Tavistock Street Restaurants. The Great English Tradition of Sunday Lunch usually involves Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, a Dish that proved to be available in Venues visited later in St. Albans. When Clive and Hector are out, it’s going to be Curry.

We reached Bala at 12.30, Mein Host and his Lady were sitting at the far end table, their – Spot.

Hello – was the warm greeting. Not Hello, Hector? – was Clive’s riposte. The Two Young Waiters also acknowledged my speedy return as they appeared from the Kitchen.

With an acquired familiarity of the Menu, I knew the Keema Curry would go down well with Clive. No Peas? Asked Clive. Mein Host confirmed the presence of Peas. An Aloo Paratha were available at £1.25. Two were ordered. Now for the Highlight … The Bitter Melon.

I spotted Karela under the Counter, it had been Stripped, Stuffed and Baked exactly as prepared by Hari’s Wife (Punjabi Charing Cross, Glasgow). A Side Portion was ordered. This would be a the Perfect Complement to the Keema.   Sorted.

Two features of the Bala, they serve everything that is meant to be Hot, Piping Hot. They also use just that bit more Oil than the Norm. I have no problem with this.

The Aloo Paratha arrived first, complete with Oily Glow, and too Hot to Handle. The Plate of Keema Mutter may not look much, this was a Full Sized Portion. Two Karela topped with Onion brought up the rear.

The Modest Salad was also brought with a Portion of Pickle, neither were touched, we had more than enough.

From the First Dip I knew we were on a winner. The Keema Mutter might have had more Peas, but Tasted Sensational. The Seasoning was Spot-on, the Black Cardamoms gave an Aromatic Flavour. This was as good a Keema Mutter as Hector has encountered.

This is Very Good. We don’t have Curry Cafés in Crawley. – was Clive’s addition. The Karela is best enjoyed Occasionally and in Small Doses. This was also as good as the Karela I have been served in Glasgow. The Bitter and the Aromatic, a Great Combination.

The Bill

£15.70. This included One Soft Drink.

The Aftermath

Maybe see you next year – was my farewell. There was a sincerity that came back across the Counter. They knew we had thoroughly appreciated what had been served.

Between Bala and the Train Station there are Three other Curry Cafés. The people of Bedford are spoiled for choice perhaps. However, it is difficult to believe that another nearby Venue can rival the Bala Sweet & Tandoori Centre.