Having searched for all possible Curry Sources in Reykjavik at lunchtime today, the best hope was that Shalimar (Posthusstraeti 17, Reykjavik) would be open at the advertised 16.00. Walking up Posthusstraeti past the only Bars open in Reykjavik, this is where Hector would normally have passed the afternoon waiting for the First Curry House to open. The Micro-bar will forever remain a mystery, such are the limitations of hosting a School Trip.
At the end of Posthusstraeti the lights outside Shalimar were lit, the door was slightly ajar. 15.55, in I go.
Mein Host was not visible in the Main Room immediately, but soon appeared and let me take a small table at the wall. A perfect observation point. Punjabi Lamb Karahi (ISK3590) and a Paratha (ISK550) was the order placed by 16.00. At 200 Krone to the Pound, pricey for the Main Course, but the Paratha was still cheaper than Aberdeen Prices.
Would you like it mild or medium? Asked Mein Host.
Medium to Hot. – You never know.
Water with gas? I asked more in hope than expectation.
Soda Water – was Mein Hosts’ reply. What came was Clear but said – Appel – on the label. Orange Flavoured, of course.
Hector was not alone for long. A Takeaway customer entered at 16.05. The First Fellow Diner a few moments later. By the time I departed two more were seated. During this time various people had either phoned or come it to make bookings. The Omens were Positive.
By 16.25 I was beginning to wonder what was happening. I spotted a Karahi sitting behind the counter, this was abandoned. The uncooked Dough sat on the cloth device one uses to place Dough in a Tandoor. No further action.
A Waitress, who had magically came down the stairs, served the Hector Curry, none of what I had just been keeping tabs on. A Blob of Rice and a Modest Salad accompanied the plate of – Soup. Ah well. The Paratha was folded and looked – Peely Wally, hang on, this is Soft and Flaky. This was an Excellent Paratha.
The Masala was far too runny. One had to question which part of Punjabi Cuisine this was meant to represent. The Lamb was Tender, a Kick became apparent, so did a Green Cardamom when I bit into one. The Ingredients were Sound, Onion and Ginger Strops, Fresh Tomato Pieces, a Decent Texture. The more I consumed the more apparent it became there was something else. A Citrus Blast. I had only ever glanced at The Menu to ensure no Capsicum were listed and confirm with Mein Host that none would feature. The Menu description clearly states – lemon.
How is your food?
Tasty. It was.
This Curry had Substance. The Masala had spoiled it, but still compared to the European Norm, this was Above Average.
The Bill
ISK4530. £22.57. I have seen more outrageous prices than this for dining out in Iceland.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed over and a quick stroll through the Curry-Heute website ensued.
Once again I was asked about how I found The Curry. The Masala was not up to expectation, but this Curry had genuine Taste and Spice.
On departure I left a British Couple placing their order. One suspects this venue is doing well and this may well be on merit, not by chance. Opening at 16.00 was a master-stroke as far as Curry-Heute was concerned.
Hector has had Curry in Iceland!