Recommended last night by The Locals, The Banyan Tree (53 Westgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1QA England) was said to be pricey. However, the Two Courses for £10.00 at Lunchtime was worth a try. One cannot expect The Full Bhuna when such deals are accepted, though if last month’s visit to Sanam in Falkirk is a yardstick, maybe expectations can be raised.
Hector was the first customer of the day entering just after 12.00. The Young (Portuguese I would establish later) Waiter itself as a Restaurant and Bar. There is a range of Keg Biers on offer, but with the Oakham Brewery Tap a few metres along the street, well…
The Starter
Murg Purluft was first on the Menu. Chicken layered with Shahi Jeera and Fresh Coriander – how could Hector resist Cumin?
Two Large Pieces of Chicken were presented, there was a hint of a Coating. By the time the two had been cut into eight pieces, suitably sized to eke it out, the result was Pleasant rather than Outstanding.
*
Bhuna Gosht
The description for the Bhuna Gosht was enhanced by the offer for – tweaking. The Waiter asked about Spice Level, Green Chillies were mentioned. This was certainly a departure from the usual Two Course Lunch.
What came impressed from the off. The Sliced Green Chilli Topping may be simple, but was certainly effective. One expects the Masala in a Bhuna to be Thick, this lived up to expectation and more.
Well-seasoned and with a definite Kick, there was Sufficient Masala rather the needless excess. The Base of the Masala had a quality Onion and Tomato core. Six decent-sized pieces of Lamb were the solids. Each of the Lamb pieces was best halved thus creating a Substantial Portion. The Flavours erupted, this was indeed The Full Bhuna.
The Accompaniment
Lasooni Naan? That’s a new one. This was the biggest Naan seen this week. Garlic Solids were spread generously across the Naan, this was a Tasty, well made, piece of Bread, an Excellent Accompaniment.
The Ever-attendant Waiter asked the customary question, I could only praise this Curry.
The Bill
£12.75. OK, they had to make their profit from the Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was offered and was immediately taken to the counter where Mein Hostess was initially busy on the phone. Hector was introduced to this Charming Lady and the Curry-Heute Website outlined. I related the enjoyment last evening at the only Punjabi outlet found so far in Peterborough. The Cuisine at The Banyan Tree is Middle to North of India, Gujarat was mentioned. My visit to Sri Lanka and the perceived excess of Coconut was discussed. Next year in India.
It is always a pleasure to talk – Curry – after an impressive meal.
Next year Hector will have to consider more than one night in Peterborough.
FYI – Hector has never been to Portugal.
Update 2017