Praha – Taj Mahal Express – A Late Night Takeway

When Kenneth and Hector first set foot in Prague back in ’92, we were home early every night. Perhaps, for those who know, this may have changed. After a Splendid Day with the Bier Guru, Fred Waltman, Hector was back at Andel, the Taj Mahal Express (Mozartova 942/10, 150 00 Praha) was only metres behind the Ibis Mala Strana.
The lights were on, somebody was home, but inside there was no activity. That the Taj Mahal Express was closed was expressed very quickly. The dining area was in darkness. A Takeaway was offered. Why not?

No Bread
Mein Host, Russell, was quick to tell me that no Bread was available, If there was a Tandoori, this was charged down. Russell?- the Calling Card was issued almost immediately as we began our amusing chat.  It was clear that Hector needed Curry. Russell was happy to serve. The Hector Curry was described. Lamb Rezala (185Kc) was apparently The Dish. With no Bread, the Special Fried Rice had to be The Accompaniment. The usual request for – Dry, no Capsicum – was accepted. Russell was through to see The Chef.
Less Sauce, make it thick. The Spice Level was discussed. Three Chillies was agreed.
The term – Papa – was heard from the kitchen.

The Bill
230Kc. (£6.09). Hector can afford this.

The discourse continued whilst the Curry was prepared. Soft and Strong Drinks were offered, gratis, and refused. Why spoil a Perfect Day’s Bier Drinking? Staropramen was the Bier on Tap, never drink this. Russell, Calling Card in hand,  guessed where else I had been. Curry House was first up. I had to admit to my visit earlier today. Who reviews two Curry Houses in one day?
Taj Mahal Express has only been in operation for ten days. Other Sources show an Indian Restaurant at this locus, but here we are, Curry-Heute is at the cutting edge.
Ten o’clock is the closing time for every (Indian?) Restaurant in Prague. Chaps come out to police this, I was told. The entire visit was therefore in semi-darkness. Russell’s Lady was there to wait, patiently, that smoking was suddenly permitted caused concern. There is either a rule or there is not.
Russell’s son was The Chef. He brought the Curry, the Photo was mandatory.
The Chef assured me that if I returned, he would cook – Something Special. Why not tonight? OK, churlish, he wanted to go home.

Meanwhile back at The Ibis
The Complimentary Plastic Bag had three containers, the Rice, The Rezala, The Chillies (four). Hector was charged an extra 10Kc for the Chillies. (?)

Now what? I had no plate, no cutlery. In the UK they at least supply a spoon. My next Kebab will be in Düsseldorf  next Thursday, surely Hector would not be reduced to Kebab Eating Mode? Indeed.

Improvisation was required. There are no more Photos.

The Aroma was Mouthwatering. The Masala in the Rezala was Creamy. After some time Peanuts came to mind, there was as a Nut Flavour to this Dish. This was not a Satay, but the Overall Flavour was – Creamy and Nutty. Pleasant? Hector was enjoying this Curry then realised there was more Rice than Curry.
Peas dominated the Special Fried Rice, the Rice had Flavour too, success. I had mentioned Herbs, extra Coriander was the oft mentioned ingredient. Green Cardamom was to the fore. There was Genuine Flavour emanating from this Curry. The Fresh Green Chillies were addressed as required, The Kick. The Minimal Lamb was Tender, why so little Meat? Not enough Meat!

Overall, a Late Night Special. Appreciation for staying open to serve. The Curry was certainly Good, not Outstanding, there was Genuine Flavour. The temptation to return was established, but being this close to the Ibis will work against it. The Taj Mahal Express is not open early enough for Breakfast Curry, and is closed too early, KFC may be the easier late night option.