There is something magnetic about the Lipanska tram stop in Prague for Hector. There are few I could name, and given that it is outwith the City Centre, few I would recognise. I have been here four times in the last two days, eventually eight in all over the weekend. Tram 9 somehow manages to go from the Ibis Mala Strana, across the Vltava, and along all the main streets of the City Centre before heading northeast past the Main Train Station.
It was only yesterday that the words Pakistani Restaurant caught the eye. The green exterior of Mailsi – Pakistani Restaurant (Lipanska 1, Praha 3 Czechia) must have registered on previous trips to Praha, the realisation that this is exactly what I have been looking for in my travels all year hit home. Those who follow this Blog will known that Hector’s Curry Tastes are towards the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent, the closer to Afghanistan the better. That Hector has favoured Punjabi Cuisine all his life was never fully appreciated until recent times. The Curry House where Hector has dined for the last two days is branded as Bangladeshi, to find a true Pakistani Restaurant, hold me back.
As I walked up the hill that is Lipanska yesterday, I stopped to study the Menu and ensure a Sunday Lunchtime opening. Spotting Qeema Mattar the mind was made up.
12.20 was the arrival time which is remarkable as I had checked out at 11.45 and alighted from the wonderful Tram 9 at the Central Station to dump my bag and fleece before continuing to Lipanska, some three stops further out.. Abandon The Fleece? People were wearing Shorts in Praha today, a far cry from Frozen Polska two weeks ago.
The young boy to whom I spoke yesterday was in situ, however, Mein Host was quick to greet me as I took the steps down off the street. I was invited to sit at the table of my choice. With no windows, I could not be Dressing.
The Menu was brought, I found the composition to be strange. Only one other Lamb Dish was described apart from the Keema Variants. The various Curry Styles were listed on the next page so one may assume that whatever one asks for is available. The advertised Lamb was Boneless.
I thought about asking for Keema Mutter Aloo, but didn’t feel controversial this Sunday Lunchtime. Qeema Mattar (295Kc) it was, with a Chapatti (50Kc). The Sparkling Water was 45Kc. As he recorded the order I pointed to the ceiling. The Musik had been turned up, people do this when I arrive at any venue – Nusrat – I said. He confirmed.
The tables were well spaced with barriers separating the tables for two down the middle of the room. The décor was tasteful, the four Fish Tanks added to the relaxed atmosphere. It was whilst I waited for the Curry that an incoming message came from Richard, attached was a graphic. How topical! Thanks, this has caused a few laughs far and wide.
Mein Host brought a Basket and a Karahi and placed them both on the Hot Plate. The Chapatti was covered, removing the cloth, well, what was this? The Chapatti had certainly not been made from conventional Chapatti Flour. It was a Wholemeal Roti by my judgement. Lacking, Fluffiness, Moisture, it did not complement the Keema. Note, I had been offered Rice.
The Keema Mutter also brought a smile to the face. I ask for – Dry -, I write about – Dry -, this was DRY! There was no Masala, none. No Oil would collect at the base of the Karahi either. This is officially the Driest Curry The Hector has ever been served. It was Mince and Peas, no more. One might dream of finding Methi, but not in Czechia, yet. Moderately Spiced, and not – Hot – as the Menu claimed, this was going to be a challenge. It was the Volume. With no Masala or Vegetable Ballast, this was a Karahi full of Mince with Peas mixed in, an enormous amount of Curry – writes the man who orders half kilos…
Hector ate on, and on. Two more Diners joined the fray. Eventually I signalled The End. Mein Host came to remove the Debris.
I remarked on the Dryness of the Dish and how it differs from the Shorba that passes as Mainstream Curry. Mein Host insisted that this is how he eats his Qeema. When preparing for one, it has to be this way. If preparing for a large group then he would have a Masala to start the cooking then no doubt reduce it. I told him about the Keema that was served in the Jaipur in Köln. That holds the record for the wettest Keema ever served. Maisla had served authentic Keema.
The Bill
385Kc. (£10.15)
The Aftermath
Mein Host recommended a Chicken Dish and his Rogan Josh. I would certainly come back here, so perhaps one day.
I did return to Lipanska two hours later. I had planned to map my day whilst waiting for the Curry, however, such was the impact of a certain graphic, I never had a moment.
This was the last Praha Curry of the trip. A far cry from the disaster of Paris, there is Decent Curry in the Czech Republic.