Hector and Marg continue the journey south. As with each city visited to date in New Zealand, we meet a friendly face. This time it’s Brine, another former colleague who is familiar with Curry-Heute from her time in Helensburgh.
It was Brine who chose this evening’s venue – Mumbaiwala Christchurch (BNZ Centre 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand). Mumbaiwala also have a branch in Auckland, however that is not where the Hector went. Des Traditions (Mount Roskill, Auckland) serves – Desi Cuisine –
Mumbaiwala had all the makings of – Mainstream.
Having studied the menu in advance, there was one Curry which could make Hector’s visit worthwhile – Lamb Kolhapuri (NZ$34.00). A South Indian Curry has yet to be experienced in New Zealand.
The rendezvous was 18.30. Being round the corner from our hotel at Cathedral Junction, Marg and Hector were ultra punctual. If there was a booking, we were unsure as to the name. We know Brine’s family name, but no more. Catching up was the point of the evening. And I thought it was Bier and Curry.
Spontaneous hugs, and an introduction to Nick, down to business. Having bagged the – Chefs Dish – Marg was left with either Goan Fish (NZ$33.00) or Sali Boti (NZ$33.00). Sali Boti was something new to both of us, mind made up.
Neither Brine or Nick claim to be regular Curry eaters, but had been to Mumbaiwala previously, and enjoyed it. Just as well. Brine chose Murgh Makhani (NZ$32.00) whilst Nick went for Lamb Saagwala (NZ$34.00).
All mains come with Rice. Each couple would share a Bread: Naan (NZ$4.00) for us, Garlic Naan (NZ$5.00) for them.
Maintaining tradition, Marg and Hector would share a 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (NZ$12.00) whilst Nick had Three Boys Lager (NZ$11.00), a local brewery he recommends. Tap water for Brine who was the designated driver, then also confirmed the other reason why she wasn’t having alcohol.
Brine and Marg talked – New Zealanders – known to Brine, who either preceded her or followed. Julia’s name rated a mention, and why not? Julia keeps cropping up presently in Bier-Traveller, it’s about time she rated a mention in Curry-Heute.
Nick, who had no doubt been briefed by Brine, was curious as to why I was not having Bier. Rarely with Curry – at least we established how the rest of the night would play our. E Festa!
The bar and open kitchen area aside, the surroundings were rugged, informal.
The bare walls and tables were in keeping with the – Street-food – theme Mumbaiwala presents. At least Hector had avoided – Tapas. The Scottish Curry Awards – 2024, are they serious?
Here we had Craft Beer, how many Scottish Curry Houses can boast that?
Chefs Special – said the waitress who brought the food.
Oh, that’s me.
Perhaps Hector was put off by the lack of apostrophe. The food was quickly assembled. The four individual Rice portions seemed a bit comical. The quantity was well judged, no waste this evening.
The Naan looked feeble, four pathetic bits. The heart sank, but closer examination revealed burnt blisters. All was not lost, not the worst Naan on this trip.
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Lamb Kolhapuri
The dark brown Masala was not as expected. Glasgow’s Banana Leaf is where this Curry has been had most often. Banana Leaf‘s is distinctly yellow, thin, and Coconut rich. Tonight’s Masala was significantly different, and without the sickly yellow. Looking better already.
Decanting the Meat, I easily reached double figures, the hoped for – Smoky aroma – hit the senses. No whole, Dry Red Chilli, but the receptors were ready for a South Indian blast of Flavour.
A good Spice Level, the Seasoning was a la Hector. The New Zealand Lamb was superbly Tender, not one piece was approaching pulp, yet all were super-soft.
The – brown – meant that the anticipated overdose of Creamy Coconut was not present. Tomato, Coconut and Red Chillies were listed in the ingredients. Chef got the balance spot on.
The Meatiness, Smokiness, Seasoning, Spice Level, all boxes ticked. I then realised – I had just described the perfect Curry.
Sali Boti
Golden Potato Shreds topped the Curry. Aloo Gosht then. The slightly lighter, in colour, Masala looked a bit Soupy compared to the Kolhapuri. Again, a decent-sized portion. They don’t skimp on Lamb in New Zealand. There could be a reason.
Marg was enjoying her choice. When some of the Masala crossed the table, I had to admit that such was the potency of the Kolhapuri I wasn’t going to get much more from this Masala.
A good level of spice in the sauce, and many pieces of tender lamb, although my first piece was gristly. A perfect quantity of rice soaked up the fairly thin sauce. I enjoyed the very thin Naan Bread. A lovely dish.
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Lamb Saagwala
That looks hideous.
A Creamy Palak has never been part of Hector’s go-to choices. In Continental Europe, it’s commonplace. The photo of the Saagwala with Nick, however, clearly shows a brown Masala, such that the Spinach was not dominating. All was not lost. A Masala with Spinach as opposed to the Green Mush again ticks the Curry-Heute box.
Nick made no secret of his love of Lamb, a farmer’s boy, this was the staple diet of his upbringing. We all needed to know that. Three out of four of 
us ordering Lamb Curry might send a message to the management. I note that in their Auckland branch, the Lamb choices are further limited. New Zealand Lamb, I only get to write this with confidence for a few more days. Nick’s verdict:
I quite like it, I like thick sauce. It looked an earthy colour. Quite rich, 100% have it again, one of the best I’ve had.
Murgh Makhani
It’s brave calling a Butter Chicken, thus. Makhani is so much more. Offer Hector a Daal Makhani as a Side anytime.
The decidedly Soupy Masala had a swirl of Cream, some restraint then compared to the Palak Gosht. The still brown Masala, again impressed. Not one – Yellow Masala – this evening when two would have been served in the UK. One of us had to have Chicken, at least it was – the lady.
It had more oomph than a normal Butter Chicken – said Brine – that was more authentic.
Having only ever seen a Yellow Butter Chicken, I cannot vouch for the efficacy of the final statement. But this was easily better.
Mumbaiwala, better than Mainstream, by far.
The Bill
NZ$177.48 (£84.24) The menu makes it clear that Mumbaiwala do not want people paying what they ordered separately. We split The Bill in two.
Nick also made me aware of something I hadn’t yet realised in New Zealand,: one has to go up to the counter to pay, no Bill is ever brought to the table.
The Aftermath
We had been ably served throughout our meal by Aman and Kripy. The Calling Card was presented at the counter after payment. Curry-Heute was outlined. I assured them once this review is posted, it will appear in people’s searches for – Curry in Christchurch.
I showed my notes – I had just described the perfect Curry. QED.
Waris Pardesi R.I.P.
News reached me this evening, NZ time, that Waris, the legendary Chef on Glasgow’s Southside had passed, suddenly. He got to know a fair number of our Company of Friends. He had a following. The day Waris fed us at his partner’s home is recorded – here. An amazing day.
Waris will be missed.
One day, I hope his children will recognise Hector and introduce themselves.
2024 – Menu
N
How could Hector therefore find a Curry House in Motueka and not visit? Simply Indian (130 High Street, Motueka 7120 New Zealand) as the address confirms, lies in the heart of the town, on the main street. One cannot miss it. 
Had Simply Indian opened at lunchtime, Marg and Hector would have given a better account of themselves. We had a big lunch some hours before heading up to Kaiteriteri. This was us on the return journey to Nelson. 
We entered Simply Indian at 17.15, three people were waiting on Takeaway at the counter. Having stood for a minute or two, Sabin, Mein Host, invited us to choose any table. It appears that in New Zealand, the principal staff on duty have to have their names clearly posted for all to read. 
A young waitress brought the menus and a giraffe of chilled tap water. We would order our customary Sparkling Water (NZ£11.90). A suitably large bottle. 
The waitress plonked a basket with two Poppadoms on the table. Not only did they have the much sought after Cumin Seeds, the Seasoning here was at a level never encountered before in a Poppadom. Despite having no accompanying Dip, Hector wolfed one down.
This was a veritable plateful and no way could Hector assist. A portion for sharing, I doubt if many could manage a main course after eating this by oneself. The accompanying Tamarind was put to good use. The flat Potato Pakora looked like – fritters. Impossible to say if double frying had been employed, the Beet looked the closest to this having been done. 
A full plate of crispy sliced potatoes, cauliflower and beet. The Tamarind gave a sweet tasting sauce to all the vegetables.
The Rice was also way more than a Hector could manage. I took what I thought I might eat.
A thick Masala shrouded a karahi full of Meat. This was a Bhuna. Too often in recent times, Hector has been served a – Soupy Bhuna. I counted fourteen pieces as I arranged the Lamb on top of the Rice. Many were large, great value. 
Indian Hot – there was no doubting this. Marg took a sample of the Masala, too much for her. The level of Seasoning was way below the Hector idyll. The Poppadom had set a level, a pity this had not been replicated in the Curry.
The Minimal Masala was potent, a big – kick – indeed. With no Whole Spice, there was nothing more to reveal. The powerful Flavour was somewhat one-dimensional. How one wishes a Cumin Seed say, had launched a blast of new Flavour. I’m missing my Cloves also. 
The photo was followed by me informing Sabin that Curry-Heute will probably only manage to cover six Curry Houses in New Zealand. Hector had picked out Simply Indian long before we started this mega-trip. Hopefully, fame shall follow. 
Nelson, New Zealand, not on everyone’s – Bucket List – but if you know your hops, then it becomes a pilgrimage. Marg and Hector are being hosted by Julia’s mum. 
Indian Cafe, the name was right up Hector’s street. Of wooden construction, the building resembles a pavilion, as further suggested by the outdoor seating area, but there is a more robust interior. 
Do you have a reservation? – asked one of the Indian female staff.
During the wait, which was comparatively brief, Marg and Hector swapped the day’s photos. The flight here was also short, more on this on 
The sprinkling of Coconut, as a Topping, is becoming a common feature of Curry across Europe, less so in the UK. There was not enough to distort the overall Flavour of the Curry. Did the Coconut add to it?
The Masala was of the standard blended fayre. There was no sign of a Herb infusion, the occasional piece of Onion revealed itself. At this point I have to remind myself and the reader that The Indian Cafe is a Mainstream Curry House, the review has to reflect the setting: no kilos of Karahi Gosht on offer here. The Hector is having good old fashioned – Curry. 
The Coriander garnish set this apart from the Coconut above. If the Madras handi was filled to the top, this one was almost overflowing. A Soupçon came Hector’s way. There is a simple test in Curry-Heute for any Fish Curry: 
Tilapia – is my best guess for the species of Fish. The waitress never returned, so there was no opperchancity to engage. A pity. 
Marg commented, more than once, on the sheer quantity of Fish in the handi. Again, value confirmed. Marg’s verdict:
Three nights in Wellington, one Curry opperchancity, it had to be a good one. Avoiding 
Taking refuge from the heavy rain in a cafe, we then passed the afternoon at the excellent – Te Papa – museum. It was 18.30 when we returned to Indian Alley. Mein Host – Anil Kumar – invited us to choose any of the smaller tables. A table in front of the bar was a strategic locus. 
Water would be brought to the table, Mein Host asked if we preferred – Still – or – Sparkling. The latter (NZ$7.00) was the welcome choice. Still – would have been the same price, clever. 
No Capsicum.
We settled down for the wait. Marg counted sixteen fellow diners. The décor was informal, interesting Muriels (sic). 
A chap passed approached me from behind:
Songs will be sung about this.
The Vegetable Pilau had enough Interesting Vegetables: Peas, Carrots, Green Beans and unusual long White Beans. The extra Rice made sharing the Pilau un-stressful. 
Yes it’s –
The Masala was visibly different, a standard – brown – but blended all the same. Marg was able to identify individual Spices as she ate. The Laal Maas was all about heat, so maybe hers was the better choice. A Soupçon crossed the table.
Curry-Heute, the fourteenth anniversary. My thanks to all those who continue to read this Blog, and especially to Neil who does the proof-reading. As I write Neil has figuratively reached 
Today sees Hector’s first ever Curry in 
Marg and Hector are guests of Alison (& Steve) whilst in
We waited to be served, why our water was so quick to bring the menus but slow to take the Order did puzzle. With my back to the counter I was unaware of the – Order here – sign until Alison pointed it out. We approached the counter, Alison to verify her dietary requirements could be met, the Hector to ensure a kosher Karahi Gosht. Alison was happy, Hector showed photos of 
The chap, later identified as Awais, came over to the table having been to the kitchen. He was here to ensure that Alison would not be having any of the Bread. Just the five Naan (NZ$2.95) were included with the Karahi Platter. He then brought warm plates with a Modest Salad atop.
In good time, Awais assembled the food on the table. The Naan was last to arrive. Five, halved, lightly coloured, risen fluffy, puffy, these were close to the lovely Bread served in the 
Two days ago, Alison served us her own Lamb fried in Moroccan – Ras El Hanout – then dipped in – Dukkah. Dukkah, a blend of Nuts and Spice was a revelation, and will be the first thing sourced on my return to Blighty. If this Lamb Kebap tasted anything like as good, she was on to a winner. 
Bigger pieces of Lamb than are served at home, and in keeping with what Alison had served, the portion was substantial. The Salad looked nothing special and the Rice was not excessive. Whether the accompanying Dips were both dairy-free and gluten-free was never established. Alison trod carefully and there was no reaction afterwards. She cleared her plate.
The Rice Salad and Dips were as the Lamb Kebap. Here, however, was a totally different style of Lamb. This could have been slow baked, boiled even. There was a lot of Meat and on-the-bone. Hopefully the sprinkling of Coriander was not the first introduction of a Herb. 
Charlie took care of what lay before him.
Given the price and the description, this had to be the full kilo and served on-the-bone as Karahi Gosht should be. The Toppings of Ginger Strips, Coriander and slices of three different Chillies made the Hector feel at home. The Masala was clearly Tomato-based, this was the definitive Karahi, its efficacy not in doubt. 
This portion may well have been intended for three. If one eats – Asian style – i.e. Bread with Karahi, then it would have been so. It was clear that Marg and Hector would finish the Karahi. Being magnanimous, Charlie was invited to join in towards the end game. Having got – the taste – he took some of the remaining Naan and wiped the sides of the karahi clean. 
I went up to pay. I had to ring the bell to attract attention. 
If there is to be only one 
North India Flavour – Street Food (537 George St., Sydney NSW 2000 Australia)
We returned this evening at 19.30 on one of the wettest days ever experienced. 
Rice and Three (A$14.98), again very 
As – Dry – as a Curry can be, some of the Cauliflower had turned to Mash and was making the Masala even thicker. 
There was a – Wow – moment when the Seasoning hit. Three portions of this would not have gone amiss. Well Spiced, Seasoned and the Potatoes had absorbed the Flavour from the Masala, this was as good as Aloo Gobi gets. Marg has more to say:
The Masala was standard – Curry, brown, thin and well Seasoned. Unlike recent Masalas, there was no sense of this having come out of a packet. I was even more impressed when a piece of Cinnamon Bark revealed itself. Unsurprisingly, of the two Meat choices, this was the lesser.
This animal is featuring often in this trip, and each time, served on-the-bone. Curry Leaves and Star Anise were in the mix, quality. The Masala was otherwise the same as the Rogan Josh in appearance but this was packing way more Flavour.
For the first time in a while, every morsel presented was eaten. Marg did put her tuppence worth in at the point of serving – not too much Rice.
The Masala Tea: I feel it’s good for your digestion, sweet and warm.
It was only after booking the accommodation adjacent to Darling Harbour in 
We entered an empty Lal Qila at 13.45, one hour before the reported end of shift. Mein Host greeted and informed us that today, at lunchtime, it was Buffet. 
Having studied the menu, I believed Lal Qila had so much more to offer, this did not deter, I announced we would be back this evening – for real Curry. 
Naan has proved to be an issue in 
Day 2 in 
Lamb Karahi (A$30.90) served on-the-bone, a Signature Dish, I still had to verify there was nothing undesirable in there. On showing Mein Host 
Marg found her favourite, tonight it was called – Mudhi Keema (A£26.90). The Tondoori Roti (A£4.50) was actually spelled correctly in the blurb. Hector asked for the Plain Naan (A£4.50) to be served – whole. Butter was declined. 
Drinks were mentioned, the bottle of tap-water brought to the table with four Poppadoms and a Raita should be sufficient. Pappadums (A$5.90) were listed in the Starters section. One assumed that having brought them, these Poppadoms were complimentary. 
We settled down for the wait, sorting photos from this afternoon. A group of young ladies were given a table in the raised seating area well into the interior. In the near empty restaurant, securing photos of the layout was not an issue. 
Whilst Hector was touring the venue, Marg was devouring the Poppadoms. I asked her to leave me one half of the four. Crispy, toasted, I stopped being excited by Poppadoms ages ago, Marg likes them:
A waitress brought the food, what a lot for the Aussie Dollar. The Breads were both served – whole – as asked. The Naan lived up to its promise, risen, puffy, blisters and a sensible size. Delightfully soft, the only – more – I could have asked for was – the Tandoori teardrop – not – round. 
This smells like 
With the Oil separating towards the base of the karahi, I stirred up the Mash, here we go again. The bone count was significant, which was just as well. There comes the point when the realisation hits, no way was Hector going to finish this. Surely the Buffet penalty does not apply here?
After 
The Keema was full of crunchy small pieces of vegetables mixed with mince. A good hint of ginger and coriander was very satisfying and the meat went well with the hot Tandoori Roti. I ordered a second. 
We both hate wasting food, a Doggy Bag was not an option, no means of reheating. 
Marg had already informed Mein Host earlier in the day that there was a Curry Blog. The Calling Card was duly presented and the – 
There was an early rise, today we got to see some of what makes 
Goat Curry has been appearing regularly of late, here it was again, and on-the-bone. Lamb Rogan Josh would have had me repeat 
Meanwhile Marg was happy to have her Indian snack: Samosa Chat (A$13.00). A bottle of still water and can of fizzy orange completed the Order. 
The lady spooned more Rice than a Hector would manage on to a paper plate, then added some very runny Goat Curry and the thicker Bagan Da Bharat. She then handed me something warm wrapped in foil, the Butter Naan. Marg fetched me a wooden spoon. Wood again. Beverley has supplied me with plastic utensils, but stupidly, these were left at the hotel. Wood no more. Bring back single use plastic, stop cutting down forests. 
I unwrapped the Butter Naan. Beverley had stated earlier today that Australian Curry Houses do not serve proper Naan. This was so thin it resembled a wrap. What’s-more, 
The Aubergine in the Baingan Bharta had been cooked-in and was therefore part of the melange of Vegetables. Peas were obvious, was that pieces of Potato that I found sporadically? The dark, rich Mash of Vegetables was well-Seasoned, and despite being defined as – mild-medium – packed a decent – kick. Here was a satisfying, full on, Earthy Curry. This was excellent, and the Hector was well pleased with himself for choosing the Veggie option.
The Shorva gave the impression that it was made from – mixed Spice – the packet stuff. I have no way of verifying this, but when I see such a watery Masala I deduce it is totally lacking in Onion and I have to wonder what the base of the sauce is. 
The Meat was on-the-bone, always a plus. How much Meat was there? Nowhere near enough! This portion was either miserly or a con, the bone count does not disguise the lack of Meat. One piece was chewy, two more suitably Tender. That was it. If this was – large – I’d hate to see – small. 
The Samosas on display did look past their best, not the most inviting of pastry. The Dish that was presented was nothing like the photo on display. Where was the mound of food? Why was this so – wet? It’s about time food outlets were brought to account for this. Neither of us could identify what was sprinkled on top.
The Samosa was overdone. I liked the chickpea and found the sauce to be tangy and Curry-flavoured. 
That’s not even cooked!
Punjabi Palace (135 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101 Australia), an – Authentic Indian Restaurant – unlike back home in 
Day 3 in Brisbane and the rain has finally stopped. The downpour which greeted us on our arrival was worse than being in Glasgow. Frontal rain passes, Tropical rain kinda lingers. 
Having had a substantial lunch, care would be taken not to over order. Definitely no Starters. The menu was standard, mostly the same Dishes as one finds in any British Indian Restaurant, but no Karahi. One Curry stood out: Goat Curry (A$24.95), Meat on-the-bone, it had to be. Beneath this on the menu was Mutton Keema Curry (A$24.95) with a choice of – Lamb, Goat or Beef. Marg could not resist her usual Keema, Lamb – seemed logical. 
Marg mentioned Roti (S$4.95). The Hector was keen to see their Naan (A$4.95) which, at the same price, was surely better value? 
A jug of chilled Tap Water had already been brought to the table, Hector would have his Sparkling Water (S$4.20). 
has to be careful. And where was – Umami? Cinnamon, for example, is a Spice which has a recognisable – Flavour – but is not necessarily a – Taste – as such. 
The food arrived after a respectable wait. We each took enough Rice, some would remain. Yellow Basmati with Cumin and micro pieces of Onion, enough Diversity, hopefully. 
A dozen or so, quite large pieces of Meat sat in a viscous Masala. A Herb, Coriander presumably, had been mixed through the light brown Masala. Appearance wise, there was a hint of Yoghurt. 
Once arranged on top of the Rice, I added a bit more Masala and as ever, retained some for later. The first dip of Bread in the Masala revealed – Seasoning! Salt – to confirm one of the defined – tastes. The Hector was impressed already. 
Initially I felt no Spice sensation, after a few minutes this grew. Medium – is all that was attained, enough to know this was – Curry. The food could have been much warmer.
This was an enjoyable but decidedly – Mainstream Curry – experience. In a restaurant, one can hope for more, but the Curry Cafe is where the Hector is more at home. 
This was a remarkably – wet – Keema. Minimal, if any Masala, defines this Dish. The consistency of the Masala proved to be contentious. On decanting, Marg produced big pieces of Boneless Lamb. What was happening? 
With more Meat on her plate than she could handle, a piece of Lamb crossed the table. This was superb, super-soft Meat, and here there was the pronounced sense of the Meat giving back. Marg’s verdict at the end of the meal:
Very tender pieces of lamb in a thick sauce, but no hint of minced lamb as expected. Plenty flavour, and a filling dish with the rice. The Naan was flat, not puffy, it was OK. I’m full.
Hector blogging about a Punjabi Curry Cafe, nothing unusual there, however, this is the first ever review from Australia. Hector posting a – selfie? The last act of a desperate man, or the first act of Henry V? 
Hector is dining alone, Marg has gone to an event at a Brisbane primary school involving seasonal bonnets, not Scotch Bonnets, else the Hector may have shown some interest. Having seen Marg off at Brisbane Central Station, who knows where she’ll end up, Punjabi Rasoi (401 Edward St, Spring Hill QLD 4000 Australia) just happened to be up the hill from there. This is the type of venue I failed to discover in 
Arriving at 13.50, they close for the afternoon at 14.30, a chap came out to take my order once I had studied the kettles. Goat Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh with Rice, plus the inclusive drink.
I was handed a buzzer and invited to take a seat, time to get my bearings. A Curry Cafe, but with a banqueting hall to the rear, so much more then.
Four large pieces of Goat Meat served on-the-bone sat in a standard Masala. Less Meat than on the other side of the plate, I wonder why.
Nine pieces of Meat, and with lots of Rice still to go the realisation that the plate would not be cleared. I could not put the fork in my mouth to clear the abundant Rice. 
The Aftermath