Hector has every intention of enjoying Greek Cuisine, but man cannot live by Mediterranean Fayre alone. Curry for Brunch, Evening Meals at hopefully Authentic Greek Restaurants, not Grill Houses which are sadly in the majority.
Last year at this time I made a return to the re-branded Dhaka Palace, now the Curry Palace. Time to try somewhere new.
Today the Green Garden was the objective, but was not found. Instead the Rajdhani Indian Restaurant and Norani Tikka Shop (Geraniou 16, Omonia, Athena, Hellas) benefited from Hector’s Curry Lust. Marg had a traditional breakfast at the excellent Hotel Plaka, she would watch.
Walking past the street level tables we could see the Curry Counter up a small flight of stairs where more tables were located. Mein Host was sitting, I asked of they were open, there was a positive reply. A Young Waiter was summoned, a simple Menu was already on the table.
Curry by Numbers
The Menu had photos of each dish on offer, the names also written in Greek and our own script. The International Language of Curry. Apvi Kpai and a Paratha, what more could a Hector desire? Total cost – €5.
The Waiter took the order and was not put out by Marg spectating. He brought a Bottle of Still Water immediately, I had checked the fridge on the way past, Sparkling Water was not available.
A Salad, fit to be compared with a Waris Salad was brought along with a Plate of Raita, a Chilli Dip on the edge. Marg would be hopefully distracted by this whilst I ate the Main Event, thoughtful. The Raita was also a stand-out, – Coriander – remarked Marg.
Marg could see the Chaps working away behind the counter, the Paratha was nearing the cooking stage. Moments later Hector was staring at a Perfect Paratha and a Plate of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone. Dark and inviting, the volume was ideal for this early in the day, and at €4.00 a steal. The Onion-based Masala had a Flavour I recall from the days of the Merchant Navy back in the 1960s (Father was a Master Mariner). What was it? Peppery yes, but the Kick was not excessive. The Tender Lamb separated from the bone with ease. 
This Lamb truly tasted of Lamb. The Fresh Ginger Strips atop the Curry provided the Crunch. A Good Find, a Good Curry. This was classic Desi Cooking.
Three quarters of a Paratha is my usual limit, Marg mopped up the remaining Raita with what remained. She too was impressed with her visit to Rajdhani.
As we reached the conclusion of our visit, more staff sat at the adjacent table for lunch. An ashtray appeared. Marg spotted a Policeman take a table at the door, he was breaking the law. Fortunately he was too far away to affect us, and the staff refrained for the duration of our visit.
I stood up to pay and followed the Waiter downstairs to the till.
The Bill
€7.50. You couldn’t make this up. A Good Curry, not outstanding, but well worth it.
The Aftermath
The Waiter gave me the Rajdhani Business Card and so I gave mine too. Suddenly he was able to speak some English. Permission was sought to take photos of the food on display. Curry-Heute can report a welcoming Curry House with decent Curry. The Potato Dish must be tried next time, and maybe the Fish.
The Remains of The Day
So where on Geraniou is the Green Garden? When walking south down Geraniou the street ends at a T-junction. We chose to continue along Menandrou and soon discovered Pak Taka Tak (Menandrou 13, Athena 105 53, Greece which another website says is closed. Not quite sure if it was a Kebab House or did sell Curry I looked through the window. A Chap came out and invited me in. The place was quite busy, a Chef was relocating the Tray that caught my interest, a Dark, Thick Curry – Mutton – he said. I’ll be back.
Completing the circuit back to Geraniou behold another Curry House – Taste of India. In we go. Mein Host gave me a tour of the dishes on offer. Keema Mutter. I’ll be back. This place is only recently opened, I was informed. This is quite a cluster of Desi Curry Houses behind the Fruitmarket.
The early afternoon was a recce for two more Restaurants, one possibly German-Greek (calm!) the other the Indian Chef (22 Athanasiou Diakou, Athens 11743, Greece). Another website has many positive statements about the Indian Chef, their Menu is quite basic, Desi has never visited these premises. Perhaps I shall.
Later on, wandering through Plaka-Psiri we found the Indian Tandoori Masala. It was closed. Actually, it looks as though it hasn’t opened yet given the fresh paint on the door handles. A Pleasant looking venue and one for the future.
The Curry Scene in Athens is quite dynamic. The down to earth Curry Cafes favoured by Hector are doing well. The more upmarket venues fit for a Marg I suppose have to be visited too.