Passage to India (45 Magdalen St., Norwich NR3 1LQ) was Hector’s intended venue for this evening. Having passed by twice on Monday, this looked to be – the right sort of place – despite the formality of The Tablecloths. Somehow an Intervening Opperchancity took Howard, Tracey and Hector a few more metres away from the Kings Head, past Nazma and towards the much rated Ali Tandoori (9-11 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1LE). With three Curry Houses along a hundred metre stretch, there is choice. One has to choose.
Would you like Poppadoms?
Are you giving or selling?
The Waiter evidently had never been asked this before. Had the outcome been favourable, a contract would have been created, instead…
We got as far as the bottles of Still Water and Sparkling Water being brought t’table. Have we broken the seals? Hector asked Howard. By this time, we – The Three – had struggled to find anything that a Discerning Curry Fan would become excited about. Dear Reader, we are from Glasgow, the home of Punjabi Cuisine, Bangladeshi Curry simply does not cut the muster. We walked, again…
The Menu in Passage to India also stated – Bangladeshi – on the cover, however, inside there were dishes that were described as Punjabi. There was hope, expectation even.
Would you like Poppadoms?
Are you giving or selling? No Poppadoms.
Howard was in two minds – Fish Bhuna or Lamb Punjab, the latter became the choice. Tracey was drawn to Rajestani Laal Maas – Lamb cooked in a rich spicy sauce. Achari Dumba caught Hector’s eye, but having tasted no Pickle last night at the still impressive Spice Lounge, it was decided – to go for it…
Lamb, Tender Lamb, Spicy, Thick-Minimal Masala, Methi and no Capsicum. (I missed Seasoning.) The Waiter was more than happy with this. I asked if this resembled anything on The Menu, apparently not.
Vegetable Rice, a Naan and Keema Rice would accompany.
Having been to use the facilities, two separate Ladies and a strong odor of Mothballs, I had spotted the Curry served to the remaining customers, hence the decision to order a Bespoke Curry. Soup must be avoided at all times, standards have to be maintained. The venue was a Tardis, much bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside. What conceivably doubles as a private room was through the back, but this was the way to the facilities, so maybe not. I liked the décor, tigers too.
The Waiter wheeled The Curry towards us. Look at those Dark Red Chillies. Tracey has issues with Red Curry, and prefers that Tomatoes should be way less than most Chefs would dream of utilising in the preparation of a Masala. It was no surprise that this was her focus. Beautifully tender lamb. The sauce was a bit too tomatoey for my taste. Overly acidic through the tomatoes.
The much missed Laal Lahori, as served in the old days of The Village (Glasgow) was a Tomato-rich, and most enjoyable Curry.
Howard was doing a Dr. Stan impression throughout his Lamb Punjab. The number of recorded – Mmmmms – was off the scale. Howard was clearly enjoying his meal very much. Unsurprisingly, he had something to say at the end. Tender lamb (in a) .. onion and tomato based sauce, with a late addition of lemon. The result was a huge lemon hit, and it tasted fresher than the lemon hit at The Village. The Village is more infused, the lemon here was more on top, but made for an excellent curry. Praise indeed.
The Hector Curry
The lack of Seasoning was Hector’s fault, I forgot to put this on my list of requirements. Maybe I should have this pre-printed? However, Hector has once again to congratulate a Norwich Waiter for noting and passing on to Chef how to make The Hector Curry. The Meat Quantity was impressive, the Masala was heavy with Chopped Onion. This Curry had Flavour, it’s amazing how many do not. Clove and Cardamom were discovered as the meal was devoured, always a source of the Aromatic. Soup had been avoided, this was as good as one could hope for, possibly.
The Bill
£37.15. Three contented diners, good value. Wednesday is Chocolate Day!
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left with the cash. The Waiter was advised that good things would be written about our visit. Once again, Hector has chosen a Decent Venue.