Seven took part in what was Hector’s second visit to The Bermondsey Mile, only four reached the Borough Market, thereafter it was time for Curry-Heute. Where to go?
The City Tandoori (1B Southwark St, Southwark, London SE1 1RQ) had been passed en route. Some research on another Media Source proved to be quite shocking. Either the City Tandoori is truly awful, there has been a run of awkward customers, or someone is out to get them. Hector had to investigate. Lord Clive of Crawley, Dr. Stan and Dr. John would accompany.
Entering mid-evening the Fellow Diners all appeared to be Solo, though an elderly couple did arrive shortly afterwards. The ground level room was a modest size, one would later discover a much larger seating area downstairs with a separate Bar area. This was a Mainstream Curry House, one should therefore know what level of Curry to expect. London Portions became Legendary due to their Minimalism when Hector used to frequent this City back in the 1980s. The lack of London Curry-Heute Blog entries shows how rare these visits have become.
Would you like Poppadoms?
Are you giving or selling?
This took the Waiter aback. Why do people not ask this simple question?
Selling – was the answer, but he then asked how many we required. Four is enough. No need to look the Gift Horse…
The Poppadoms were a bit stale. The Stand of Dips did not include Spiced Onion, so Sliced Onion and Mango became the attraction.
Meat Balti (£10.75) v Methi Gosht (£8.75)
The Waiter had to be consulted to explain the exact difference, both Balti and Methi Gosht had Methi, the Balti had Coriander too. More Methi – was the simple advice. Methi Gosht then for Hector. Why the price difference? Dr. Stan, contrary as ever, chose the Meat Balti. The Balti came with a Naan, ah, this explains… Hector ordered two Chapattis (£1.20) Confused?
Dr. John, making his first appearance in Curry-Heute, chose a Lamb Pasanda with a Garlic Naan.
There was Dhansak on The Menu, Lord Clive was present, there’s no hope. Meat Dhansak and a Keema Naan.
No complaints, excellent! – was Clive’s verdict on his Dhansak, and he has had a few. The Keema Naan did provide amusement. The first quarter was held up as the finest example of Mince Stuffing ever seen in a Bread. Piece number two was virtually empty, as was three. The final quarter was as well stuffed as the first. We concluded that the filling had slid somewhat in the Tandoor.
Of the Lamb Pasanda, Dr. John related – The meat was variable, other than that some was stunning, tender and tasted as if they they had been in the Masala.
Dr. Stan and Hector had ordered The Norm
Carmelised Onions covered three of the four dishes, Dhansak excepted. The Methi Gosht had a Decent Thick Onion and Tomato Based Masala with Tomato Pulp still visible, this is how The Hector likes his Curry. The Masala was not excessive, and had an OK Spice level, more Seasoning would have enhanced the Overall Flavour. The Pieces of Meat were in double figures, this was far from The London Portions served in years gone by. Hector agrees with John about the variability in Tenderness.
Meanwhile, across the table, Dr. Stan was – Mmmm-ing away, his customary method of communicating pleasure. Tasty enough – was his effusive verdict. A visual comparison reveals that Hector chose the Curry with less Masala.
The Overall Curry Experience was not one of Perfection, however, given the base price of the Curry Dishes and the Decent Portions, there was little to fault here at all.
The Bill
£51.65. This confirmed the Poppadoms were Complimentary. Four Diners, well-fed, with Copious Curry for less than £13.00, in London! Why is Aberdeen so expensive?
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed across, no time to chat, the City Tandoori was starting to fill up. And why not?