‘Tis the last day of Hector’s first ever August Bank Holiday Weekend. In the past week, Curry has been consumed across several English Counties, today it would be Surrey. Newdigate may well be a village, the Surrey Oaks and the Raj Ali (Parkgate Rd, Newdigate, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5DZ) create a Hamlet well outside the village. Far be it for a Retired Geographer to use the term – middle of nowhere – however as Lady Maggie drove Lord Clive of Crawley and Hector into the Crawley Hinterland, this did pass through the mind. Hector was Best Man at a wedding out this way once upon a time.
The last day of a Real Ale Festival notoriously has limited availability, we were at the Surrey Oaks long enough to verify that the Ali Raj would in fact open today, and to peruse the on-line menu. My Fellow-diners have been to the Ali Raj only once, well one would hardly just be passing by. Crawley does set a very high standard in the World of Curry, to come this far out of town would have to be worth it.
Would you like Poppadoms?
Are you selling or giving?
Maggie informed me that this does not work down here. Hector declined to participate, three Poppadoms and Dips were ordered, two for Clive. £4.20 had just been added to The Bill, for what? Then I realised that I had just acquired a debt of £1.40 given that The Bill would be split three ways, for what?
I had previously been amused by the Menu’s description of the Bhuna Dishes – These medium hot dishes are cooked with tomatoes and onions, in comparison to the description of the Rogan Dishes – These medium hot dishes are cooked with tomatoes and onions. I could have asked the difference but was drawn to two other parts of The Menu – Ada Gosht – Aromatic Lamb cooked with yoghurt, ginger and coriander flavoured with herbs and spices, plus the statement – Our chef will be delighted to prepare any Indian dish that is not on the menu, if specially requested.
The latter would be the Fall-back, perhaps a Karahi with Tender Lamb, and no Capsicum, for a change. I never reached this, the Waiter assured me that the Masala in the Ada Gost was not to excess – Thick sauce with lemon, – so let’s see what comes. With Herbs and Spices it could not be a million miles from The Hector Curry. A Mushroom Rice would accompany.
Pour les Autres
Maggie went for Surf and Turf – Chicken Sundorbon – Chicken and prawns, sweet and sour flavour. Not content with this, Saag Aloo was ordered as a Side, plus Lemon Rice.
Clive did not have Dhansak! Lamb Tikka Naga – cooked with naga chilli, green peppers, and garlic, served in a thick sauce. A Keema Paratha and Pilau Rice would accompany this.
They’ll never eat all that.
Despite having arrived soon after opening time, there was already a substantial number of customers present. A large group sat in the rear – Kiddies Corner. The place was filling up. Having ordered no Starters I expected our Mains to arrive shortly after another table had their Starters, not the case. Time passed, The Full Robin, the Goldfish soothed. The Curry arrived.
Maggie enjoyed her Combination Curry, the lumps of Lemon Rind was her only concern. 
Should have been grated – was her suggestion. Where was the Saag Aloo? This only appeared when The Waiter was reminded. A bit greasy on the side – was Maggie’s observation.
I was permitted a sample. The Saag Aloo was well-seasoned but needed more than just a simple Spinach infusion. Cumin Seeds and/or Dry Methi would have really made this hit the spot.
Absolutely hard to fault – said Clive of his Lamb Tikka Naga, – the lamb could be more tender. But you ordered Tikka Lamb, Dear Chap, it’s hard to get the best of both Worlds. Once again, Clive was given a Paratha which was totally stuffed, however the Keema was Donner-like, not the individual grains as is preferred.
Quel Surpris!
Every so often one encounters a Curry that makes one sit up and take note. The Ada Gosht was such. Gently Spiced, the Masala was suitably Thick and Well-seasoned, and bursting with Flavour. About a Dozen pieces of Lamb were in the large bowl. The Meat was Tender, not too Soft, some chewing still required. That’s the way I like it…
Every Grain of Rice was consumed, for once a Perfect-sized Portion. One Green Cardamom was left on the plate by the time I had finished. The Flavour was a Standout, Aromatic, reminiscent of the Rogan Josh served in the Akash (Helensburgh) back in the Halcyon 1980s.
This is Wonderful! Was my reaction to The Waiter’s courtesy question.
The Bill
£56.90. Two Bottles of Water were included.
The Aftermath
What was obviously Mein Host arrived halfway through our visit. Rather than give the Calling Card to The Waiter, I caught the eye of Mr. Ali, Mein Host. The Curry-Heute Website could not be shown due to a weak signal compounded by ongoing Vodafone-Samsung Issues.
Maggie waxed lyrically about the breadth of coverage on the Curry-Heute Website, Yvonne wouldn’t have done that. Clive had to ask about deciding to take on a business in such a remote location. Ali Raj has been in operation for some twenty years, it could not have survived if it was not selling Quality Curry. Mr. Ali has two other Curry Houses in Kent. He told us of the tentative installation of fixtures and fittings until the business took off. They do quite a bit of Takeaway Trade but no Deliveries. Given the rural setting, they could not possibly find the addresses, particularly in the dark months. H
e reminisced about the days of Bradford Curry when he used to eat Curry, Chapattis included, for £3.00. I had to congratulate Mr. Ali on the quality of Curry served here and promised that we will be back. The extent of the Bradford Connection was not fully established, here lies The Motherload.
We’ll be back if Maggie offers to drive us again.
The nights are fair drawing in..