There may be some who wonder if the next statement is true, regular readers will not be in doubt. Hector had to return to Greece/Hellas primarily to establish that the Mutton Karahi served last February at Pak Taka Tak (Menandrou 13, Athens, Greece) was their normal fayre and not some lucky fluke.
Arriving in Athena last night, Marg and Hector went straight to a favourite Traditional Restaurant adjacent to The Acropolis. A Restaurant which actually serves more than Grilled Food. Stifado was off (so was the Taramasalata) but the Veal served with Aubergine was identical in Flavour to Stifado, in fact the lack of Onion Overdose may have made this version better.
This is mentioned in case one wonders at the merits of reporting on Curry in Athens when Greek Cuisine can be just as Tasty. Somebody has to do it.
Pet Shop Rituals completed, we arrived at Pak Taka Tak just on Noon, a bit early for The Hector but if a Greek Meal is to be had this evening… Pet Shop? This is how to keep Marg amused. She can play with the Puppies, Hector knows she cannot buy one, no matter what. It had Blue Eyes…
I addressed The Chap behind the counter, he immediately summoned another Chap who produced a Menu written in English. Mutton Karahi (€4.00) was still there. A single Chapatti (€1.00) should be enough to accompany. Marg, wait for it, ordered a Samosa (€1.00). Guess what The Bill was.
We took our seats at the rear of the room. Seats, Barrels of some description. Pak Taka Tak is not salubrious in any way. This is a Curry Cafe serving Desi Cuisine, you can keep your tablecloths. The Non-smoking Policy is strictly enforced here, unlike many venues in this City.
The Chap who took the order was not seen again. A Younger Chap brought a tray with all The Goodies. Not content with this, he returned with another plate of Quartered Chapatti to add to what was already given. He insisted Marg take some, one piece more was enough, we had plenty of Bread.
The Mutton Karahi was identical to that served last year, The Curry-Heute Test has been passed.
The Masala was not the Thickest ever seen, but far from Shorva. Tomato was the dominant feature, Tomato Seeds had collected at the base of the Karahi. Was this an example of what Curryspondent Bill describes as a Masala without Onions?
Piping Hot, and looking somewhat Small in the vastness of the Karahi, there was time to count the Meat. Double figures had been achieved, thank goodness for the Bones. At this time of day I would have been staring defeat firmly in the face had there not been the Bone content.
The Chapatti was broken up and dipped. Again as Curryspondent Bill has stated- the simpler the better. I still have to marvel at how such an intensity of Flavour can be achieved. No Methi, no Cumin Seeds, the Spice and Seasoning were Significant. Gritty, Sharp, these are two adjectives which came to mind. With Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander, the concept was identical to Karahi served in the finest UK Desi Houses. The Fresh Green Chilli stared menacingly, best left alone, it may have done its job already.
Marg had a dip too, brave. Marg knows when Hector is in the zone. Ther
e was plenty Chapatti. Light, Fluffy, not the Flat Bread served in the UK, this was Middle Eastern in style.
The Waiter came over to ask the customary question.
It’s OK?
Excellent!
I had the review of my last visit uploaded on the Replacement Samsung. He took it to the counter to show the rest of the staff. That was Talli – he told me, the Chap who served us last year was Mein Host.
Meanwhile Marg had finished her Vegetable Samosa and was eating the Strips of Cucumber that were left having eaten the Tomatoes. I might like Cucumber this way.
The Samosa was served Cold, it appeared to be well stuffed. No complaints from Marg.
Hector was still eating, a Deceptive Quantity. This was not Curry, this was Karahi!
The Bill
€5.00. Three Quid for my Excellent Lunch. Anyone Travelling on a Budget should consider a visit to Pak Taka Tak.
The Aftermath
As I paid Marg took a photo. Then the entire Staff decided to get in on the act, great.
Now to be Tourists, The Acropolis and other sites are free today. Just as well, Ice Creams and Coffees later cost us four times what I paid here.
