Mr. India was the first Curry House I passed approaching Olympia for the first time two days ago, Miran Masala (3 Hammersmith Rd, Olympia, London W14 8XJ) was the second. Curryspondents have been emailing and using the Contact/Comments link on this Website to advise me of more. Time is limited, after Lunch today I completed my final stint at the Great British Beer Festival – GBBF – for this year. Crawley awaits, as does the unknown…
Miran Masala is located well to be seen by all visiting Olympia, Jim, Jonathan and Hector were there soon after the noon opening time, four diners were there before us.
From the moment the Menu was opened we knew we were on to a winner. The magic words – Punjabi – Karahi – Methi – all under the heading – Lamb. Each item was also numbered, so the order was:
49 Karahi Methi Gosht (£10.50) twice, 51 Karahi Methi Keema Mutter Aloo (£9.50) and three Naan (£1.40). It was good to see the Minced Lamb spelled out with the Peas and Potatoes. Hector has not seen Methi so prominent on a Menu for some time. Rather than take any chances, I asked the waiter to ensure that no Capsicum would appear. As he recorded the Order he was heard to say – Chicken – he fortunately returned to verify – Lamb all round please. The Karahi Dishes are clearly headed – Lamb – who orders Chicken Karahi?. It is also worth noting that although £1.40 for a Plain Naan is very favourable, the prices rise steeply if one chooses a filling, see below.
A 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.95) plus a Coke (£1.50) completed the Order.
A Lunchtime Buffet (£8.95) was on offer, temporarily as the notice outside advised. I watched a Chap get his money’s worth. A Big Portion was spooned on top of his Rice, then more, and more. I congratulate him for presenting with such an appetite this early in the day. For Jonathan and Hector, this was Breakfast.
Plates were set before us announcing the imminent arrival of the Karahi. The plates were warm, we had tablecloths, quite a pukka place, relatively. I counted twenty eight place settings on the ground floor, is there a downstairs? Before our food arrived we were joined by a fourth, Karl from Belgie. Having not met The Hector before Jim explained to him that he was about to have every move photographed and that a quote would be expected.
52 Karahi Lamb Tikka Masala (£10.50) and a Naan was Karl’s selection. The Menu clearly states that Capsicum are part of this Dish.
The three Dishes ordered first arrived moments later, as I photographed Jonathan’s Karahi Keema Mutter Aloo, I marvelled at the Size of the Portion, that was quite a Pile of Mince. I could see no Potato.
Karahi Methi Gosht
The efficacy of the Karahi Methi Gosht was confirmed by the Aroma. The first Dip of the Light and Fluffy Naan into the Masala was a joyous moment. Hector has not tasted such an intense dose of Methi in some time. This Curry is exactly what The Hector required. The Spice and Seasoning were commendable, but the Methi hit, oh yes.
The Lamb is lovely – was Jim’s almost immediate reaction.
In double figures, the Lamb was suitably Tender. The three Naans had been quartered, we were eating from the pile, how may quarters could I actually eat and finish the Karahi? Jim was having no such thoughts, his karahi was emptying at a fair rate of knots.
The Masala was the key to the majesty of this Dish, Tomato Seeds were very prominent. If the consistency of the Masala was achieved by Tomatoes alone, I remain in the dark as to how Chefs manage this. Hector would resort to Onions to give the Masala this body.
Next time at Olympia I shall be headed to Miran Masala on Day 1. I shall plant one thought as to how to make their Karahi Methi Gosht even better – serve the Lamb on-the-bone.
Jim was waxing lyrical by the end –
Most enjoyable, almost certainly be back. The spiciness was at a sufficient level for lunchtime.
Karahi Methi Keema Mutter Aloo
Across the table, Jonathan had made great progress through his Karahi Keema Mutter Aloo. We discussed the absence an of Oil residue collecting at the base of his karahi, there was no needless Masala either. Again, this was as authentic as this Dish can be served. When asked for an immortal quote, my Learned Friend replied –
I agree with Jim.
*
Karahi Lamb Tikka Masala
Karl’s Karahi Lamb Tikka Masala arrived as we were finishing our Curry, almost instantly there was an – Mmm. Another Dr. Stan impersonation this weekend. This Dish appeared to be more Red than it need be, surely no additives? The Capsicum presence was minimal, a few strands, not the Ballast that too many venues resort to.
Karl was ready with his comment –
I don’t like coriander in my beer, but I like it here.
The Bill
£52.55. Remarkably, still about the same as one would pay in Glasgow. Who needs to pay silly amounts to dine out in London?
The Aftermath
A Calling Card was given to the waitress and to Karl.
Karl – I can say I have dined with the Curry Expert.
Hector – I can say I have dined with a Belgian.
There was no further acknowledgement of the Calling Card from the staff at Miran Masala.
