Hector is in Swansea for the Beer Festival later today. There had to be Bunkers afore, Curry-Heute was required. Mark has oft related how Swansea has a street lined with Curry Houses, this would be St. Helen’s Road. This is off the Kingsway Ring Road and leads down to the Brangwyn Hall where the Festival was to be held, later.
Having checked into the Travelodge bang on Noon, the search began soon after for Lunch. Orissia, directly across from the Travelodge was closed, still, the plan was to walk as far as Brangwyn Hall, to assess the distance on the ground, and take in as many Curry Houses en route, before deciding where to have Lunch. Simples. Not.
All but two of the venues passed were closed. Surma (30 St. Helens’s Rd., Swansea SA1 4AP, Wales) was the standout venue in all that I passed, it appeared to be closest in terms of informality to the Curry Cafes I seek.
The prices here are rock Bottom, there was clearly activity inside. Methi Lamb (£6.00) was beguiling. Anarkali at the furthest end of the Trek had a sign in their window saying – Open, plus some in Interesting Lamb Dishes to tempt. Tonight, possibly.
And so The Hector marched back up the hill to Surma, humidity levels were high, rain felt imminent. A sign outside advised the availability of – Naashta – from 09.30 until 12.30. Punjabi Breakfast, Indian Breakfast, both have been had when the situation required. A few Chaps were in situ, Daal and Chana were visible on metal platters.
We’re still serving Breakfast – said a Young Waitress who emerged from the rear of the Restaurant.
I had to verify this meant no Main Menu, until the evening. Later, another Great Offer would be in place – Starter, Main, Side and Rice/Bread for – £9.95. Great Value if the Portions are not too diminished. Tonight, possibly.
And so I walked down to Anarkali once more. No lights were on the door was locked, still the sign in the window said – Open. Back up to Surma, it was quite a sweaty blob who entered once again at 13.15. The Waitress was not to be seen, I approached the Kitchen and said – Breakfast – to another Lady, a Chef.
The – Naashta – Pakistan Breakfast – was available in various Deals. The Waitress suggested their most popular, however I heard Halwa, – Halwa Puri. If this is anything like the Halva served in the Middle East then it is not for Hector, far too Sweet. Potatoes and Chickpeas was the next suggestion. Chana may not be my favourite Interesting Vegetable, at least I would be avoiding – Daal.
To accompany, a Bread was required. Paratha was on offer in many guises. Gobi Paratha would be a first. This was not available.
Aloo Paratha (£1.99) – I said, without further reference to the Menu.
Oh, you know the dishes – was her immediate response.
Hector’s credibility was intact. A Plain Lassi (£1.99) was suggested, accepted. Sparkling Water was not stocked, a glass of Tap Water was forthcoming, the humidity was taking its toll.
Suddenly Chickpeas became my Favourite Vegetable, for the moment. Served in a Spicy, Well-Seasoned Shorva, the Chana vastly outnumbered the Aloo. A Slice of Onion offered yet another Texture.
The Paratha was Perfect, Layered and Flaky. This is Commendable given that it was a Stuffed Paratha, these are usually Limp. There was a Smear of Potato, clearly this works, for the better.
The Aloo-Chana Portion was Modest, so I asked the Charming Waitress if there was anything else I could have, else I would end up with half a Paratha and nothing to accompany. Chickpea rules at Surma, and so I ordered another Portion.
You’re not from around here! exclaimed The Waitress. I explained my preference for Cuisine from the Indian Subcontinent over all others. I did express my disappointment that the Full Menu was not on offer, also that no other Venue appeared to be Open at this time.
You like the food? – asked the Lady Chef when she came to the front of the Restaurant.
Of course.
The Best Bit of the Naashta hit The Hector Palate, a Blast of Lime Pickle hit home, Superb.
Lassi without Mango, easier to handle than Salt Lassi. Mango Lassi is still the benchmark.
The Second Portion of Aloo Chana arrived, well-timed too. Hector rarely finishes a whole Paratha, today would not be an exception. I now had enough to consider a Meal. The anticipated second blast of Achari never came, my only disappointment, other than the Full Menu not being avaialable.
It was 14.00, a Chap came in and asked what time they closed.
12.30.
The Bill
£7.00. This was enough to fuel The Hector for the afternoon. Hopefully there would be Curry this evening.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given, my Pedigree described.
I’ll have a look for sure.
A Very Charming Waitress.
Mark had by now texted with another Lunchtime Venue.
Govinda’s, a Vegetarian Cafe selling Veggie Burgers and nothing close to what I had just eaten. Mark says he likes it there, I do not see the point of Veggie Burgers, perhaps a throwback to the – ‘Meatballs’ – served up in my Kibbutz days.