As the Curryspondents know, Hector would rather eat Mainstream Curry everyday than eat Western or Far Eastern Cuisine. This is my seventh consecutive day of Indian Cuisine, first Wales, now Birmingham, many new venues to be explored.
Hector had presented at Maharaja (25 Hurst St., Birmingham B5 4AS, England) at 23.00 on Saturday night, too late for this Restaurant which opens at Noon. I have come to note that many Birmingham Curry Houses are only open from 17.00 onwards, how do they make money?
As I entered Maharaja today bang on noon, there was an ongoing police incident in the adjacent side street which was taped off. I wasn’t waiting to see, three more hours in Birmingham, time for Brunch.
Mein Host showed me to a table for two near the door, the first customer of the day, though another Chap was in and out whilst I dined. I thanked him for sending me to James Dahl on Saturday, a Worthy Curry.
Lamb Banjaara (£9.25) stated that there was a Herb content, I had to ask if this included Methi.
I can make you Lamb Methi.
Pilau Rice (£3.75) and the customary Sparkling Water (£1.75) completed the Order.
No Naan bread?
Spicy – was agreed.
You will like it – Mein Host insisted.
A Colleague entered the dining room from the staffroom off, I heard a – hello – but was unsure if this was directed at me. Hector was busy on the Replacement Samsung. I looked up – Hello. Pleasant Chaps.
I had time to establish that – Banjaara – can be translated from Hindi as – Mashallah. The term also refers to a Nomadic Tribe. Take your pick.
The tea-light plate warmer heralded the arrival of the Lamb Methi and Rice. Mein Host served half of the Rice and was about to do the same with the Curry. I asked him to stop, I could not miss the Photo Opperchancity. As the Ritual was underway he asked – Are you a food critic?
Lamb Methi
Hector produced the Calling Card and explained about the Blog, Curry-Heute. And so began a conversation that was only briefly interrupted when it was realised I needed time to eat.
The Seasoning hit home hard, this was on the limit, some would be put off. The Dark, Thick Masala was the visual proof of the efficacy of this Dish. This was going to be quite a meal.
The Very Tender Lamb was well into double figures, some pieces were halved thereafter, a lot of Meat. The Masala was therefore not Excessive in the Mass that lay before me. The Rice Quantity was well judged … I should manage 90%.
Is there anything else I can do?
Our conversation continued, let’s stick to the Curry.
This Curry was Intense, Wondrous. Methi Stems were picked out as and when, Fresh Methi Galore. The Masala was so Rich in Flavour down to the Spice ingredients, the Kick was not OTT. The Curry Triumvirate was here – Seasoning-Spice-Methi. I found myself slowing down, the volume was starting to defeat me, truly there was a lot on the plate.
The other Customer had come and gone – Express Lunch Menu? Hector was savouring the moment.
Mein Host had come to Birmingham via Dubai and Glasgow. He had worked in a Glasgow Restaurant which had experimented with a fusion of Malaysian Dishes, it lasted a year. He mentioned the Turban Tandoori, I vaguely recognised the name.
Once I had finished eating, a reliable website was consulted – New Turban Tandoori. I showed the Blog Entry, the Soupy Curry.
What is that?
Handi.
Mein Host was appalled.
We agreed that that is not how Curry should be served… unless that is what people really want. Having been asked to name my Favourite Glasgow Curry House – Yadgar – was accessed. On showing the Goshat Karahi I could actually sense Mein Host’s level of excitement.
The Bill
£15.35. The Lamb Methi was £9.95.
The Aftermath
The Facilities are downstairs, and so a further dining area and bar was revealed.
Another Calling Card was issued, to display in their window. And so for the concluding photo.
Lovely People, Wonderful Curry-Heute.
Do you like Hector’s Headgear?