Indian Happy Tandoor (Zenklova 232, 198 00 Praha 8, Ceská republika) was spotted yesterday from a tram during our Holden Tour en route to Pivovar Sedivak.
The most efficient way to get to Indian Happy Tandoor is the Metro C to Kobylisy, then walk down the hill a couple of hundred metres. It is most certainly worth the effort.
Pivovar U Bulovky is a couple of tram stops away, a venue I may or may have not have visited some ten years ago. Having been back today, I remain undecided. One thing I do know for certain, the visit to U Sadu marked ten years since the incarnation of – Hector -, it appears to have stuck. Too late to change, who was – the other guy – anyway?
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It was shortly after 18.30 when Steve and Hector entered Indian Happy Tandoor.
Garish – is what was expected given the exterior, the Bar area was bright, whimsical. We were shown through to the rear of the premises past a room which was blocked off. The seating was Cafe, Bench-like, Hector was at home.
This is my kind of place – I announced to Steve, not a tablecloth in sight.
The Menu came, Mein Host instructed us to ask if we needed anything translated. There was no English Menu, but as we have come to know, the Language of Curry is Universal. Familiar looking names were there, however, as neither of us knew the difference between Chicken, Beef or Lamb in Czech, we would eventually have to ask for help.
Paratha Bramborava (75Kc) had to be Aloo Paratha, I had to have one just so as I could ask for this. Steve would have a Paratha Tradicini (55Kc), no need to translate this.
Mein Host was keen to take us through the translations of the various Solids to go in the Masala. Jehneci is Lamb, note to self for future visits to Praha. For The Hector, Jehneci Bhuna (235Kc) without Paprikou, for Steve – Jehneci Madras (225Kc).
Steve was considering a Starter but somehow was sold on Soup, a throwback to the Curry House yesterday? Indicka Special Polevka (75Kc) was added to the Order. Finally, Sparkling Water (25Kc) and a small Bottle of Indian Lager (70Kc), we were sorted.
We had time to study the crazy décor, we were entertained when Mein Host brought the Mains to the adjacent table. A Plate drizzled in Chilli Powder was presented first, the Curry then decanted from a Frying Pan, different.
Another Chap was buzzing around too, the Service here was clearly going to be personal, attentive, but not intrusive. A Lady sitting diagonally opposite had a Spiky Rubber Toy, what was that about?
Balti Soup
The Soup came in a Bucket. After a quick taste, Steve added a mass of Salt, naughty boy. It must have needed it. Too thin – it has Cumin Seeds. It’s as if they have just been chucked in …. the Soup needs more cooking to infuse and reduce it. The Garlic tastes raw.
The No.2 Chap came over to ask the polite question.
It’s OK – was Steve’s courteous reply.
One of the unwritten Rules of Curry: if the Starters are Stunning, beware of the Mains.
The Chilli Drizzled plates with Garnish were set before us. Steve’s Lamb Madras was first to be served, followed quickly by the Lamb Bhuna. We had time to take in the Rich, Deep Colour of the Masala. Behold the Parathas! The Aloo Paratha was served – Quartered, always annoying. The Plain Paratha was Spectacular. The Layers and Flakiness were apparent, Steve highlighted the Swirl in the Paratha. This was a Perfect Paratha.
When one has a Filling in a Paratha it is at the expense of the properties which made the Plain so Perfect. There was plenty of Potato, the seasoning in the Aloo Paratha was also a standout.
Last week I had two Great Curry Experiences on the same day, the subsequent two less impressive. The Lamb Bhuna was truly Outstanding, why?
Lamb Bhuna
I counted Seven pieces of Lamb, which some Diners would have halved. Steve had Eight. The Masala was Thick with Strands of Onion and Tomato, so much better than Square Chunks. The Kick was instantaneous, then there was an interruption. Mein Host was back with a set of Accoutrements, he Drizzled more Chilli Powder over both our Dishes. We had asked for the Spice Level to be Hotter than Medium, this was making sure. I examined the various jars which now sat at the end of the table, no Methi, my only disappointment.
The Seasoning in the Masala was as Hector Levels, as already mentioned, the Paratha gave an extra Blast of Seasoning at various moments. This Curry had Genuine Flavour, then I tackled the Meat…
My last two Blog entries have dealt with Lamb and Masala which were Perfect Strangers prior to serving. The Lamb at Indian Happy Tandoor is probably – The Best Tasting Lamb – I have encountered outside of the UK, only Indian Mango in München could match this.
Lamb Madras
I had to ask if Steve was experiencing the same – Levels of Pleasure. The reply was a confirmation. The Lamb had been Marinaded, in Vinegar, I theorised later as we walked up to the Metro station. Great preparation had gone into this, then as the Hector Palate adjusted to the fact this Lamb was giving and not taking, a Blast of Lamb Flavour itself. This was Wonderful, this is how All Curry should be and so rarely is. This Curry had the Wow!
Did I mention Steve had Eight pieces of Meat? The Lamb Madras was Meat and Masala which I try to avoid, this is Steve’s preference.
Mein Host came over – This is Excellent, your Lamb is Wonderful. It was. Too many places do not put in the effort. He assured me that it is their pleasure to prepare the food properly. To think people would come here and order a Chicken Curry.
Rather than wait to the end of the Meal, the Calling Card was issued and the Website flashed before Mein Host, he took it away and returned with one of his own. I promised to write a Wonderful Review.
Dessert
How often does Hector order Dessert? We were in a truly Happy Place, why not savour the moment?
Indian Ice Cream was offered. Kulfi? I asked. Mango Kulfi it was, Pistachio was rejected. Steve had not had Kulfi before. It’s solid – was his instant remark. Easily broken this was a Refreshing Conclusion to the Meal, made more-so when Seeds were encountered giving even more Flavour. What they were, neither of us could work out.
The Spiky Toy was placed on the table.
If you need anything else, just squeeze.
The Bill
950.00 (£30.15) One of us had three courses and a Pivo.
The Aftermath
There had to be a photo. Mein Host’s Lady got in on the act. The Third Chap may well be the Owner, he had been sitting with other customers, not on duty tonight then.
A Bottle of Wine was brought to the table to take away. This had to be declined due to the restrictions of hand luggage. Shots were then offered, and accepted.
We were wrong in assuming that this would be done in an instant. Mein Host was doing something behind the Bar which I could not see. Eventually he came over with two glasses and a Turkish Coffee Pot.
A Hot and Spicy Shot, a first. Two shots were poured leaving enough in the Pot for a third. Chilli and Malibu was our guess.
Thank you for the memorable night. We shall most certainly return next time in Praha.
