Madeira – Funchal – Indian House – Potential Not Realised

Hector and Marg passed the Indian House (Rua da Carreira 144, 9000-042 Funchal, Madeira) yesterday as we explored the western side of the City. The Waiter handed Marg a Card on which he had written – 10% Discount – should we return. Return we did. Indian House sells Indian and Portuguese Food, I thought Marg may be tempted by the latter, but no, a Savoury Indian Snack it would be.

Having perused the Menu yesterday on the street, I had not spotted the – Chef’s Specialities – I must have been looking at – Old Favourites. I had narrowed my choice down to Mutter Keema (€11.50) or Lamb Bhuna (€11.50), both of which came with inclusive Boiled Rice. Given the rarity of Keema Mutter in Europe this was tempting, but if I was to properly judge the Curry served at Indian House, it had better be the Lamb Bhuna. Marg would choose Stuffed Samosa – Vegetable – (€2.95).

The Waiter had other ideas for The Hector. He assured me that the Dishes on the other page had much more Flavour. These too came with either Plain Rice or a Naan, all Lamb Dishes were €12.95.

I said I was choosing the Bhuna to try and get a Thick Masala, apparently this could be achieved for the Chef’s Specialities also. He drew my attention to a few Dishes, some mentioned the dreaded Capsicum. As usual I did my bit – for Curry – and said I did not wish these. Again any Dish would be OK. Lamb Achari it was. Can I have a Garlic Naan? Extra Rice and Bread would be charged for, Garlic Naan was – an Extra. However, the Waiter said he would supply a Garlic Naan at no extra cost.

We then played the Poppadom Game. No, we do not wish Poppadoms. Moments later, one Poppadom was brought by a Waitress and three Dips, these were on the house, as they should have been all along.

Determined to take my usual photos to show the Reader what Indian House looks like, the camera was always at the ready. Unfortunately, three Chaps took the table nearest the Bar and therefore thwarted my attempts initially. The photos were taken on the return from a visit to the Facilities. Indian House seats twenty four inside, it is not a large venue. The pedestrian street outside may have sat another twenty in their enclosed area.

The Pair of Samosas had a Garnish of Orange, Carrot and Cucumber. They looked a good size, Marg was impressed.

Hot, and full of flavour, with a crunchy pastry.

Marg confirmed that a – Crunchy Pastry – met with her approval.

The Lamb Achari arrived in a Karahi which was ironic given last night’s Karahi at Sabor da India were served in Metal Pots. The Masala looked to be reasonably Thick, but where was the Meat? A quick count took me to eight, the Standard Number. These pieces of Lamb were most certainly on the small side. I demanded a recount. Eight.

The Naan was most certainly not a Garlic Naan, I was not going to complain, it looked Splendid. The Naan was a Good Size for one person, I could have finished it at a push. It was Light and Fluffy yet had a Decent Thickness. This was a Naan, a corollary to what was related at Sabor da India last evening. This Naan I preferred, Garlic, and even Coriander, would have made it Special.

The first dip of the Naan permitted the Full Flavour of the Masala to hit home. There was no doubting that this was an Achari. In time, two pieces of Lime Rind would be – dug up. Had I mistakenly included these in the Meat Count? The Spice Level and Seasoning were well within acceptable parameters. The Lamb, little as there was, Very Tender. This could have been a Very Good Curry, it lacked the basic element – Meat. After four days in Funchal dining in a Company of Six, I have seen Meat Portions in a variety of Restaurants, Indian and Portuguese. The Chef here had given what would be acceptable on a Lunchtime Menu, not a la carte.

Could this Lamb Achari be dismissed as – Soup? Perhaps, given the ratio of Meat to Masala. It was a clear example of Sauce with Meat, and not what I hope to be served.

The Bill

€19.65. (£16.80) It was only on receipt of The Bill I could establish that the Large Bottle of Sparkling Water was €3.75. This is more than I have paid for 0.5l of Bier anywhere in Funchal.

I did not ask for the 10% Discount.

The Aftermath

I had to take the Calling Card outside as the Waiter was there trying to get more customers. There was a casual glance. Oh well, can’t win them all.

And now for the Botanic Gardens.