On Sunday Hector and Marg walked past Namaste Indian Restaurant (Rua Simplicio Passos Gouveia, Edificio Lido View, Bloco 1 RC, 9000-001 Funchal, Madeira), Google Maps had it quite separate from the Indian Palace which we saw first walking west. The reality is that Indian Palace, Namaste and the twice visited Sabor da India are within metres of each other, albeit on separate streets; a Curry Cluster in the modern part of Funchal.
Today, No. 1 Bus took us from the bus Station to where the road splits, all very confusing until one’s feet are on the ground. Two Customers sat outside under the awning, inside was empty. We acknowledged the Waiter as we entered and chose our strategic table.
Having studied the Menu on display outside, Hector already knew he was having Lamb Bhuna (€9.90) regardless. I should have stuck to my guns yesterday at Indian House and avoided the – Soup-like Achari. Zeera Rice (€3.00) would accompany. The Large Sparkling Water was €3.50, as much as one pays for a half litre of Domestic Bier in Funchal. Marg was staying – Savoury, a Prawn Puri (€7.50) was her desire. A bit steep for a Prawn Puri surely? The Atlantic Ocean was no more than 50m away. The Waiter took the Order and acknowledged my repetition of – Zeera – as – Jeera. How many more ways can – Cumin – be known? There was a look of – Is that all? We have to do the Local Cuisine justice this evening.
Two other Customers would join us for our visit which commenced around 12.30. Namaste was quiet. I asked the Waiter how long they had been open given there are fewer reviews for this venue in Other Sources. Two years – was the reply. Namaste is in keeping with this part of Funchal, shiny and new. The décor was pristine, though I did feel the tables were very close to each other. I suppose this provides versatility, tables for two can be combined to sit four or six with ease. Marg counted sixty two chairs, with more outside for those who need to be there. This is a sizeable venue. I could not help notice that both Local Biers are available on tap, few venues offer the choice.
Four Samosas passed us, they looked Substantial. Having ordered no Starters, I knew ours would be next. Marg’s – Starter – would be served at the same time as Hector’s Main Course, as asked.
Prawn Puri
I could make no evaluation about the Quality of the Prawn Puri until its interior was revealed. By that time Marg was already in praise of her choice.
The Bread was fluffy. A good, rich sauce, very enjoyable.
The photo revealed Larger than normal Prawns. Marg thought some may have been cut up. Most importantly, the Masala was Brown, no Red Food Dye used here.
Lamb Bhuna
Lamb Bhuna, how often, in the UK and beyond, is this presented such that it could be any other Curry? The Lamb Bhuna at Namaste impressed immediately, the Masala was Thick with Onion and Tomato, Success.
The Rice Portion was Perfect, very little would be left. Cumin Seeds were highly visible, they had been – Cracked – releasing the full Flavour.
The Lamb was decanted, around eight or nine Decent-sized pieces. Tender – does not give a full description, this Lamb was Seriously Succulent. There was a sense of the Lamb giving Flavour to the overall experience. The Spice Level was Moderate, some would say – Mild, however, the Seasoning was all. This was a new – Taste Experience – the Cumin Seeds, Tomato, and Onion were complemented by Cloves and Curry Leaves. Fine pieces of debris were encountered throughout. This was an Excellent Curry, the Seasoning was clearly the key to the Overall Flavour, releasing everything else to create what was most certainly today, a Wonderful Blend of Spices and Herbs.
The Bill
€23.90 (£17.45) I still feel the Prawn Puri was over-priced, especially given the locus.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented and accepted with grace. The Waiter took it away then returned with it, more interest was expressed. I related why I found the Lamb Bhuna to be so impressive. The Waiter told us the story of how their Indian Chef was discovered by The Owner, working in a kitchen in NW Deutschland. He has been at Namaste for one year.
I enquired about the local competition and was given information which took me aback. Namaste, Sabor da India, Taj Mahal and Bombay Spice are all owned by the same Chap. Complementary Competition taken to the extreme?
This means Indian Spice is the only independent Curry House in this cluster. Marg and Hector exited to the left, climbed the stairs, and made a booking for tomorrow evening at Indian Spice.
