Located north of the Old Town in Riga is Singh’s (Gertrudes iela 32, Centra rajons, Riga, LV-1011, Latvia), an Indian and Indo Chinese Restaurant. Steve decided to join Hector but would not be having Curry-Heute, Starters would suffice. A Paneeer Tikka Salad (€7.00) and Tandoori Wings (€4.95) was Steve’s selection.
Hector had already seen a photo of the Panjabi Lamb Masala (€9.95) online. The Opperchancity of a Thick and Minimal Masala had to be experienced. Punjabi Cuisine in Riga! Jeera Mattar Rice (€3.75) would accompany. The Waiter asked me to nominate the Spice Level. Medium here is – Spicy – I was informed. We agreed on – Medium Plus. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water to share, completed the Order.
The Menu impressed, well the Curry section, I did not even bother looking at the Eastern Alternatives. Rogan Josh, Keema Mattar Aloo, Machi Masala and Chukandar (Beetroot) were available.
The Restaurant was busy this Tuesday lunchtime. Most Diners had opted for one of the Lunchtime Set Meals (€6.95). The adjacent table had – Chicken Curry, Rice, Poppadom, Naan and Samosa. The Masala in this Curry was decidedly – Shorva.
The walls at Singh’s have white tiles giving a somewhat dated ambience. This is enhanced by some very old black and white prints of Indian Temples. One wonders what these premises were once upon a time?
Steve observed that everyone had been fed but us. Presumably this was down to us having ordered from the Main Menu, Chef was having to cook.
The table for two was about to be filled. Two warm plates heralded the arrival of our Mini-Banquet. Warm plates and Salad? The Paneer Salad and Tandoori Wings were accompanied by Dips. The Chicken Wings tasted as expected I was assured. The Paneer came in four large pieces, the largest I have ever seen. Steve struggled, half of the fourth piece of Paneer was left.
The Portion of Rice was easily enough for two, again an example of – The Great European Rice Wastage. Although the Cumin Seeds were visible, their Flavour did not come across.
The Panjabi Lamb Masala had the anticipated Masala, easily the Thickest I have ever been served in Europe. I sincerely hope it had not come from a Tub/Jar.
Thick as it was, this Blended Masala had very little Flavour. One had hoped that something that looked this Wonderful would be bursting with Flavour. The Spice Level was decidedly above Medium, not a problem. The Seasoning was not pronounced, perhaps the reason why this Curry was generally lacking in Flavour. The Meat content was six Very Large pieces of Lamb, each had to be halved revealing the columnar structure. The Lamb itself was giving nothing in terms of Flavour, possibly only meeting the Masala a short while back. Although Tender, the Lamb required considerable chewing. This was a very filling combination of Curry and Rice, good value.
As with yesterday at Indian Raja, the Meal was served – Warm – rather than – Hot. I have not been served – Hot Food – at any time in Latvia. In future visits I shall be ensuring that I ask for – Hot – and see what happens.
The Bill
€30.65. The shared Bottle of Sparkling Water was €5.00.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waitress who cleared the table, our first interaction with her. Hopefully this was passed on.
