Google Maps presently shows Punjab Balti & Pizza House (298 Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough PE1 2UL) as – New Punjab Balti House, Hector Holmes would get to the bottom of this. After a long afternoon at the Peterborough Beer Festival which overspilled into the evening, Hector was the only person in The Company who sought Curry having sustained ourselves with Olives, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Pickled Chillies.
A £6.00 taxi took me up to Millfield. Where the Hackney Cab drive got this price remains a mystery, his meter was showing the clock rather than the price, and even that was wrong. The exterior of the venue remained as on my last visit two years ago. The Menu had the original name, a well known and reliable Curry Website was consulted, I approached the counter.
Is this you?
The Photo showed the counter area with a blurred Chap heading through the doors to the rear. This was he, Mein Host confirmed.
Why the new name?
That the premises had been redecorated had justified a rebranding, but nothing has changed otherwise. I pointed out that Lamb Balti Methi is still not on the Menu (only Chicken), this was not a problem. A Paratha (£1.70) would accompany. Spice Level was not discussed, I had been tested last night at the nearby Desi Restaurant. How many Chillies had I eaten this afternoon? I was advised that the wait would be fifteen to twenty minutes.
Punjab Balti House opens at 17.00 daily, seating twenty four, it is primarily a Takeaway. A door which is not signed does lead to a toilet. I had checked with the mature gentleman who was sitting opposite the counter that I was correct to head through this door.
I remember you! – he exclaimed. I suppose not everyone comes in, sits down and photographs everything. I showed him the photo I had of Chaps sitting at the same table on my first visit, of course he knew them. I was permitted to update my records of those who come here – to sit.
He is the cousin of Mein Host whom I’m told is the owner, the business has been in operation here for eleven years. In time, the two Chaps left leaving Hector as the sole customer.
The phone rang constantly, a Chap emerged from the kitchen and was given a car key, they deliver.
I had time to study the Menu further. Eight Lamb Chops for £8.00. No wonder I had these on both visits in 2015. 1kg Lamb on-the-bone with 8 Roti, £22.00. Once again I noted how affordable Pizza is, why do the Big Chains charge so much?
Served whole, the Paratha dwarfed the Balti, almost comically. This was an Echtes Paratha, the Flakiness and Layering were most evident, so unlike what I have been served in the last few weeks, different Flour?
The Lamb Methi Balti was as expected, Small-cut Lamb in a Rich Masala. This is why I came back to Peterborough. So Wonderful in 2015, I compared it favourably with Bradford Curry. The Oil was already collecting around the rim of the receptacle, time to dip.
Do you want a fork and knife? – asked Mein Host.
No, the spoon will do.
The Methi gave off Great Flavour immediately, this was going to be – Fun. The Masala was Excellent and in no way Excessive, there was a lot of Meat in this Balti. The Lamb was sensationally Tender, so Soft, yet in no way – Pulp. The Seasoning was exactly how it should be, the Spice was more forgiving than what I have permitted myself to endure in the last twenty four hours. I have great admiration for Chefs who can achieve this Level of Perfection. Did I detect a hint of Yoghurt in the Masala? This Curry had – it.
In time, I had to abandon the Paratha, enough for two, and concentrate on ensuring I would finish the Balti. Mein Host chatted momentarily as I ate. I established that he is a Chef in his own right, I was left to speculate how much of what is served is his creation. I could not conceive of a visit to Peterborough without a Curry at this venue.
The Bill
£8.50. The Lamb Methi Balti was therefore £6.80.
The Aftermath
The photo of Mein Host was secured, my departure was less of the fond farewell I had hoped for due to the arrival of a Couple who were the worse for wear. Fancy presenting at a Curry House in this state?
Google Maps assured me it was an eighteen minute walk from Millfield back to t’Traveledoge, or fifteen at a Hector Pace. I have spent more on Taxis in the last two days getting to/from Millfield than on Curry, time for a walk.
