Obtaining Curry in Portland, Oregon is not difficult, there are Wagon Markets sprinkled around the town centre. The presence of a University means there is a demand for cheap food.
Tandoor Indian Kitchen (406 SW Oak St., Portland Oregon 97204 USA) was chosen because it is a sit-in venue and walk-able from our hotel in Downtown Portland. Tandoor Indian Kitchen is only open on weekdays from 11.30 until 14.00. They serve Buffet Curry only, that’s it take it or leave it. The standard charge is $9.00, if one wishes to go back up for a second plate, one pays $3.00 more.
Dr. Stan and Hector took a table mid-room. A Lady was in charge of supplying napkins and much needed Cold Water. There was no ceremony, arrive, take a seat, help yourself.
There was no Lamb on offer, Hector had to accept that Chicken Curry was the only Meat option. Two versions were available, a Chicken Curry in a standard Blended Masala and Chicken Tikka Masala. It had to happen one day.
I was careful not to fill my plate with Rice, I also chose to ignore the Naan. Aubergine Pakora was first on my plate followed by some Fried Cauliflower. The Chana Curry was ignored, I can live without Chickpeas. Both Chicken Dishes were sampled then a Soupçon of Saag. At the end I found Chicken Biryani, had this been at the start then I would not have taken the Basmati. Maybe one should know by now to start a Buffet at the far end.
The Aubergine Pakora was cold, it had been sitting out too long. The Saag too was cool, not a good start. The Fried Cauliflower was a marked improvement, Crispy on the outside, Fresh on the inside, I was glad I had taken a decent portion of this. The preferred Dryness of the Biryani made me tackle this next. Here was Spice and Seasoning, this would prove to be the best part of the Buffet.
The Chicken Curry had less Spice than the Biryani, it was no more than one would expect. Sadly, the Chicken Tikka Masala was a joke. It was hard to see where the Meat had been cooked in a Tandoor. Did they just mean it been prepared in a Creamy Sauce? This was lacking Flavour, Spice, Seasoning. The good people at Glasgow’s Shish Mahal where this Dish was reportedly first served, would be perplexed to see this interpretation.
The Chap whose business this clearly was had stood behind the counter surveying all. By 13.00 when we were leaving, there was a line.
Dr. Stan had little to say. He was hungry, he ate, he knew he had his money’s worth, we paid separately.
The Bill
The LG has been acting up, the precise amount was not noted. $9.00 plus Tax.
The Aftermath
Mein Host manned the Pad that is widespread instead of a till. I gave him the Calling Card and explained who I was. A charming smile appeared. That was it, the place was too busy to chat more.
People come to Tandoor Indian Kitchen, they know what they’ll get.
Update – April 2020
This venue is reportedly closed, permanently.