As we work our way clockwise around the apex of the Adriatic, so Marg and Hector are currently spending a few days in Trieste, the final anticipated Curry Source on this Trip until we fly back to Manchester. A few venues popped up on Google Maps, Theo, Mein Host at Hops Beerstrò last night, warned us off one. He highly recommended Krishna Ristorante Indiano (Via Guido Brunner, 5A, 34125 Trieste TS Italia). Masala (Via Nordio Aurelio e Fabio, 20, 34125 Trieste TS Italia) he was not aware of.
Marg was – permitted – Coffee and Croissant as we headed north east from our Quirky Hotel – Portacavana. We passed Masala, finding it closed until the middle of the month. Krishna was nearby, surrounded by ongoing roadworks. So it goes.
We arrived bang on 13.00, Mein Host showed us through to the rear room where two separate couples were sat, one wean each. We wondered why we were all squeezed in here, Marg worked it out – Aircon.
The Menu was provided, lots of photos of Set Meals at what appeared to be terrific value. Mein Host offered to translate the names for us to English, I assured him I could cope with the Punjabi.
I saw a Mixed Platter of Starters arrive at the table to my right, who could eat a Main Course after all that? Fish Curry (€7.00), what was the catch? OK the Portion could be small, but this is half of what one normally pays. Taking no chances, I decided upon the Fish Curry – Pesce salmone in salsa curry – accompanied by Aloo Gobi (€5.00) with Jeera Pulao (€4.00).
Marg would have Vegetable Pakora (€3.00), Chicken Pakora was also available.
Sparkling Water comes in 750ml Bottles at a mere €2.00. In the end we had two. I cannot help but think back to this time last year in Mykonos where Sparkling Water was €15.00 a litre.
Mein Host said the Fish Curry could be prepared any way I liked, e.g. with Spinach. We agreed on – Dry – after I suggested – Minimal Masala. I should have enquired about Methi.
Despite having asked for all the food to be brought simultaneously, the Pakora and three Dips were brought by a Young Chap. He talked us through the Dips, the ubiquitous Tamarind was there: ubiquitous on Mainland Europe, not in the UK, why?
Four decent sized pieces of well fired Pakora sat before Marg. She ate two hoping my food was imminent, then finished all four. The Pakora had evidently been reheated given the slightly Burnt exterior, this added to the taste.
Very dry, aren’t they? – said Marg.
I could not comment, a Soupçon came my way. Indeed, but full of Flavour, and the Dips were there for a purpose.
Mein Host came through to say the Curry would arrive soon. I asked if he had – Methi/Fenugreek. The reply was somewhat blank. Fresh Coriander? This, we were told, is supplied on Fridays. Today is Thursday, they have run out.
The Young Waiter brought the Mains, the Karahi were small, but then I have seen these often enough. My lunch today cost €16.00, with three constituents. Meanwhile, look at this:
I paid €15.00 for this Ravioli in Trieste yesterday – outrage!
Decanting the Rice, I still had plenty left, Marg was not interested. As I transferred the Fish and Masala so I unearthed some pieces of Red Capsicum, I should have said at the time of ordering … these were easily avoided, or so I thought. I bargained on Marg at least having some of the Aloo Gobi, the appearance was slightly off-putting in this light, not the most aesthetically pleasing Cauliflower and Potato ever presented. The Masala was delightfully Thick and Minimal, however, this Aloo Gobi looked overcooked, a Mush.
Fish Curry
I could smell the Aroma from the Fish, it was that strong, enticing. Flaked Almonds were the Topping, I wonder if it would have been Fresh Coriander on another day? I knew already that this was going to be a Curry fit for a Hector, the first mouthful brought forth positive noises. This had it – Spice – Seasoning – Flavour. I didn’t count the Fish, I know how filling Salmon is. Each piece of Fish was then broken up, there was plenty. I found more Capsicum and set it aside, then some more, I had eight pieces in all – Ballast!
Aloo Gobi
Now that I see the illuminated photo of the Aloo Gobi, I wonder why my first impressions were negative. Behold the Thick Masala, with Oil collecting on the periphery. QED. There were easily more solids in the Potato and Cauliflower than the Fish counterpart. Again I was instantly impressed by the Flavours, this was Excellent, slightly Spicier too. The temptation to mix this with the Fish Curry was overcome. Enjoy the Fish Curry, enjoy the Aloo Gobi… The Potatoes were Soft, properly cooked, and gave off so much Earthy Flavour. The Cauliflower was overcooked, but far from the Mush I was expecting when I first saw it. India came to mind, this was truly authentic. It must have been prepared earlier then reheated as is the norm in the Curry Cafes in the UK. The amount of Flavour in this Aloo Gobi was astonishing.
Back to the Fish Curry, back to the Aloo Gobi, oh and the Cumin Seeds in the Rice were Black, one deduces these had been toasted. Marg was happy because Hector was happy. This was a very happy Curry experience.
The Young Waiter came to check on our progress. He was puzzled as to Marg’s dirty plate but no sign of food. I congratulated him on the Quality of the Curry then pointed to my pile of debris:
Capsicum has no place in Curry, next time I shall ask for it to be withheld.
Next time? We are in Trieste for five nights.
The Bill
€26.50 (£23.45) This was rounded down to €26.00, and did include a Cover Charge.
The Aftermath
The Website was shown, Our Waiter has not had Curry in Brescia, I shall continue to plug the Bombay Tandoory. Such had been the level of banter as we exchanged Cards, there had to be a photo, Mein Host was summoned. It looks as though we are going back on Sunday. 
Menu – extracts
