Three nights in Peterborough, the home of Oakham Ales, an opperchancity to update all matters – Curry. Dr. Stan, Steve and Howard joined Hector at the Punjab Balti & Pizza House (298 Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough PE1 2UL) aka New Punjab Balti House. The Curry here has impressed on previous visits, the Flavours very much in the Bradford style.
We arrived just after 22.00, the Local Chaps who would normally be inside were sitting outside with Mein Host on this very warm evening. We would have the place to ourselves. Hector highly recommended the Balti Lamb Methi (£6.90), Dr. Stan and Howard were up for this. Steve chose a straightforward Meat Curry (£5.70) with Pilao Rice (£2.20). This venue helped define – the Perfect Paratha – Soft, Flaky, Layers. Paratha (£1.70), the perfect accompaniment for a Balti Lamb Methi.
We must all have been hungry, Starters were discussed. Steve desired a Mixed Kebab (£4.30). Lamb Chops, 8 pieces (£8.00). The number of Chops was given, a positive. I liked the value, assuming Micro-Chops would not appear. Eight Chops, three of us sharing, Hector was determined not to be left with two Chops, again.
The Chap who was manning the phone stepped out from behind the counter to take the Order. I asked if we could have – Nine Chops – not a problem. Tonight I fancied my Curry with a – Kick.
Can I have my Balti Lamb Methi Spicy please?
Dr. Stan and Howard would have theirs – less so. I then confirmed we wished Desi/Apna-style.
A Jug of Tap Water was our chosen refreshment.
The Lamb Chops arrived, eight pieces, so much for giving the customer what they want. The Chops were Small but still felt like good value. There was a Yoghurt coating which acted as a barrier. The Chops were not – cremated – as I like them but were suitably Spiced. There was a customary – Mmmm – from Dr. Stan. Howard fell on his sword and thus Hector had his third Chop. Thank you, Howard.
The Mixed Kebab had a pair of Seekh Kebabs plus Chicken Tikka and ?
There was no Lamb Chop included which initially puzzled, but a Chop is not a Kebap I suppose. Steve took care of his Starter in good time:
Very good tasty, I thought there would be bread with it, but didn’t need it.
Hot plates were brought to the table at 22.50. As ever, Hector planned to eat from whatever receptacle the Lamb Methi Gosht would be served in.
Meat Curry
The Meat Curry was served in a karahi topped with Fresh Coriander. The Meat looked plentiful, the Masala was decidedly – Oily. Steve enjoyed his Curry:
Exactly what I what I asked for, … no bells and whistles.
Balti Lamb Methi
The Balti Lamb Methi was served in a karahi topped with Fresh Coriander. The Meat looked plentiful, the Masala was decidedly – Oily. I think I’ve just written that. What was the difference between this and Steve’s Meat Curry? This most certainly not the Methi Gosht I have enjoyed here in previous years, a change of Chef?
Hector was not smiling for long. There was far too much Oil, no Herb infusion and most importantly no sign of Methi. The Spice Level was as hoped for, however, the Seasoning was non-existent.
I assured my fellow diners that I have previously described what was served here as being on a par with Bradford. This was not, the intensity of Flavour was simply not there.
Very nondescript – said Dr. Stan, Howard concurred:
The lamb had flavour, the background was nondescript.
The still reliable Huawei was called into action, a photo of last year’s offering side by side with this evening’s. Night and Day.
This was not the end of Hector’s displeasure. The Paratha was too Oily, and was not Flaky. Has the Bread Chef gone too?
The Tap Water was the only thing that did not disappoint.
There were questions which had to be answered. The Waiter was summoned and the photographic evidence shown. There was no reaction. I had to make my point again, I felt I was getting nowhere.
The Waiter then admitted that we had been given – Lamb Karahi – not the Lamb Balti Methi we had asked for. Really? Why? No answer.
The Bill
£42.00 Some scribbling showed an adjustment. It could have been over £50.00. I pointed to the piece of paper:
Well?
The lack of comment, communication, confounded the moment.
*
The Aftermath
I approached the counter and told the Chap that tonight’s debacle would be written up on Curry-Heute. I was also keen to establish why the Paratha was not up to the previous standard. Hector has a particular connection with the Punjab Balti & Pizza House via Google Maps on this matter. A photo of their – Perfect Paratha – is my most viewed on that medium, just the 213,155 so far.
I asked who was responsible for tonight’s Bread, there was no answer.
Why should I ever return here? – I put to the Chap.
Give us another chance? – was his diffident reply before he retreated to the kitchen, never to show his face again. I was trying to establish if there was a Chef capable of making a proper Paratha, I had to give up. Meanwhile, Mein Host remained outside, uninvolved. Who cares?
Dr. Stan had arranged a taxi, Hector was summoned.
This venue was on the cusp of being added to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – time will tell if I ever return.
