After last night’s disappointing experience at the nearby Punjab Balti & Pizza House, Hector was determined to have his Methi Gosht. Lord Clive of Crawley and Steve joined Hector this evening in the taxi up to Millfield, our destination: Desi Restaurant (298 Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough, PE1 2ND England).
I asked the taxi driver what his favourite venue was in this part of Peterborough. Lahore Tandoori Restaurant (539A Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 2PB) was the reply, he offered to take us the couple of blocks beyond the Desi. Hector would stick to the original plan, that is one is for another year. I also asked about the Punjab Balti & Pizza House, he thought it had changed hands. That would explain a lot.
Once again, the first thing on the Menu which caught Hector’s eye was the 1kg of Lamb Handi on-the-bone (£18.00). Unfortunately, two hours notice was required. Tomorrow, anyone?
Balti Chicken Methi (£6.50) was on the Menu, not Lamb, not a problem last year. I would have to ask about the different prices for Paratha (£1.70) and Tandoori Paratha (£2.00). Steve had yet to declare his choices, Clive could not resist his usual – Dansak – this time a Chicken Dansak Balti (£6.00) with a Keema Paratha (£2.20).
Mein Host came to take the Order, the same Chap as last year who once worked in Cumbernauld (Scotland). Last year he advised that I should have a Keema Nan (£2.10) as their Paratha would turn out – Crispy. Tonight he said I should not have the Tandoori Paratha for the same reason, the (Plain) Paratha is what I desired. Steve was also up for the Methi Gosht variant accompanied by Pilau Rice (£2.00) and a Garlic Nan (£1.50). Somehow Clive was made aware that his Dansak came with Rice.
Hot plates were presented along with an impressive Salad and Dips. Hot plates for a Salad? The Curry arrived moments later.
Look at these Parathas!
Wow! – does not begin to describe them, and they were served – Whole – which makes such a difference. The Plain Paratha was – Piping Hot – and showed definite signs of Layering, it had Girth, was clearly Flaky, and the inner core revealed the – Swirl. The Keema Paratha was seriously Thick, it had to be opened to check the interior. The Meat, not in separate grains, was far from being pink, and not the horrible – Donner-like – Keema served at too many outlets. At this point Mein Host recalled that I had made such an examination last year. He suggested I had the Desi Special Nan (£3.10) which is no longer on the Menu, having been lost in the reprint. That Naan featured Cheese, the Portuguese customers apparently liked the Cheese. Hector order a Cheese Naan? Records show I had the Keema Nan.
Tonight’s Garlic Nan was served Quartered, which took the edge off the presentation. Somehow Steve became more interested in my Paratha than his own Naan.
Lamb Methi Balti
This was a worthy Methi Gosht, featuring a wonderfully Thick Masala and the Herb content highly visible: the Fresh Coriander on top, the Methi mixed through. Tomato also protruded from the Masala. This Lamb Methi Balti was served – Hot-Hot – not left to sit and cool. The – Kick – was instantaneous, the Seasoning was not there initially but grew on the palate as I worked my way through. What looked like stray strips of Capsicum were encountered, no, these were Large Green Chillies cut into very fine strips, relief.
The Meat was cut – Small, and whilst Tender, the right amount of chewing was required. The Flavour from the Meat was not full on but Paratha just kept adding to create a Great Curry.
From the start, Steve was impressed: Mmm…mmm…aha.
Does he think he’s Dr. Stan?
I don’t know how they get that burst of flavour without the chillies, this is **** good – he continued.
Finally: That was a tremendous Curry, Spicy, in your face, the whole thing…
Chicken Dansak Balti
Exciting – said Clive from the off – Oo-agh – what is it with the noises tonight?
Well he asked if I wanted it spicy and he delivered it.
My tongue is throbbing, and my gums… in a good way.
Quite impressive.
Back to the Parathas
There was enough for Steve to have a sample, having attempted making them himself, he remarked on how much Butter must have been added to each Layer as it was prepared. This Paratha was simply Magnificent.
I’ve had some stuffed Paratha, this is the most stuffed yet – was Clive’s observation on his Keema Paratha.
I asked Mein Host why so many venues serve such poor Parathas. He suggested they buy in Frozen Parathas. That would explain everything.
The Bill
£27.40 Lamb was charged at the same price as Chicken, quite unusual these days.
The Aftermath
At the adjacent table a group had just finished their Lamb Chops. That was all they had ordered.
They leave the rim on them – I was told. We must try these next time, but then there’s the Handi to consider also. It looks like Desi Restaurant is now firmly on the Curry-Heute radar.
