With two hours between checkout and the train back to Scotland, Hector took the opperchancity to revisit The Banyan Tree (53 Westgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1QA England). It’s three years since my last visit, I have been busy exploring the Curry Houses of Millfield in the interim.
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It had just gone noon as I entered, the same table in the front room was allocated, I found myself taking virtually the same photo again. The Two Course Lunch Menu (£10.00) was brought as well as the a la carte. Normally I avoid Lunchtime Menus due to the restricted choice and the portion size. The Bhuna Gosht impressed last time, today I would test their Lamb Rogan Josh. The description included Yoghurt and Fennel. Would this be the Creamier Rogan Josh that is becoming more commonplace, or have the Traditional Tomato-rich Masala? Pilau Rice would accompany.
For the Starter, the Patiyala Seekh was the best of the non-Veg, non-Chicken options. A bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.75) would complete the Order.
An incoming email from Ahmed in Pakistan arrived as I was making my choices. He had sent a link to an article on the origins of Karahi Gosht, Hector’s Favourite “Curry”.
The same Hostess was on duty, she remained as welcoming as before. The Order recorded, I engaged her in conversation with reference to Ahmed’s article. I had to get on my soapbox, the article stated clearly the Ingredients of a Genuine Karahi: no Onions and absolutely no Capsicum are included, yet the majority of venues serve a stir fry with this Ballast prominently on top. Mein Hostess mentioned her Ugandan background, it was from there that Cassava (Manioc) was taken to India. Momentarily we discussed the regional variations of Indian Cuisine.
Who took Capsicum?
Patiyala Seekh
This was a single Seekh Kebab halved served with a Salad Garnish. A Sweet Sauce was painted across the plate, a side pot of Yoghurt completed the presentation.
This Seekh Kebab had a decidedly different flavour from the usual, I looked up Patiyala, a city in Punjab, then noticed a link to The Banyan Tree. Papaya was probably what had created the new taste experience.
Rogan Josh
A sensible portion of Rice with Cumin Seeds accompanied the Rogan Josh. The reddish Blended Masala contained six very tender pieces of Meat. The Masala was not the Creamy interpretation but served in the Traditional style, which I prefer. If there was Tomato, it was lost in the blend.
The Spice Level was Moderate, this was a well seasoned Curry and so very tasty.
The Cumin Flavour came through from the Rice and added an extra dimension to the overall experience. Bread would not have achieved this, I had made the correct choice of accompaniment.
The Spice Level crept up as I ate, for a Lunchtime Curry this was indeed more than satisfactory.
How is your Curry? – asked Mein Hostess.
Tasty, thank you.
I’m in a restaurant proper, and so was experiencing a completely different level of service compared to the other night.
The Bill
£12.75 No price rise in three years.
The Aftermath
I went up to the counter to pay, Huawei in hand. I showed the review from my last visit. The Portuguese Waiter was fondly remembered. I have been to Portugal since then, albeit Madeira.
I should come here and dine a la carte, perhaps on arrival next year. Late at night, the Curry Cafes of Millfield have their charms.
OK, you have waited long enough, Dear Reader. Here is the link to the article found by Ahmed on Karahi Gosht.
