The unfortunate circumstances which led to Hector spending the last few days in Aberdeen meant original plans were rearranged. Having missed the Wolf Strassenfest for the first time in over a decade, Hector was determined to still meet up with Dr. Stan at Cantillon (Brussel) at 13.30 tomorrow.
This meant a flight to Amsterdam this morning from Edinburgh and a train to Antwerpen, a city that has only featured once to date in Curry-Heute, back in the very early days of this Blog. People have been quite dismissive about – Garden of India – reviewed here back in 2011. I have certainly had a lot worse Curry in Belgium than served that evening, particularly in Gent where I am due to spend the following three nights.
Curry in Belgium, not a phrase that generally excites, though I have two Punjabi venues planned which might fulfil expectations. This evening it was a matter of find a Curry House which lay between the magnificent Antwerpen Centraal Station and the Scheldt, the only part of this city I am currently familiar with.
Namaste (Suikerrui 14, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium) is rated highly in other sources, that – Nepalese – is clearly mentioned on their awning is commensurate with my low level of expectations. Mainstream Curry in Europe, what could possibly go wrong?
Arriving at Namaste at 19.30, a dozen or so diners were outside taking advantage of the particularly warm autumn evening, and no doubt poisoning their neighbours. Inside, only a couple of tables were occupied. Mein Host greeted and pointed to two tables on a dais opposite the bar. From there I would see all, perfect.
The Menu was brought, I could only gasp at the prices, but I have to recognise that Namaste is located in down-town Antwerperen on a prime site. The premises are large, spacious, the rent must be, well, high. Rice or Naan was included in the Mains as is the custom across most European Curry Houses, maybe not so expensive after-all.
Lamb Special (€20.00), I wondered. Then I decided to play safe. With no – Desi/Apna – Dishes or mention of Lamb on-the-bone, I accepted the – Mainstream. Lamb Vindaloo (€17.50) might be – Spicy – and should guarantee a Vegetable. Mein Host took the Order, we agreed on – Spicy – and as usual I asked for no Capsicum to be harmed in the preparation of my Curry. I was hungry, rather than order a Vegetable Side which could have added another €10.00 to my Bill, I ordered a Koriander Naan (€4.00). A 250ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.80) completed the Order.
Chap #2 brought a Poppadom with embedded Cumin Seeds and three Dips. He explained what each Dip was. Do Waiters think that every customer is having their first ever Curry? The Cumin Seeds added to the experience, the taste buds were kicked into action. It is fair to recall that it was in Antwerpen that Marg first encountered Poppadoms with Cumin Seeds. As I have to remind myself – we are all learning.
On seeing my glass of Sparkling Water was nearly finished, he quickly produced another. I would have been cheaper ordering Bier.
The same Chap brought a hot plate and gave the customary warning. It never ceases to amaze that people touch a plate to check the temperature, Hector complied. A Euro-portion of Basmati and a Curry with a – soupy – appearance arrived moments later. There was more Rice than required, a feature of inclusive Rice Portions across Europe, a great waste when one thinks about how many times a day this occurs in Restaurants across the continent. One positive was the sight of more Cumin Seeds.
The Koriander Naan puzzled. Served whole, thankfully, it looked to be of – supermarket – quality on first appearance, but on tearing off a piece, I discovered a swathe of Coriander cooked in. One does not get this in a shop. However, the Texture was no better than that, the Naan had hardly risen and would tend towards being crispy around the edges. Not the best of Naans.
Lamb Vindaloo
The garnish was a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander, one Green Chilli cut lengthways, two Ginger Strips and two slivers of – Red Capsicum. The latter was set aside. Slices of Tomato were smothered by the Blended Masala, time to decant the solids. I counted double figures as I arranged the Meat and Potato on top of the Rice. In the light I could not tell the Meat from the Potato.
The Curry was pleasantly – Hot – in temperature, it is always appreciated when the food comes straight from the kitchen to the table and has not sat around for an age to cool. In time I was able to establish that the solids were mostly Tender Lamb with only a few pieces of Potato.
The Lamb gave off no Spice or Flavour other than of meat itself. The Ginger Strips and Coriander were welcomed when encountered. A sense of Citrus hit the palate occasionally, possibly from the Naan. The lack of Flavour from the Masala made the Naan more significant, I can only guess at how – bland – this meal would have been otherwise.
The – Kick – was well short of a UK Vindaloo. The Seasoning was at an acceptable level, however, more may have released the – Full Flavour – of the Masala. I came across one Green Cardamom which of course was not eaten. The only edible and visible source of extra Flavour was from the Cumin Seeds strewn though the Rice. Without the Rice and the Naan this meal would have been seriously – Bland.
Another Belgian Curry, once again there was nothing to be excited about. Too many Euro-Chefs will not serve up anything other than a – Mainstream Curry.
The Bill
€27.10 (£23.98) This is significantly more than I would pay in the UK, the price of the Sparkling Water did not help.
The Aftermath
Mein Host had taken the payment at the till. The Calling Card was well received and a few moments showing the extent of the coverage on Curry-Heute was tolerated. I was asked the obvious question and so gave a diplomatic answer:
It is difficult to get – Outstanding Curry – in Europe, and Belgium is not the place to find it.
This statement was accepted.
Hector the Diplomat? I should get a job in Brussel and cancel Brexit.
