It is – The February Week – for those still involved in the World of Education, that’ll be Marg and Louise. Six of us are in Malta, reunited for the first time since Madeira 2017. There is a lot of Curry to be had in Malta, unfortunately for Hector, Day 3 provided the first opperchancity to go exploring, the famous Maltese Rabbit Stew and Mediterranean Seafood having been the distractions until Curry-Heute.
Marg and Hector were on the 11.30 ferry from Sliema across to Valletta, five minutes on a boat being quite enough for Hector. As predicted, the heavens opened, we took refuge at Tuk Tuk – South Indian Food (174 Merchants St, Valletta Malta) just after their noon opening time.
Four other diners were already in situ, more would come. Tuk Tuk has twelve tables in a cavern-like room and seats around thirty. Mein Host brought the Menu.
Lunch Express (€10.00) may well have been good value, however, Hector was here for one Curry only – Chettinad Lamb (€14.50). Having extolled the joy of this Curry at Banana Leaf (Glasgow) last week and then having subsequently prepared my own Chettinad Masala, the Flavours of South Indian Cuisine are very much to the fore presently in Hector’s World.
Jeera Rice (€3.70) would accompany, we agreed on – Hot – at the time of ordering for the Chettinad. Hector was sorted, Marg was less fortunate. Instead of her customary lunchtime Samosa, Marg decided upon Lamb Keema Dosa (€8.70).
We are not doing Dosa – Marg was informed.
It says until 5pm – responded Marg who would have been having a first.
Mein Host suggested Lamb Naanwich (€7.60). This was accepted. A 0.75l Bottle of Sparkling Water (€3.80) completed the Order.
This would be Hector’s first Maltese Curry since 1990 when Neil and Hector found a Curry House in Qawra/Bugibba. There will be no chance of tracking that venue down again, there are plenty in Sliema/St. Julian’s to amuse even Hector this week.
Lamb Naanwich
What a plateful, the halved Naan was stuffed with Keema, Cheese and Coleslaw, the accompanying Salad and Crisps made this very much a meal.
The inside is cold and the outside is hot – was Marg’s puzzling description.
The Naan is hot but the Keema, Cheese and Coleslaw are cold – she clarified.
I expected more Keema – she added later – I liked the Coleslaw, there was too much Bread for me, but I accept it was called a Naanwich. I am willing to try new things, but I did want a Dosa.
The next two customers that arrived also asked for – Dosa. Why have this on the Menu and not serve it?
The Jeera Rice was decanted on to the cold rectangular plate. This was a sensibly sized portion of Rice, but Chef had been a bit mean with the Cumin Seeds.
Chettinad Lamb
A sliver of something green topped the Curry, nothing I recognised. One should not take Fresh Coriander and Ginger for granted. The Thickness of the Masala took me by surprise, too many venues serve a Chettinad Masala which approaches Shorva, it does not have to be this way, Hector was already impressed. Initially I thought the Meat content was woefully lacking, the Masala had covered the Meat superbly. As each piece of Lamb was arranged over the Rice so I counted, eight was reached, seven pieces were decidedly – Large – and would have to be cut. There was most certainly enough Meat present to justify the price.
The Quantity of Masala was sufficient for the accompanying Rice, there was no needless excess. At last, a Chettinad that was not Soup.
The Spice hit the palate instantly as did the lack of Seasoning. I waited for the anticipated – Chettinad Smokey – Flavours to emerge, they didn’t. Where were the customary Dark Red Chillies?
The texture of the Meat was Excellent, Tender Lamb, suitably Soft and giving off the distinctive Flavour of Lamb. But that was it, the Meat was giving back no more.
As I ate on, I released I was still hoping for more. The cold plate meant that the meal was cooling rapidly. There was no – Jeera Blast – from the remaining Rice. This was no more than a Competent Curry, I have to ask – in what way was this a Chettinad?
Marg decided to order House Chai (€1.60) without Sugar. It was still pouring outside, we were in no hurry to depart, good move. On its arrival, Marg was immediately impressed by the aroma of Cardamom. She enjoyed her Tea, for Hector it resembled a West Coast Milky IPA in terms of appearance. Each to their own.
The Bill
€31.20 (£27.37) Malta feels less expensive than it was before they joined the Euro.
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card to the Chap who cleared the table, he summoned – the Man in charge. I gave my usual spiel and showed Mein Host the Chettinad Masala I had prepared a few days ago. I have to admit that I did not attain the desired level of – Smokiness – but Marg confirmed there was some, today, none. Mein Host mentioned the term – Fusion – more than once in the ensuing conversation. Once more we have a Curry House which is serving Indian Food as they think the – Westerners – desire it. Hopefully I made it clear that if people choose to dine at an Indian Restaurant, then genuine Indian Cuisine is what they should be served, not some random derivative. Mein Host said that they are planning a – refurbishment – of the Menu in the middle of the year. I suggested that they should have Desi/Apna Dishes available.
In the meantime, if anyone is in München (Deutschland), then surely the finest Lamb Chettinad on the planet is to be found – here.
Tuk Tuk Menu extracts
