Marg went for lunch on the balcony at M&S from where there is a view over the Sliema-Valletta ferry service. Hector wandered further along the front to Krishna (97, The Strand, SLM 1022, Sliema Malta). Mein Host was sitting with his back to the door working on some files, a colleague outside let him know a customer had entered. He showed me to a table in a booth then was straight over with the Menu.
The number of Lamb Curry Dishes to choose from impressed. Lamb Achari Masala (€11.50) nearly had me, however, after last nights dose of Methi at nearby Maharaja, there had to be more. Is Methi addictive? Lamb Alo Methi (€11.50) and a Paratha (€3.00) would be accompanied by a 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water. I noted that Rice (€4.75) was needlessly expensive.
Sky News
was on, Donald Tusk had just insulted the Brexiteers. I see no sign of Sterling recovering since the UK voted to leave the EU. I took in the surroundings, Like Maharaja and Tuk Tuk (Valletta), Krishna is the width and length of the standard Maltese shop unit. With long tables arranged down the left and four booths on the right wall, I estimated that about thirty could be accommodated inside. In summer, more could be sat under the pavement canopy.
*
A hot plate arrived moments before the food, how I could have done with this last night at Maharaja. The food was brought by one of the Chefs judging by his kitchen attire. The Paratha impressed immediately, it had – The Swirl – and was clearly Layered and Flaky, success. This was a Paratha.
Lamb Alo Methi
The small cut Lamb sat the left of the platter with the Potatoes on the right. The Masala was light brown and a bit on the Thin side. The Masala had a smooth appearance but was possibly not blended.
On the first dip of the Paratha into the Masala, one strong Spicy Flavour dominated, this has been described previously as – Packet Curry Powder Mix Flavoured – not that this was necessarily the source ingredient. If one uses a Packet Curry Powder Mix and overdoes it, then this is the Flavour one ends up with; Hector knows, having committed this crime. Curry Paste does not create this, nor does any house blended Garam Masala that Hector has encountered. The single Flavour was somewhere between – Foostie – and – Earthy – and not the most complex of taste experiences.
The Meat was Tender, the Potato had been well cooked. In the dim light I thought I thought saw Tomato Seeds in Masala, in the photo I cannot identify the tiny specks, they were not seeds. There was no blast of – Methi – despite Herbs being visible in the Masala.
Can I get you another? – asked Mein Host referring to the Paratha.
The offer was declined, only when a Paratha is too small, can Hector finish a whole one. I took the opperchancity to praise the Paratha:
This is how a Paratha should be, thank you.
Overall, the was not a – bad – Curry Experience. The Curry was edible, Spicy, and far from – bland – which is never acceptable.
The Bill
€19.50 (£17.11) €5.00 for the Sparkling Water was quite steep. What happened to the lunchtime – 20% – Happy Hour Discount – on the a la carte Menu?
The Aftermath
Mein Host, Robert, was keen to tell me that he is – The Neil Armstrong – of Curry in Malta. He was the first man to set up a Curry House on the island. His first venture was Taj Mahal which is no more.
Robert told me that he had recently visited Manchester (England) and did not like the Curry. Perhaps he should consult Curry-Heute before any return visit. Hector has not found anything on Malta that comes close to – the best of Manchester.
Menu Extracts
