Walking out of Sassari train station yesterday, Hector was delighted to see Indian Kebab & Food just across the road, a good omen.
I did stick my nose in later in the day, although no Curry was on display, the chap handed me a Menu, Manzo (Beef) Curry was there. Tomorrow perhaps. What has happened to all the sheep that are exported from Scotland to Italia?
The list of ingredients impresses. Hopefully – Capsico – is not one of the – Verdura Mista.
The mind was set on tracking down what looked like a proper – Indian Restaurant – rather than a – Kebap Shop – which sells Curry. Ristorante Indiano il Nababbo (Via Predda Niedda, 37, 07100 Sassari Sardegna, Italia) was a forty minute walk from our rather central accommodation in Sassari. Google Maps had Marg and Hector take a most tortuous route. All round the houses – would be an understatement, this was past the cemetery, bus depot, industrial estate, and shopping mall. An unnecessary route as we would prove later. It was 14.00 when we arrived, thankfully the midday shift ended at 15.00.
Two tables were occupied, four diners, in what turned out to be a very spacious establishment, tablecloths too. I saw the Buffet (€10.90) set up mid-room, the Waiter confirmed as we took our seats that this was all that was available.
Marg decided that she couldn’t do a Buffet justice at this time of day. Samosas were not part of the Buffet anyway. A large bottle of Acqua Frizzante (€1.50) was ordered. Marg asked for a large Cafe con Lecce, they only serve standard Coffee (€1.00). Camera in hand, I photographed everything before making my selection.
I have no knowledge of how full the trays had been at opening time. I saw enough in the Main Courses to potentially satisfy.
There were two types of Pakora on offer, Vegetable and ?. The Potato and Chana Salad could be quite refreshing I thought. There was a dark and mysterious Sauce, I had to sample this. I assembled my modest selection.
I started with the Unknown Pakora, it was lukewarm, pink inside. Under-cooked Chicken? A waft of Spice hit the palate, then I realised…
Fish Pakora
Being used to the wonder that is the Fish Pakora served straight from the pot at Yadgar (Glasgow, Scotland) it is no wonder it took me a moment to recognise this. The Fish was a bit rubbery, I was glad I had only taken one piece.
Potato & Chana Salad
I used this to cleanse the palate before tackling the Vegetable Pakora. This worked well, very Fresh, quite tasty, even the Chickpeas, which I shy away from at times.
Vegetable Pakora
The irregular shapes impressed, more authentic, well that’s how Pakora turns out when Hector makes his own. Potato, and Onion were present, however, a Herb stood out. I hoped it was Coriander but could not be sure, no – blast. Spinach, perhaps.
Tamarind Sauce
I have never seen Tamarind served as Thick as this. I would love to know how this was achieved. Tamarind is always appreciated.
Something registered as – very pleasant – as I scraped up the final ensemble. The blend of Tamarind and the Juice from the Salad worked well together. This was a fine end to the Starters.
Marg is used to me starting each element of a meal then pausing to make notes. Realising the many parts to a Buffet, for the first time ever, Marg offered to note my commentary. I could get used to this.
The Mains
Fish Curry
I had taken the last piece of Fish. There was a film of Sauce left in the container, so I am happy to review this as a – Curry.
Evidently, this was the same Fish as in the Pakora. On-the-bone and with skin intact, I approached it carefully. The Fish had been well Marinaded and Seasoned. The Spice Level was moderate as one would expect in the Buffet scenario. On finding a Lemon Slice under the Fish, I became aware of this having added a welcomed Citrus Tang. This Fish was full of Flavour, I wish I had tried to take more of the Masala.
Potato and ?
Something shrouded the Potatoes, something which could be Seeds, Daal or, as I feared, Coconut. Thankfully it was not Coconut, but Rice. This combination was Moderately Spiced. It is rice – I had Marg record, after much deliberation.
Squid and ?
I generally only eat Squid when it comes as part of Seafood Pasta/Risotto. Otherwise, I don’t get eating Squid. Today, in addition to the – Rubber Rings – something brown and mashed was present. It was significantly different from – Fish. This was giving off so much – Flavour of the Sea – tremendous. There was Spice building on the palate too.
Rings of Squid have never done anything for me, but actually these did have genuine Flavour. Any time I have eaten Squid I have found it to be quite tasteless, except for one occasion, some twenty years ago, at the Athena Greek Taverna (Glasgow, Scotland). Then the – Rubber Rings – were served in a rich Garlic Sauce. Somehow, today’s Squid had absorbed the Spice and was actually Flavoursome. One wonders how Chef managed this, Hector is still learning the magic of the kitchen, respect.
Vegetable Rice
Potatoes, Peas, and Carrot were present in the mixture that sat in the middle of the plate. The grains of Rice were a variety of sizes, some large enough to be Basmati, the remainder puzzled. Broken Basmati, or another strain?
Chef came out of the kitchen with a full tray. As I was the only diner left on the premises, he came over to our table. Gamberetto Korma – he announced. The Prawn Korma was one of the Dishes I had deliberately not sampled today. Having written off – Prawn Curry – a few weeks ago, I was hardly going to contradict myself. However, being presented with freshly made and – Hot – food, how could I refuse? I scooped a decent quantity of Prawns and placed them on the edge of my near empty plate.
Here was an opperchancity not to be missed. I handed over the Calling Card and made my usual introduction, ending with declaring my preference for Punjabi/Lahori Cuisine. I asked Chef from where he originated – Pakistan – he replied – I am from Lahore. On announcing that – Goshat Karahi – is my favourite Curry, this brought a big smile to his face. He retreated, perhaps I had made his day?
Ah, the comedy that is Curry-Heute. I am happy to negotiate selling the movie rights.
Beef Curry
Who says Hector is set in his ways? The Beef Curry was already scheduled to be next, the Prawn Korma would have to wait.
This Curry did not have the Shorva seen in the previous Sardinian outlets. Here was a much welcomed – Dry Beef Curry. One could see that the Meat had been sitting in a Spicy Marinade. I would love to have seen the Sauce that this was cooked in. I suspect Yoghurt could have featured. The Spice Level was moderate, the Beef was well Seasoned. A bit chewy – I had Marg record, but far from tough.
Gamberetto (Prawn) Korma
Given that everything else I had eaten today was – lukewarm – this was a bonus. Hector eating Prawn Korma, the comedy continues. This Korma had no Coconut overdose! Yay! It was probably the Spiciest of today’s selection. The Minimal Creamy Masala was again the antithesis of the preferred Hector Curry. These Prawns were giving off an impressive level of Flavour. Here was a combination of Prawns and Spices the likes of which I have never experienced. This must be the first time ever, Hector can write with enthusiasm about a Prawn Curry. First the Squid, now the Prawns, what else is Chef capable of? And is Hector spiraling down the road to actually enjoying a Chicken Curry? Calm.
Chef came over again to take his bow. Spicy, I like Spicy – was my positive piece of encouragement. I wonder whose choice it is to serve Buffet only at lunchtimes. The website for il Nababbo shows a full Menu featuring Fish, Beef, Chicken and Mutton. Mutton Karahi (€9.00) could be interesting. Do they still do a la carte?
In other sources, I have read many over-the-top criticisms of il Nababo, I can only speculate as to the agenda of others. Curry-Heute always reports a true and fair view of what is experienced in terms of Food and Service. Today I enjoyed a diverse range of Flavours and Textures, with Spice building throughout. This is what I seek when I have – Curry.
The Bill
€14.90 (13.42) Sterling hit a new low today. Thanks once again for all those who have devalued my pension by voting for uncertainty.
The Aftermath
The Waiter was happy to pose also on receipt of a Calling Card. And so the trek back to the heart of Sassari commenced. There is not a lot to see in this town in terms of history, the Fontana di Rosello is the symbol of the town, dating from 1795.
What did the Romans ever do for Sassari?
Update – July 11th, 2019
After an excursion to the archaeological site of – Nuraghe Palmavera – outside Alghero, it was back to Sassari in time for the 16.00 re-opening of Indian Kebab & Food. Having walked many kilometres today, the reward had to be Curry.
The door was locked, – back soon – said the sign. We waited, and waited, then went for sustenance. At 16.45 we returned. I asked for the Manzo al Curry, instead I was offered Chicken Biryani. There was no Curry, so why advertise it? Hector does not like when – The Curry Rule – is broken. So, there’s only one source of Curry in Sassari. Time to move on.