Dr. Stan had us search for a Bar which is rarely open, tonight once again, it wasn’t. The walk to DOK, our final port of call each night, took us past Punjab Tandoori (Sleepstraat 67, 9000 Gent, Belgium) which has been closed for the last two lunchtimes despite the times on the door suggesting otherwise. Finally it was open so there had be another Curry-Heute. The Karahi Gosht (€17.00) impressed so much last year, Hector was not missing out on a repeat. As I took the same seat Howard entered, he must have been hungry.
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I had to holler to the kitchen to inform Mein Host that we were here, he was busy preparing a stream of Takeaways which his driver then delivered. We would be the only sit in customers.
The Menu was brought, I showed Mein Host his photo from last year. The Order was given – no groene peper – and – Spicy – were noted. Rice would be inclusive. I asked for a large bottle of Sparkling Water (€6.00), Howard asked for Still, the latter never came. Mein Host did agree that it was better to order a large bottle than two small ones.
Poppadoms and three Dips were provided. The Poppadoms had the embedded Cumin Seeds which makes them much tastier than those served in the UK. The Dips impressed, a good kick from the Lime Pickle, the Cucumber in the Raita added extra. The table was then cleared to make way for the Mains.
A mountain of Basmati was placed in the centre of the table. Howard took some, I took exactly what I knew I would eat. About half of the Rice would be left, a complete waste of food.
Karahi Gosht
Topped with Fresh Coriander, the Karahi Gosht comprised of eight large pieces of Meat in a blended Masala. Rice did feel to be appropriate for this Karahi, in the UK one would always have Bread. Had we ordered Bread, then all of the Rice would no doubt have been wasted.
Howard had started eating whilst I was completing the photographic ritual.
It’s OK – was his first comment, followed minutes later by – I’m not getting much from this. That was a worry, last year I had been served a – Superb – Curry, I put it down to the Seasoning. Tonight the Seasoning was decidedly lacking, as a result, Flavoursome as this Curry was, it was never going to impress as much.
A Salad was brought some minutes later, we could have enjoyed it more with the Poppadoms and Dips.
Each piece of Meat had to be halved, so quantity wise this was a filling meal. Some of the Meat was a bit chewy, when one ate the sinews it was a bit gristly. This I had also experienced at India Palace two days ago, is this down to the Gent butcher?
This Curry was light years ahead of the usual Euro Curry, I was enjoying it regardless of it not being as outstanding as last time. Perhaps I had built up my level of expectation to much.
Howard was less forgiving:
Spice level excellent, Lamb chewy, didn’t get a big flavour hit from the sauce or the Lamb, a disappointment.
We had basically finished when Mein Host came through to ask the customary question. He finished with – would you like more rice? Seriously, how much Rice do people in Europe eat?
The Bill
€40.00 (£35.71) The exchange rate still hurts.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was busy in the kitchen so there was no farewell. For the next hour or so, I had a very warm and satisfying taste in my mouth. This remained until I tried a – Sour at DOK Brewing. Howard tried something else and remarked – I’m not getting much from this.
You said that two hours ago – I interjected. We concluded that Howard’s taste buds were shot this evening.