Athena – Buddha Indian Restaurant – A Very Satisfying Fish Curry

Having watched Indian Tandoori Masala being developed only a few years back, it was surprising to see that it had been re-branded as Buddha Indian Restaurant (Karaiskaki 15 & Aisopou 2, Psiri, Athena Hellas). Buddha was so close to our accommodation just off Iroon Square in Psyri that we were passing by three or four times daily. On stopping to study the Menu on display outside, the possibility of Fish Curry had me hooked. The Curry Cafes in the environs of Gernaiou would have to wait.

Curry-Heute was later today, at 13.30. Marg had me up and out earlier this morning in an attempt to have our room made over. Blogging on a Sunday morning in Athena, what a life.

Two waiters were outside to greet and staff the outside tables, as I thought. On walking into the premises, the solitary table was out of commission, a chap behind the counter told me that we would have to sit outside. This is something I try to avoid, at busy venues people can light up at an adjacent table and ruin one’s meal. Buddha was appropriately quiet this Sunday lunchtime, there was plenty of breathing space.

The Waiter brought a large bottle of Still Water along with the Menu. On seeing the availability of Sparkling Water we exchanged it.

Marg decided to have Vegetable Soup (6.00), she had breakfasted earlier.

Fish Curry (€10.00) or Fish Vindaloo Curry (€10.00) were Hector’s choices. Lemon Curry? No thanks, though fans of Monty Python may think otherwise. The – homemade mustard sauce – did not sound like a – Vindaloo – no Wine/Potato. The Fish Curry at least had the expected Onion and Tomato base. I asked the Waiter which had the more Flavour, Fish Curry it would be. Damn, I don’t get the opperchancity to slag off a Curry for not being what it should be. Just to be safe, I showed a photo from a page in Curry-Heute and asked that no Capsicum would appear in my Curry. The Waiter was fairly sure that these were not featured in their Fish Curry. To accompany, Hector fancied Mushroom Rice (€5.00). Having literally paid pennies for Bread in recent days, this was an abrupt reminder of – Restaurant prices.

Vegetable Soup

Too often I have had to describe a Curry as – Soup. However, when one orders a Shorva, then that is what one expects. Broad Beans, Peas, Spring Onion and Lemon Leaves were present, we had to ask for verification of the foliage. A wedge of Lemon accompanied, Marg squeezed this into her bowl. (some Rice found its way in later)

Thin, a very full bowl of hot and slightly spicy vegetables – was Marg’s description. So definitely not up to the standard of Hector’s home-made Soup then. (Thick & Spicy!)

Mushroom Rice

There was easily enough Rice for two, so even after Marg tried to thicken her Soup, quite a substantial quantity would be left. Being on the Mediterranean, the Mushrooms were tinned. This I didn’t mind, the pieces were large, whereas I do not enjoy tinned Button Mushrooms. The Rice would work well with the Fish Curry, a good choice.

Fish Curry

Welcome back to the land of Mainstream Curry. This was markedly different from the Desi-style Curry which Hector has been enjoying in the nearby Curry Cafes over the last three days. As I decanted the Fish and Masala so a significant Oily residue formed on the base of the pot. This was not necessarily a bad thing. I counted eight large pieces of Fish, most would be halved, so for once (in a while) Hector was having a decent portion of Fish Curry.

The Fish was firm and thankfully far from the dreaded – rubber – that too many venues dish out. Tilapia was my guess. It was certainly – Masala Fish! The Masala was not over abundant due to the pot being so full of Fish. Finely chopped Onions had been added into what looked like a blended base sauce. Ginger Strips were also in abundance. This had the appearance of a better than average Fish Curry.

Having agreed on – Spicy – at the time of ordering, the level did not disappoint. More importantly, Hector had a Well Seasoned Fish Curry! How Chefs can serve a Fish Curry which doesn’t taste as if any part of it originated in the sea, still baffles. The Flavour from the Fish was noted as – Powerful. My final note on the Fish was – endless. Compare this with the Fish Curry served recently in Bamberg.

Green Cardamom and flecks of Herb were mixed in the Masala. The combination of the Masala, Fish and copious Ginger Strips made for a very impressive blend of Flavours. This was a very satisfying Fish Curry, and I had to come to Athena to get it. Why can Glasgow Curry Houses not produce something this good? (Akbar’s aside, and they’re a Bradford chain.)

The Bill

€26.00 (£22.82) Sterling reached a momentary high today.

The Aftermath

Firstly Marg enquired about the green leaves in her Soup. Then it was my turn, the Fish was Cod, which took me surprise. I don’t think I have ever used Cod in a Hector home-cooked Curry. Soon.

I showed photos of the previous incarnation of Buddha and asked if the people had changed, they had:

We are Indian, they were Pakistani.

I asked if I could take photos of the interior and was led upstairs to the – winter dining room. I suspect they then must have some tables in place at street level else the place would always appear to be empty.