Two days only in Bratislava and Hector was not leaving without once more enjoying the two truly outstanding Curry Dishes previously enjoyed at Lahore Pakistani & Indian Restaurant (Svätoplukova 49, 821 08 Bratislava Slovakia): Beef Karahi (€5.40) and Fish Curry (€4.50). I arrived at 13.30 as I promised yesterday. Once more Chef/Mein Host and his assistant were present. It was time for introductions, Rashid and Austin, respectively.
Rashid sat and chatted before taking the Order. Rashid informed me that he had phoned his assistant Chef, presently in India, to tell him he was missing a photo opperchancity. People want to appear on Curry-Heute? Rashid also told me that he has had customers choosing his Restaurant having read the review of Visit #1. Hopefully after three reviews, more will come. Then there’s the bonus I shall reveal later.
To broaden the coverage of the Fayre, I added Daal Makhani (€3.90) plus Rice. Jeera Rice (€0.90) is on the Menu, I don’t think the Standard Rice has been charged for on previous visits. Rashid wondered if there was enough Daal Makhani available, there was no update, I assumed all was well.
I had a Fanta (€1.30) whilst I waited. Thankfully, the wait was appreciably shorter than yesterday. Rashid brought the food, the moment had to be captured.
The Dishes were arranged on the table, I knew exactly the order in which I would tackle each.
I arranged the majority of the Rice on my plate and then each of the three Dishes, there was more Rice than I would manage, and probably more Curry!
Rashid sat opposite at the adjacent table, he was going to keep me company throughout the meal. Watching my pleasure, would be his pleasure. We would chat throughout, however, the Curry experience has to be described.
Beef Karahi – Pakistani Style
A generous sprinkling of Coriander Leaves plus Ginger Strips topped the Curry which made Hector so keen to get back here. The delightfully Thick, and not excessive Masala, shrouded Meat which I counted into double figures. This was far from a Tapas portion, I was happy to receive so much.
Oh yes! – was my reaction to the first mouthful. Rashid may have been relieved, but why? His Curry is way above the – Mainstream, this is Desi/Apna Cuisine, such a rarity in Continental Europe. This, Dear Reader, is why if one is in Bratislava, Lahore Pakistani & Indian must be visited, at least once.
The Seasoning, the Flavours, the Masala, all were up to the standards demanded by Curry-Heute. The Meat was – Soft, Tender, a delight to eat. I thoroughly recommend the Beef Karahi, and do ask for it – Pakistani Style.
Daal Makhni
Mostly Daal Makhni – said Rashid when he brought it. Dark and Thick, there were larger Pulses than the typical Daal. In appearance, this looked like a Vegetable Chilli.
A Dry, Earthy Flavour was to the fore. I had intended using this as a break between the two – Meat – courses, but having sampled a Soupçon whilst eating the Beef Karahi, it proved to be irresistible. The important Seasoning was again well pitched. The Spice Level crept up, there was an underlying – Smokey – Flavour. Rashid described his use of whole Black Cardamom. This Daal Makhni was way Thicker than the usual Soupy, Creamy Daal which the majority of premises serve. Has a new – Standard – been set?
Fish Curry
Having thoroughly enjoyed this Curry yesterday, this was identical. The Curry-Heute Test had been passed, twice today. I relayed my experiences of Fish Curry to Rashid, and how difficult it is to find a well-seasoned Fish Curry that truly tastes of Fish. I asked what sort of – Fish – this was. He did not know the translation and asked Austin who was also sitting with us by this time. Austin knew not either, and so it remains another – Masala Fish.
Even with the help of another Fanta, I knew I would never finish all that remained before me. It was time for damage limitation. The Beef Karahi was long gone, about half of each of the other Dishes remained. The Daal Makhni had to be abandoned. I was emphatic that there was nothing wrong with it, the opposite holds.
Our discussion covered many topics: the number of Restaurants reviewed and the extent of countries covered in Curry-Heute. Rashid suggested I should visit Pakistan, the Truck Restaurants in particular. Never say – never. Rashid also suggested that, in time, he may look for more central premises with better parking.
The Bill
There wasn’t one. Rashid was happy to cook for me. The €20.00 tip left on the table was accepted.
The Aftermath
We bade farewell. Who knows when Hector will be back in Bratislava? One thing is certain, a return to – Lahore Pakistani & Indian Restaurant – will be mandatory. This is a special place. To further emphasise this, I have added Lahore Pakistani & Indian Restaurant to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – which means a stand alone page featuring all the Dishes enjoyed so far, plus the full Menu.