I would have been here yesterday – Taste of Punjab (Beco dos Surradores 18 591, 1100-528 Lisboa, Portugal), however, a certain non-Google social media site reported it as closed on Mondays. When Marg and I passed Taste of Punjab moments after the superb Curry at Taste of Pakistan, all was forgiven. 
Punjabi Curry, Hector may have described an overwhelming preference for the cuisine from the Northwest of the Indian Subcontinent. If the reader is new to this Curry Blog, then that is how it is. When is my next Fisch Chettinad? Contradiction? Bring me Curry.
With a greater familiarity of Lisboa after three days, Hector navigated his way to Taste of Punjab by dead reckoning. As we climbed the stairs, Marg spotted the Restaurant at the top, she was impressed that I had not consulted the map. Mein Host who greeted us at the door yesterday was out for a moment, it was presumably Chef who let us choose our seats. On his return, Mein Host brought the Menu. Two Poppadoms and three Dips were on the table in a flash.
This one Spicy – Mein Host advised us in a scene which was a re-enactment of yesterday at Taste of Pakistan. Having learned the lesson quickly, this Dip was ignored, there was Tamarind, what more does a Hector need? As is the European way, the Poppadoms had embedded Cumin Seeds, so much tastier than the standard British Poppadom. If only the UK was in the EU and a law could be passed forcing British Curry Houses to adopt the – Cumin Seed.
Mein Host brought a huge illustrated Menu card identical to the one on the wall outside. I liked this, very clear, Fish Karahi (€8.90) was available, tempting. However, if I was to make a comparison with Taste of Pakistan, I felt I should repeat the same lunch. Tomorrow, Marg permitting, we shall have a Portuguese lunch two doors away from our apartment. Lamb Karahi (€8.70) and Vegetable Biryani (€7.00) it would be.
I showed Mein Host the photo of Capsicum on a well known and reliable Curry Website:
No, no, no, only in Jalfrezi.
That’s the second time I have heard that reply. Mein Host at Chilli Grill (Brussel) made the same comment back in 2018. I also note that the description for the Fish Karahi here at Taste of Punjab specifically includes – green peppers.
Today, Marg chose Vegetable Pakora (€2.50) for her modest lunch. Two 25cl bottles of Sparkling Water (€1.00) completed the Order.
Mein Host returned a few minutes later to enquire about the required Spice Level. Above medium – was agreed. Too often, this is not a consideration.
We had time to take in our surroundings. Taste of Punjab is brighter and more spacious than Taste of Pakistan, and much easier to locate. Again, there was a sense of trying to be a bit more than a Curry Cafe, but certainly far from being a Pukka Restaurant.
Whilst we waited, the still efficient Huawei pinged. The Curryspondent who goes by the moniker – Methi Freak – back in Glasgow, had just read the post for Taste of Pakistan. He suggested I should track down Kebab Mahal. This was only 110m away.
The Pakora arrived first, the Curry was not long behind.
Vegetable Pakora
Four flat, dark pieces of Pakora formed quite a portion. They looked as if they had been double fried such was their exterior. The stringy extremities suggested they had been prepared on the premises and not bought in as is the case in many establishments in the West of Scotland. Marg’s words:
Very tasty, very hot, crispy. I indulged by having some of your sauce on them as well as the creamy sauce. Filling.
Vegetable Biryani
Topped with an elaborate slice of Lemon, the Biryani was quite a plateful. At first I thought I could simply add the Curry on top. The quantity would have beaten me, I decanted. Peas and Carrots were the only Vegetables mixed through the Rice, no Potato. Cloves, Green Cardamom and a piece of Cinnamon Bark were uncovered.
The intensity of Flavour experienced yesterday at Taste of Pakistan was not there. Yesterday was one of the great Biryani moments, Hector was now back down to Earth. This was little more than a Vegetable Rice, it offered the required Diversity despite lacking the array of – Interesting Vegetables.
Lamb Karahi
The Ginger Strips on top were so large, they were almost – wedges. The Fresh Coriander was but a soupçon. Large pieces of Onion had been added in to the blended Masala. I could see the Oil already separating around the periphery of the karahi. This Lamb Karahi looked the part, such a rarity in Mainland Europe, but as I wrote yesterday, expectations in Lisboa were high.
I decanted five very large pieces of Meat, a knife would have to be employed to divide each into two or even three pieces. There was plenty of Meat in a good ratio to the Masala. Tomatoes and Aubergine were found in the Masala.
The Meat was mostly – Soft, sufficiently Tender, some chewing required in parts. Yesterday the depth of Flavour came from the Biryani which complemented the Karahi. Today was back to the norm with the Rice complementing the Curry. The Spice Level seemed low to start but grew. The Seasoning may have been a tad down, but again this was the standout in yesterday’s Biryani.
I ate on, very slowly, Hector has to take his time. The encounters with Cloves took me back to Manchester, here was a sense of the familiar. I marvelled that here I was in Lisboa eating a Curry of this quality whilst in the vast majority of Euro-outlets one has to suffer the excuse of – the locals cannot handle true Desi Cuisine. This was a damned good Curry, Marg kept coming back for more – Sauce – she enjoyed it too.
If time permits, I would like to come here and try the Fish Karahi.
The Bill
€22.00 (£18.64) I found two items labelled – cover. €2.50 and €1.50 respectively. Presumably this was for the Poppadoms and Dips though one may have been for the Pakora. Still, we were certainly charged for the Poppadoms which we had not ordered. The tip reflected this.
The Aftermath
Praise was given for the fine meal. With introductions completed, the ritual photo followed.
We headed back down the stairs towards the bus terminus. Just before it lies Kebab Mahal. I went in, Lamb Korai was on offer. Soon.
Later another comment from Methi Freak was received advising that Caxemira, on the floor above Kebab Mahal, should be investigated. There is no shortage of Curry venues in Lisboa.
Menu (extracts)
