Friday night is – Curry Night. But why not every night? Steve and Louise agreed to meet for Curry this evening in Lisbon, they happened to be in the same city at the same time, strange. Who planned this? Having enjoyed the authenticity of the Curry Houses closer to the – Curry Cafe – end of the spectrum this week, it time to satisfy Marg’s preference for somewhere with – ambience. Hector was going – Mainstream.
Ganesha Palace (Av. Álvares Cabral 48, 1250-018 Lisboa, Portugal) ticked the boxes, it was also hopefully a downhill walk from there to our final calling point of the day – Cerveteca Lisboa.
A well chosen bus took us almost door to door from the disappointing Quimera Brewpub up the steep slopes to Ganesha Palace. Steve and Louise arrived simultaneously on foot from the opposite direction. It was a few minutes before 20.00.
Ganesha Palace seemed huge in comparison to the venues visited earlier in the week. The seating area nearest the door was empty, the few tables occupied were well inside. We were casually shown to a table in the middle of the room, in the midst of the other diners, a cluster of Curry eaters. Or maybe not. The waiter asked us if we wished the Indian Menu or Italian Menu. Steve thought that a strange combination, I pointed out that Clydebank’s very own – Diva – is similarly set up.
Having seen a photo online of the Fish Masala (€8.95), I knew I was having this tonight. That I stuck to my plan is remarkable. Marg and I took the ferry across to Almada this afternoon, we stopped for lunch in Cacilhas. A suitable Portuguese Restaurant (Cova Funda) was selected, I persuaded Marg to share the Fish Stew (€22.00). What came will never be forgotten.
One can never have too much Fish. Marg may laugh at this, one day.
Marg declared early, Keema Muttar (€9.50) with a Tandoori Roti (€1.50). Louise said she would have – my usual Rogen Josh (€9.50) which she chose from the list of Lamb Dishes. Steve took his time before announcing his customary Lamb Madras (€9.50). They would share a Garlic Naan €1.75) and Pulaw Rice (3.95). I had already decided upon Mushroom Rice (€2.95).
That the Pulaw was a Euro more than the Mushroom Rice puzzled. The Fish Curry was a Euro cheaper than all three Meat Dishes which, I feel, is how it should be. This is not so in the UK.
Marg and I would share a large bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.95) whilst Steve and Louise chose the Bier on tap (€3.50).
No Starters, given the size of our lunch, a Main Course would be a challenge. As ever, I asked the Waiter to ensure that no Capsicum would appear in my Fish Masala. He then thought I wanted them. No! As an ingredient, Capsicum was mentioned in quite a few Dishes, but not the Fish Masala. Sorted. He asked Marg if one Roti was enough. She insisted thus.
Poppadoms and Dips were brought, I did not partake.
There was time to take the camera on a tour of the premises. Two very impressive muriels (sic) impressed, – Rajahstan – was as close as our waiter would identify the huge fortification above the lake. The palaces at the foot, and on top of the mesa, impressed also.
When will Hector return to India?
The Rice portions were easily enough to share. Marg was having none, especially after she was presented with two Rotis, both halved.
The Mushroom Rice had Onions present also. The Rice had been lightly spiced, tasty. When I see Mushrooms with this texture I always think – tinned. Possibly they were. The Pulaw had Peas, Green Beans and Carrots mixed through, a mini Biryani, so worth the extra. Had I known, I would have ordered Pulaw also.
The Naan also served in two pieces, was well fired, puffy and had a decent amount of Coriander on top. Louise described the Naan as – garlicky and light.
Fish Masala
One Ginger Strip protruded from the Thick Masala which was worryingly – Red. Fresh Coriander had been sprinkled on top at the time of serving. The darker specks suggested that some might have latterly been cooked in. Having arranged the Rice on my plate, I decanted the Curry. At this point the waiter approached with a soupçon of – something Spicy. This should be standard practice in Restaurants.
The Masala had more than a hint of creaminess about it. The Menu had promised a – thick sauce – I most certainly had one. Thinking back to the thinnest of Shorva I saw presented to the adjacent diners yesterday at Caxemira, the Masala before me this evening was why I had chosen Ganesha Palace. The Spice Level was not in the face, it built slowly. I took some of the Green Chilli Sauce but found it made little difference, Hector already had a Spicy Curry. The Seasoning in my Fish Stew at lunchtime was way down, the Masala here was well judged. The Fish was still white inside after being cooked, it remained suitably firm. This was a worthy, but still – Mainstream Fish Curry, even these can be hard to find. Had Hector, in effect, ordered – Fish Tikka Masala?
The customary photo of Hector’s Curry on top of the Rice was omitted. The photo with Marg does capture it. Day #6, is Hector getting tired?
Keema Muttar
The quantity impressed, this was quite a potful. Again the redness was a bit off-putting. I noted some Oil had collected in the pot once Marg had removed the top third. This Keema Muttar was slightly wetter than the optimum, however, I did not hear Marg complain. Marg’s verdict:
It was very rich, very tasty. I liked that it was kept hot by the candle (under the pot). The Rotis were crisp. It was a lovely balance between the moistness of the meat and the crispy Roti. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would have it again.
Lamb Madras
The thickness of the sauce in the Fish Masala became even more apparent when I studied Steve’s Lamb Madras. This Masala was – Thin – yet it was far from Shorva. The same – Red – was evident across all the Dishes this evening. There is no need for this.
Steve emitted many positive comments as he ate, it was clear he was enjoying his Curry:
Lamb was tender, sauce was tomatoey and garlicky, good strength, delicious overall.
Rogen Josh
From my perspective, this was the same as the Madras, but with a blob of cream spooned in before leaving the kitchen.
Louise enjoyed her Curry also:
Very tender, melt in your mouth (Meat).
So, four happy diners, I must admit the prices were excellent for the size of portion. This was a genuine Restaurant and was cheaper than many a Curry Cafe. Marg prolonged our stay by ordering a Coffee (€1.95). Did she know that Cerveteca Lisboa only sells Bier, nothing else?
The Bill
€63.00 (£53.85) We were charged for the second Roti.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed over to the chap who had served us most. He told us to wait then returned with a bottle and four glasses. We were treated to an Almond/Marzipan Liqueur.
I wonder if anyone did come to Ganesha Palace and order Pasta this evening.
The walk to Cerveteca Lisboa was downhill until we reached the final block. We are getting to know Lisbon well.
Four Curry days in Lisboa, the standard of Curry was beyond most mainland European nations. Vasco da Gama, I thank you. Where is your statue?
Menu (extracts)
