How good can a day be? Firstly we’re not at home suffering the constraints of life in Central Scotland, though as of tomorrow, masks must be worn by all in the street. I think we’ll cope. Still, the Covid numbers in Hellas are a fraction of those in the UK. An Italian Pickpocket team were foiled by Hector on the Metro, they were shamed. I shall hopefully write about an Athena Craft Brewery elsewhere and rave about the wonder that is Dr. Haze by Strange Brew. Then the most favourable the football results, note the plural, and a goal by Kemar Roofe which will be shown forever. Prior to all of this was another Curry which left me wondering why the people of Athena go to Mainstream restaurants when the Curry Cafe scene is so vibrant.
Today, it was a return to Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House (Sapfous 5, Athina 105 53) which is the sister shop to Pak Taka Tak who again impressed two days ago. The intention was to enjoy another modest portion of Kofta Anda, alas, not to be. The chap who greeted and subsequently served us, talked me through the dishes on display: Beef Karahi (€4.00), Karahi Gosht (€4.00) and Keema Matar (€4.00).
Pak Tikka Shop was described to me on my first visit as the – not so spicy – outlet. This was the same Fayre as on offer around the corner two days ago. Mein Host insisted I photograph the remaining Dishes: Chicken Pulao (€3.00) and the various Meats. I returned to the table to inform my fellow diners that I was having the Keema Matar (€4.00). Clive would join me. Marg enjoyed her Vegetable Samosa (€1.00) here last time, two for Marg. Maggie chose the Chicken Pulao. Two Naans completed the Order. It was only on turning the Menu over that the strength of connection between the two houses was revealed. Same kitchen, same Chefs? Time will tell, or a hopefully chatty waiter.
A bottle of Water was brought, accompanied by just the one portion each of Salad and Raita. Marg took control of the Salad, none for Hector. If there’s going to be Salad on this trip, at least make it – Greek.
Keema Matar
This was presented on a plate, not the karahi as in the sister shop. The portion was also appreciably smaller, but this suited Hector. Curry so early? Not even in Manchester. The appearance of the Keema Mutter impressed. Brown, sufficient moisture to consider there being a Masala, the Oil had been left in the tray. There were enough Coriander leaves and stems to confirm the presence of the Herb.
As always, I had to complete the photographic ritual before tucking in. Time to mention the Bread. Three Naans arrived, hot, light and fluffy. As described on my previous visit, the best of both worlds. These Naan are beyond what we would consider – Naan – to be, instead, top quality Pitta, the likes of which is not served in Greece but I have enjoyed over the decades in Israel. Magnificent Bread, and only pennies charged.
Marg was already dipping Naan into my Keema Mutter, she declared it to be much Spicier than she had been served in Pak Taka Tak. Finally, Hector was ready.
Wow! Spice indeed, and the Seasoning. This was outstanding. Every mouthful revealed a burst of Flavour. The huge Coriander blast was followed by Cinnamon. Green Cardamom and whole Black Peppercorns were bitten into, the latter enjoyed. This Curry offered so much. Look back at the Oil in the top right container, this had been withheld. What sat before me was simply perfection, and the Naan just made it even better.
Clive had all this plus a plateful of Salad, courtesy of Marg. Clive acknowledged the Spice and the Flavour, otherwise, he was too engaged to comment.
Vegetable Samosa
An impressive size, the pastry looked fresh and flaky. With the Salad and Raita, Marg had an elegant sufficiency, a lunch.
I had a good helping of the salad with pieces of cucumber and Mediterranean tomato. I used the Raita to give moisture to the two Samosas. The Samosas were fairly spicy, not too bad (eh?), mainly potato with herbs, a change.
Chicken Pulao
Two unrecognisable chunks of Tandoori Chicken sat atop a mass of Rice. Popular in the Curry Cafes at home, I tend to use this Dish as a means of securing Rice to accompany my Curry. On its own it does look a bit – dry – in the unwelcome sense of the word. The Raita would be a necessary accompaniment. Maggie was happy with her lot:
Lots of rice, peppercorns exploding in my mouth. Not sure what piece of chicken I had … two legs fused together somehow.
The citizens of Athena do not know what they are missing.
The Bill
€15.50 (£13.22) Here, one does pay for the extras, however, this was for four people, still fantastic value.
The Aftermath
It felt a bit previous to ask for photos of the staff, Mein Host was happy to let me photograph the serving area and pointed to the shop title as I did so. A happy chap who speaks better English than anyone at Pak Taka Tak.
We headed through the back streets towards Omonia via Geraniou, passing some of the original venues which sparked the concentration of Curry Cafes in this area. 
Pak Punjab Kabab House is not yet on Google, so no address yet. Punjab, Hector’s level of excitement rose. I went in to study the Fayre, same old same old, Karahi Gosht, Keema and Chicken Pulao.
Around the corner, another venue I may have spotted previously. Today, Hector boldly went where no white man had gone before.
The customers gave me strange looks as I walked straight up to the counter in Makkah Restaurant – Halal (15, Anaxagora 13, Athina 105 52). Something seriously dark sat on the right, I daren’t ask what cut of Meat this was. The tray on the left had something lighter and visibly more complex. Chicken? – I asked. Fish – was the reply.
I’ll be back.
This Fish Curry looks wonderful.
Update
A quote from Clive:
One of the best Keema Mutter I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few.