It is some five years since Curryspondent Neil made Hector aware of Needoo Grill (95 New Street, Whitechapel, London E1 1HH England). That was on the day of my first Whitechapel Curry at Lahore Kebab House. Tayyabs, around the corner from Needoo, subsequently impressed whereas Lahore One London did not. After my fourth visit to Lahore Kebab House earlier in the week, it was definitely time to try somewhere else.
Another source has many disparaging comments about Needoo Grill, some suggesting people only come here when Tayyabs is queued out, others commenting on the excessive use of Oil in the Curry. The mention of – Dry Lamb – was enough to make me take note.
Today, I had Steve for company. Our group actually peaked at thirteen yesterday, only one chose to join Hector for Curry-Heute.
A somewhat circuitous route took us to Whitechapel, the aftermath of Monday’s downpour which was nothing compared to Rheinland-Pfalz where there was devastation. Needoo Grill is only a short walk from the the tube station. We arrived at 13.30.
Two doors and two flights of stairs, Hector went left but was led to the right. The room to the left sounded busier, it was difficult to tell how many were there, magic mirrors.
Needoo Grill is a significant step up from a Curry Cafe, the young chaps serving were buzzing about, keeping themselves busy. The Menu came in an instant, three Dips followed shortly. No – Dry Lamb. We both resorted to type: Karahi Gosht (£9.95) for Hector, Lamb Madras (£9.95) for Steve.
We both chose a Lahore Tandoori Paratha (£3.20) as the accompaniment. Sparkling Water was not available, I asked for a jug of tap water, request declined. Instead, a large bottle of Still Water was ordered. Ice aplenty followed.
I declined the offer of Poppadoms (£0.99) as is my norm. Steve decided he wanted two. In the end, he ate one. Despite one Dip looking particularly fierce, I resisted all temptation, true to myself.
When the waiter brought the Curry, he couldn’t tell them apart, hopefully, I have them the right way round. The Parathas were served in quarters, for once this did not annoy, they retained the appearance of being whole. Perhaps it is bits in a basket that really disturbs the Hector. Wholemeal, flaky, layered, soft, and signs of – the swirl – excellent Paratha.
Karahi Gosht
Coriander topped a distinctly authentic, blended Masala. The Oily sheen was forming, but not in any negative way. Karahi has Oil, this was in no way excessive. The Meat count was easily into double figures, large pieces too. This was the – Small – portion, for £16.95 one could have gone – Large. That would be a challenge.
The Spice Level was well pitched, no discussion about strength had been mentioned, this more than satisfied. Another caveat which features in the majority of Curry-Heute Blogs was never raised, I trusted this venue to get to right, no – nasty green mush – was present. A single Bay Leaf was the only solid encountered apart from the Lamb. The Seasoning was below the Hector idyll, however, this Karahi was still full of Flavour. This took me back in time, the old fashioned, Earthy tastes of years gone by, traditional, in other words. The Lamb was beautifully soft, the distinctive taste of the Lamb came across. There was the sense that this Karahi had been brewing for days. Very good, but lacking the – wow – was my observation.
A new waiter must have come on duty. He acknowledged our presence, appreciating chaps out for their – fix.
All was going well then Hector hit the wall. Eating this quantity of food so early in the day is not Hector’s style. The Lamb was far from chewy yet mastication was approaching the n’th term for every piece of Meat. It became clear that I had reached my limit, the man who can devour the half kilo was beaten. The new chap observed my struggle, another waiter asked if I wished it packed for Takeaway.
I should have had the Karahi Fish Masala! Even then, I suspect the quantity would have beaten me. Fish Karahi? Next time. Fish in this Masala could be outstanding. Then there’s the Methi Lamb (£9.95). I’ll definitely be back, Needoo should become my next Whitechapel project.
Meanwhile, across the table…
Lamb Madras
A slightly lighter shade of brown, and perhaps less Oil were the distinguishing features. Had I not been in my unusual predicament I would have asked for a dip of the Masala to verify a difference. Steve assured me early on that he found the Seasoning to be – OK – but then his tolerance is well below mine. Steve’s conclusion:
Meat was very tender, spicy enough. Tomato flavour, very good, but – he agreed it lacked the – wow!
The Bill
£31.53 The £3.25 for the bottle of water was ridiculous.
The Aftermath
The army of staff bade us farewell. The service, in terms of attention, was a standout feature of the visit.
