Steve and Louise declared their intention to join yesterday’s four for lunch at Pak Taka Tak Restaurant (Pl. Theatrou 24, Athina 105 52). Steve was present when Marg stumbled across their original premises at the foot of the incline from where they are now located. On entering at the agreed time, 13.00, the tables were distinctly fewer than on previous visits. When I relayed that we would be six diners, upstairs became the solution.
Upstairs? A mezzanine/balcony, the first thing I did was bang my head on the ceiling. No, Hector could not stand up straight, nor could Steve and Louise when they arrived soon afterwards, and the chap who would serve us. Clive and Maggie had no issues.
The Menu remains the same, the prices remain the same. This has not been the case in the majority of Curry venues which Hector has visited – post Lockdown.
Nine days have passed since my last Lamb Curry. Karahi Gosht (€4.00) it had to be, Steve would have the same. Marg would enquire about Samosas. Somehow, the Keema Matar has grown significantly in stature since last year. Marg and Maggie share fond memories. Clive was determined to have the Keema Matar, and compare it with his home cooked version, which he holds in the highest regard. Maggie would follow suit, as did Louise who was probably wondering what sort of establishment we had led her too.
The Aloo Nan (€1.00) had to be revisited. Predictably, Clive, on hearing about the Keema Naan (€1.00) was sold on that. Steve and Louise considered Plain Nan plus Pilau Rice. Maggie mentioned Plain Rice. Having previously seen the Rice portions served here, I had my doubts.
Six half litre bottles of chilled water were brought to the table, no glasses, it’s not that sort of place. The Order was relayed, nothing was written.
Two large Salads were brought accompanied by three plates of Raita, almost a lake. Marg set about squeezing the Lemon over the Salad at our end of the table. Steve informed Marg that he doesn’t like Lemon Juice on his Salad. Marg fell for it.
Samosa
A Pair of large, chunky Vegetable Samosas were presented to Marg. They were hot, crucially, and filled with Potato and other Vegetables.
I thoroughly enjoyed the salad with plenty of lemon juice. The Raita gave my Samosa a bit of sauce – said the Samosa Queen.
Meanwhile, in Curry Land
A plateful of sensibly-sized Plain Naans were placed centre table, get stuck in. Whilst the Aloo Naan was my focus of attention, this, in fact all, had been perforated to prevent them rising, as in a Rogni Naan. Sesame Seeds had been sprinkled on top. The Potato filling was generous, not just a smear. The Seasoning here was noticeable, this was a wonderful piece of Bread.
We had more Bread on the table than the six of us would manage to eat. It’s just as well the Rice order was conveniently dropped. Somebody downstairs was switched on.
Karahi Gosht
This was one helluva serious looking Desi Curry. Whole Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and a threat of Fresh Coriander, sat amidst the Shorva-esque Masala. The Meat, served on-the-bone, was into double figures. OK, one cannot expect the best cuts of Lamb, my first piece was decidedly chewy. As I chewed, so Steve was already remarking on the tenderness of the Meat. My next piece was better, thereafter I didn’t look back. On encountering the first of two – t – shaped bones, I noted – these had to be Chops. I was gobsmacked at the Quality of Meat.
The Blended Masala had separated Oil, this is how Curry works. Mixing with the Naan gave off so much Flavour. Initially I noted the Seasoning in the Karahi as being low, that from the Naan boosted the experience, a perfect combination. I ignored the Chillies, there was already sufficient Spice. This Karahi Gosht was way above cheep’n’cheerful, this was the real deal. And what a deal, how can they serve this for €4.00?
Across the table, Louise had to watch Hector in action. I can only wonder what she was thinking – what sort of place is this he has brought me to? Well actually, it was Steve who brought Louise, and he was enjoying what will be recorded as one of the tastiest meals of this trip.
Keema Matar
… which today turned out to be Aloo Keema.
Clive was convinced he could see Peas, in fact, it was sliced Chillies which were mixed through the Mince. All remarked about the Oil, this was not the Dry Keema that the best UK Curry Cafes serve. Had the Keema been overhyped, expectation levels built too high? Apparently not.
Throughout Lockdown, Clive regaled us with a commentary on the splendour that is his home-made Keema Mutter. He was in awe of what lay before him today. This reportedly had way more Flavour, and so Clive was left to speculate as to why. In time I was able to convince him that he needs Cumin Seeds, and Cloves.
Maggie:
Oily but good – the absent Peas – too much Ghee. Intermittent spice, not too strong.
Clive:
Possibly better than mine. I liked the addition of Potato, I’ll definitely add that to mine in future. Plenty of depth of flavour which I cannot reproduce at home.
The karahi were emptied, bar the bones. Some Raita remained untouched. The plate of Plain Naans was eventually abandoned, some Salad too was declared – debris.
The Bill
€28.00 (£23.73) €20.00 was for the Curry, the remainder was for Samosas,Water, Raita, Salads and the plate of Naans.
There is no reason not to come here.
The Aftermath
I believe there is a sufficient level of recognition at Pak Taka Tak by the chap manning the counter. He has appeared in Curry-Heute through the years, so why not again?
The sister shop round the corner will have to be visited again also.