There had to be a quick return to the newly discovered Punjabi Tikka (Nikiforou 1, Athina 104 37 Hellas). This was only my fourth and final Curry of this ten day trip to Hellas/Greece. Only? This is Hector showing restraint. Also, there are just too many excellent Curry Cafes to get around in one stay.
Today it was just Marg and Hector. The Curry was also at Hector’s preferred time of 15.00. Again we took a table outside, this time in the corner. The chap who greeted looked familiar, I would consult a well known and reliable Curry Blog. The tall waiter who served us two days ago was on form once again. A paper tablecloth was spread across the recently wiped table. Hector going posh? The only other diners to get this treatment were a group of four Greeks who sat quite a bit from us. The rest had to make do.
On Tuesday, I hadn’t spotted Keema amongst the array of oily trays on show. I asked, Keema (€4.00) was available. I then thought I would test my luck – Kofta Anda?
Only on Saturdays, it’s special.
Marg was up for Keema too, what a surprise. Today, I did not feel like a mass of Meat, nor Rice. The excellent Roti (€0.30) served last time would accompany.
Once again, half litres bottles of Still Water were provided along with Raita and this time, a Salad. Marg took some of the Salad, we knew the Green Olives would be bitter.
Was the chap I – recognised – from Paka Taka Shop – Grill House? I checked back through each of my visits, no staff photo. One thing I can confirm, Bus A13 to Omonia stops almost at the door.
Keema Matar
The Oil stands out. The best Keema have just enough moistness, no more. Fortunately, the karahi were big enough to let the contents sit at an angle, thus gravity would do us a favour. For once, Rice with a Keema may have been the better option.
Three Roti were provided. Large, light, fluffy, these Roti were nothing like those served at home – which tend to crisp. How would we manage three?
Peas were abundant, Ginger Strips and chopped Coriander were in the mix. Black Peppercorns popped up every so often. The Flavour was up to the standard expected after Tuesday’s Beef Karahi. The Spice Level seemed to grow. Both of us coughed.
The Flavours kept developing on the palate. Marg found a couple of pieces of Meat which were decidedly larger than – Mince. These were set aside. A €4.00 Curry, nobody was expecting Gordon Blue (sic).
What was I tasting? Other than the ingredients I have listed, it was impossible to work out what was giving this Keema its own distinctiveness. At the end, there was nothing but a sense of satisfaction, and a wee puddle of Oil.
Oh, the Bread. Once again a passing beggar was fed.
Marg appeared to enjoy her Keema as much as I did:
Rich in flavour with recommended ginger strips. Some fatty parts that I avoided along with the extra ghee. Enjoyed with my small helping of Salad and Raita.
The Bill
€10.00 (£8.48) In Aberdoom, one could have paid this for the Bread alone.
The Aftermath
Our waiter was quite chatty. He then brought over his colleague, this was the chap from Pak Taka Shop – Grill House who had looked after us last year. There, he was quite exuberant, at Punjabi Tikka, evidently not. He has worked here for the last year, since Punjabi Tikka opened, if I understood him correctly.
There had to be a photo, our waiter opted out. Still, next time we shall definitely remember them both.
