Curry in Newcastle, it’s been a while. Craig and Yvonne have previously visited My Delhi (87A Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PY England) and planned to return this evening. Hector was the first customer of the day, arriving at 12.45.
It’s hot outside – remarked Tahmim, Mein Host, as he showed me to my table. Today is the first of two unusually hot days in the UK. 34ºC is fun, we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
A large bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.60) was quickly arranged. Served with a glass of ice, just what was required, and great value when one compares this to what I have been paying for smaller bottles of late.
The menu features many snacks, or – Street Plates – as they are called here. Having dismissed the Chicken Curry variants, the Delhi Kadhai Gosht (£12.50) was considered briefly, having read the description, I decided – I wasn’t going there again.
The Emperor’s Stew (£13.50) appears to be a Nihari but without the bone. I had seen a photo online of the Railway Station Lamb Curry (£12.50), a Soupy Curry, OK let’s go for it. Dum Pilau Rice (£3.25) completed the Order. A Tandoori Roti (£2.75), I think not.
Once the Order had been relayed to the kitchen, Tahmim was happy to chat. The Calling Card was issued early. Another member of staff arrived, and that was it until the moment of my departure when two chaps took an adjacent table. Spicy food on a hot day is just what the body needs. I posted on a well known social medium that I would go in search of a tea house afterwards, as if.
I can smell the Coconut – I told Tahmim as he placed the Curry and Rice on the table. The Rice had Cumin Seeds mixed through, I would later find a Green Cardamom which I conclude was also in there. A sensible portion, I would manage the lot.
Railway Station Lamb Curry
A Creamy, Soupy Curry with Coconut, maybe the heat outside was affecting Hector’s judgement. Hector quite simply does not order Curry like this, except when he does.
Topped with fresh Curry Leaves, which I tend to set aside, this was going to be a meal of Meat and Masala, no Interesting Vegetable. Maybe the Dum Pilau would play its part. Seven pieces of Meat, not a huge portion, however this proved to be quite sufficient.
The aroma was powerful, a pleasing Smokiness hit the palate. With no dried Red Chillies visible, I put this down to the Coconut, but when a Curry Leaf was taken in error, also! Here was the source, how have I missed this through the years? I have used dried Curry Leaves in my own cooking, never knew why. Nigella/Onion Seeds were mixed through the Creamy Masala, then there was the Cumin, a lot going on here. This was a Spicy Curry, but I do not refer to the – heat – which was moderate.
The Meat gave off a huge, well Seasoned, blast of Flavour, Hector was won over, this unusual choice was giving great satisfaction. The majority of the eating was Masala and Rice, yet I found myself with four pieces of Lamb near the end, had I miscounted? It’s hot outside.
I’m glad I discovered My Delhi.
The Bill
£21.29 I was going to offer a tip when it was pointed out this included a 10% service charge. An optional service charge.
The Aftermath
Tahmim offered to make me a Desi version of The Emperor’s Stew should I return. Tomorrow sounds like an opperchancity. This looks interesting also.
Menu extracts
