The return to My Delhi (87A Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PY England) was a given, but not for the The Emperor’s Stew (£13.50) which Mein Host, Tahmim had suggested yesterday. Hector had other things in mind.
Arriving at 12.30, Tahmim greeted me by name, then confirmed that he had spent some time reading Curry-Heute. I took the same table as yesterday, today two chaps were present throughout my stay. They had been told that My Delhi is a must visit venue.
The much needed large bottle of Sparkling Water (£360) was quickly arranged, the Order was then relayed. Today, Chef Gomez’ Croquettes (£5.75) plus Grandma’s Aloo Matar (£9.95) with a Garlic Chilli Naan (£3.10).
Croquettes? Hector enjoys a good Croquette. A Vegetable Curry? I have seen enough Lamb in the last week. A Garlic Naan? A risk perhaps, we’ll see.
Tahmim told me the food would come when it was ready, in effect he was telling me not to expect the Croquettes as a Starter. As long as the Naan doesn’t arrive after the Curry, all should be fine. We discussed the Curry of the cities of Northern England. Tahmim recognised that Bradford and Manchester are the kings.
All of the food arrived together.
Chef Gomez’ Croquettes
I didn’t ask who Chef Gomez was, I was only interested in the contents of the two chunky Croquettes, Chicken Tikka, Potato and Cheese were in the mix. There was a wee kick which came as a bit of a surprise. The Croquettes were suitably moist which was just as well.
When I dipped a piece into the Chilli Dip, major disappointment. This was the too common Sweet Chilli Dip which I cannot stand. Fortunately, the Croquettes themselves were more than satisfying.
After I had finished my Starter, Tahmim brought an alternative, a PeriPeri based Dip, this would have been a much better accompaniment, for Hector anyway.
The Naan was served in quarters, it was difficult therefore to judge its size. It had risen well and was puffy. I tend to avoid Garlic on a Naan as it can dominate all, today’s was well judged. This Naan would work well with the Masala.
*
Grandma’s Aloo Matar
Ginger Strips, a threat of Coriander plus Salad Cress (!) topped the Soupy Masala. Maybe it has to be accepted that this style of blended Masala is what the majority see as – Curry. Hector may have other ideas.
The quantity of Solids was on a par with any Meat Curry. The Potatoes were small and sliced, resembling Sausage in some ways. They were well cooked, but I didn’t feel that they had been given enough time to absorb the Flavours from the Masala. It was therefore the abundant Peas which stood out as being the source of the complementary Flavour to the Masala. A solitary Cumin Seed was encountered, giving a single tasty blast. Maybe more of these could have been added?
The Spice Level was certainly satisfying, well above medium, the Seasoning well pitched. The heather was not being set on fire, more was required from the Potato.
As I typically have a Vegetable Curry as a side to a Lamb/Fish Curry, I forget that man can be filled by Vegetables alone. Around three quarters of the Naan was consumed before I had to accept defeat. Filling – this Curry certainly was, Aloo Matar, and I didn’t miss the Keema.
The Bill
£24.64 … including the optional 10% service charge.
The Aftermath
Tahmim was busy as I departed, we’ll meet again.
When I met up with The Company afterwards, Craig and Yvonne confirmed that they had come here last night. Yvonne had the Delhi Kadhai Gosht (£12.50), and guess what? This Karahi was served with no visible Capsicum!