Newcastle upon Tyne – Spice of Punjab – Eureka!

After a long, hot day drinking lots of liquids to stay hydrated, it was time to call it a night. Having had a Vegetable Curry for lunch at My Delhi, Hector the Carnivore was chomping at the bit. Yes, it was time for a late night Kebap! I did a search for a Kebap Shop near The Bodega which was en route back to t’Travelodge.

Up popped – Spice of Punjab (22 Westmorland Rd., Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EG England), not highly rated on Google Maps, and previously dismissed by Hector as it is not open at lunchtime. It appeared that there was a simple choice of Curry – Chicken or Lamb. Hector had to investigate.

Prior to each of my visits to Newcastle, I have searched for a Curry Cafe, nothing resembling Glasgow or Manchester was revealing itself. A city this size surely had one? Spice of Punjab, straight to the point, if it has Punjabi Cuisine, Hector should like it.

With Josh in tow, and making his debut on Curry-Heute, we entered what was a seriously busy Kebap Shop at 23.30. The three booth tables were being partly occupied by people waiting for Takeaway. On making it clear that we were sitting in, a chap gave way. I ordered the Lamb Curry (£6.99) and two Fantas. The drinks machines at t’Travelodge were empty when I left at lunchtime, no chances were being taken. I was asked if I wanted – extras – but was given no advice as to what they might have been. Served with salad & Nan bread – it said on the board. Enough, surely?

The Bill

£9.00 paid in advance

Josh went up to order a Donner Kebap and Chips. He’s a young boy, still growing.

We waited and watched the steady stream of customers come and go. Clearly this was a popular place, so why so low a rating? As ever, bad reviews from people who had ordered online and waited hours for delivery. I still question the merits of food delivery.

We seemed to be waiting an extraordinary amount of time. At 23.50 there was still no sign of anything coming, Josh’s order could have been presented. Mein Host held up a slice of processed Cheese and called over to Josh. Josh hadn’t ordered a Burger, he found the correct customer. Finally, the food arrived, without ceremony, Spice of Punjab is no frills establishment. The tiny plastic spoon was a hoot.

The Naan was folded, at least it was served whole. This Naan was closer to Pitta than Naan. Not the best of Bread by any means. I’m still waiting for the Salad.

Lamb Curry

Served in a Takeaway container with an – L – on the lid, I had to wonder, Lamb Ding?

I had hoped to see the Curry on display, instead, it had been portioned up and kept in the fridge, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that this had not come from the freezer.

I removed the lid and saw a familiar sight. Here was the Desi Lamb Curry I had been trying to find in Newcastle. This could have come from Allison Street (Glasgow) or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The aroma from the Oily, blended Shorva was so familiar, Hector was at home.

I played – hunt the Lamb – and reached the number seven, not a large portion by any means. Eating this was going to be a challenge. I was determined that I was going to eat my Curry, not wear it.

This Curry was – Hot! Super-Hot! Microwaved food loses its heat quickly, how had they achieved this? Also, the Spice was above what some would call – Vindaloo.

Hot-Hot-Hot!

The Flavours were magnificent, the blended Shorva was giving no clues as to the ingredients, however, it tasted so familiar. Glasgow’s Sheerin Palace came to mind, that same very slight Sweetness. The Soft Meat was also giving back Flavour, and even more Heat & Spice. What was going on here?

Eating this with Bread was no doubt the correct way. Rice (£1.99) would have meant a more manageable Dish. Rice would have absorbed the Shorva, the intensity of Flavour would have been lost. Roti (£1.99)? Not at that price. The Naan was the only disappointment, well apart from the lack of a plate and proper utensils. Where’s my Salad?

The Spice, the Seasoning, the Flavours, the Meat, the Shorva, did I mention the heat? In terms of the Curry, this was a truly glorious experience, a pity the accoutrements weren’t up to expectation.

Josh was finished his Donner and Chips long before me. I shall refrain from commenting on the Kebap. Will (Shawarma Police) doesn’t Blog about Curry, I’ll let him discover Spice of Punjab.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was handed to the young chap who had served me. The chap I took to be Mein Host had momentarily disappeared. When I asked who had cooked this Curry he was presented. All praise to the Chef.