When in Gent, there has to be a day trip to Antwerpen. Today would turn out to be an almost carbon copy of our day here in 2018. Once again Dr. Stan’s – Friend – would be our guide, Hector managed to escape to fulfil other duties.
I took the metro north from Antwerpen Centraal, Iman Hallal (Diepestraat 101, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium) was again the destination. A simple Curry Cafe, this is Hector’s type of venue. Arriving at 13.30, I was the only customer for the next hour.
As before, the laminated – Snel Menu – was provided. In four years, prices have only increased by a Euro.
There were many items on the menu that I would not want, however, Lamb on-the-bone was the attraction. Lamsleevs Korma Met Naan (€9.00) was ordered along with two cans of Fanta (€1.50). Belgian Fanta, less Orange in colour, more Orange and bitter in Flavour, my favourite.
One Naan, two?
One, of course, one was enough.
For €9.00, this was quite a spread. A Grobschnitt Salad, and Raita would add to the Diversity. The Naan was a sensible size. With burnt blisters forming, the Bread had risen in the places where the perforations had not restricted this.
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Lamsleevs Korma
This is a Desi Korma, no Coconut or Cream here. The blended Masala had the distinctive look of authenticity. The Lamb count was into double figures. Today, the Lamb was suitably Tender, four years ago this was the source of the only criticism, tough Meat. Perhaps, in the back of Hector’s mind, there was a sense of duty coming back here to verify that they could do better.
I tipped the contents of the karahi on to the plate. I considered making a plate of Curry and Salad, then changed my mind. If nothing else was achieved, I got to admire the efficacy of the Masala, a traditional Curry.
The overall Spice and Seasoning were well pitched, the Meat tasted – Lamby – but was not giving back much Spice/Flavour otherwise. On a shelf facing me was a stock of packet Mixed Spices, Achar Gosht being in the majority. There was no sense of – Pickle – in the Korma, however, maybe subliminally, I was tasting – Packet Spice. But then, all my Spices come in a packet of sorts.
The plate was wiped clean, the bone count three. Bread and Salad had to be abandoned, I could eat no more.
The Bill
€12.00 (£10.39) Excellent value for money.
The Aftermath
There was a lot more engagement with the staff on my first visit, not today. On leaving Iman Hallal, I walked the few blocks to locate Afghan Darbar Restaurant (Sint-Gummarusstraat 35, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium). I had noted the existence of a few Afghan Restaurants in this area, however, Afghan Darbar is the only one listing Lamb Karahi in their menu. What a place, large, white, bright, I’ll be back, with an empty stomach.
Having met up with – Friend – and the rest of The Company, it was pointed out that Namaste has gone, bankrupt – was the given explanation.
Iman Hallal menu
