Discovered by chance one evening in 2018, after I had eaten, Chilli Grill (Rue Antoune 172, 1000 Brussel, Belgium) has proven to be a frustrating venue to find open, and when so, provide the desired Fayre. However, when it has delivered, the Curry has truly impressed.
Hector prefers to eat early afternoon, even earlier when on a trip. Chilli Grill have not always opened at the time advertised on Google. Today, no chances were being taken. Curry would be taken this evening, there was even a phone-call last night to verify they would be open. After the Covid enforced break, finally it was time to return to Chilli Grill.
It was 18.30 when Dr. Stan, Mags and Hector entered Chilli Grill. Yes, Dr. Stan was up for Curry-Heute. The man who prefers to travel by Eurostar, visiting Brussel regularly, and is even better known at Chilli Grill than Hector. We were recognised, but the chap serving was not he who appears in my last post here in 2019.
I took photos of the array of prepared Dishes on display. Chilli Grill is a Curry Cafe, not a Mainstream Restaurant. Desi Fayre is what one can expect.
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Mutton Karahi (€8.50) is what Hector was after. As has been declared previously, it may be Mutton on the menu, but Beef is served. This is freely admitted, not a con. Mags would follow Hector’s lead. Spicy – for Hector, – Medium – for Mags. Dr. Stan ordered Qeema (€8.00). Three portions of Plain Rice (€3.00) completed the Order. No drinks, we needed a break.
I never established if there was anyone else in the kitchen this evening. Our chap disappeared through the back, in time he emerged with the goods.
The Rice was a sensible portion, plus. I would surprise myself and manage every grain.
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Mutton (Beef) Karahi
No Toppings, the Herbs and sliced Green Chillies had been cooked in. The Meat to Masala ratio looked perfect. I counted into double figures as I arranged the Karahi over the Rice. The appearance of the Masala reminded me of my first Curry Recipe, something I no longer seem to be able to reproduce.
Mags was well ahead of me by the time the photographic ritual had been completed, and was first to declare:
This is amazing, by the way.
I had asked for – Spicy – indeed this was, but not to a level that could cause distress. The Seasoning felt on the low side initially, however, as I ate, so this revealed itself. Earthy, Peppery, was noted.
The Beef was suitably Tender, the Spice was bouncing back from the Meat on chewing. A Cumin blast took me aback. The Seasoning was growing but from what source? The Beef I concluded. This was the prefect combination of Meat and Masala. A Tomato-based Masala – I was assured by an expert who later saw my photo posted on a certain Social Medium. Stunning – was my final note here, I too spontaneously declared:
This is sensational!
Mags had more to say:
The meat was tender, the masala was perfect. The rice was light and fluffy. All in all, it was perfect.
Moments like these are rare, marking another definitive – Wow! Even by just looking at the above photo, the quality oozes from the screen. I cannot believe there is another Curry House in Belgium which serves a Karahi giving so much Flavour. Future trips permitted, I shall investigate in other cities, Afghan Darbar (Antwerpen) a must explore, however, in Brussel, it will take a lot to take me away from Chilli Grill.
Meanwhile across the table…
Qeema
Actually, Aloo Keema Mutter, though the Potatoes were not prominent. Again, the Herbs had been cooked in, Oil collected on the periphery. This appeared to be an authentic Keema.
Instead of his usual – Mmmmms – this evening, Dr. Stan uttered more – Aghs.
Tasty, spicy, just what you want – I managed to extract.
Wonderful as the Beef Karahi was, I resolved to return tomorrow and try the Qeema, the Aloo Gobi also looked tempting.
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The Bill
€34.00 (£29.51) Once again, the cheapest meal of the trip, and certainly – the best.
The Aftermath
Our appreciation was expressed and humbly received. There had to be a photo of – the other chap – to complement the one of Mein Host in 2019.
A 13.30 opening was confirmed for tomorrow. I shall most certainly be back.
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2022 Menu
