After yesterday’s sublime Beef Karahi at Chilli Grill (Rue Antoune 172, 1000 Brussel, Belgium), the easy thing would have been to come back and say – same again. What credibility would Curry-Heute have if Hector had the same Curry in the same restaurant every time? (I phoned Karahi Palace (Glasgow) this afternoon, they have still not re-opened.)
I said I would be here at 14.00, but took the risk and arrived at Chilli Grill for 13.30. Mein Host from yesterday was behind the counter, there was also a voice greeting me from the kitchen, this was Mein Echtes Host. It was about time I established names. Alvi – was given for them both, as in brothers. The main man ensured I spelled – Shahzad – properly on the Oppo. He recited my planned Order: Qeema (€8.00) and Aloo Gobi (€6.50), evidently Hector was expected. Despite, in effect, ordering two Main Courses, I would stick with Plain Rice (€3.00).
To amuse myself during the period of preparation, I decided to amuse myself by comparing the wonderful Belgian Fanta (€2.00) with Sanpellegrino Aranciata (€2.00). The latter was more bitter than the Belgian orange drink and probably contained actual fruit. Fanta has far less colouring. Two entirely different drinks, believe me, Belgian Fanta is still streets ahead of the British version.
During my wait, a chap came in – a brother – by greeting, with his lunch in a plastic container. This was duly put in the microwave; he departed with his hot food, different.
I have often questioned the quantity of Rice served in European Curry Houses. Yesterday I managed every grain, today I would accept defeat from the start due to being earlier in the day and having two Mains.
Who could eat all this Rice? – I have posted oft. Today, a chap came in and ordered the largest Biryani I have ever seen, approaching what I would consider to be six Rice portions. Maybe there is something I do not understand about Rice in Europe. He was still eating as I departed.
Decision: eat one Curry then the next, or both together? I would arrange each on either side of the Plain Rice.
Qeema
Topped with Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips, was the centrepiece – the half Herb – half Root – something aromatic – which Shahzad showed me on Visit #1? In this Keema Aloo Mutter, the Peas were highly visible. The quantity of Potato took me by surprise, I would end up with a mass of Potatoes for my dinner. The Masala was minimal, to the point of invisibility. As it should be, there was very little Oil present.
Aloo Gobi
The Dry Herb Topping puzzled, I should have asked. With Fresh Coriander on the Qeema, why put – dry – on the Aloo Gobi? It didn’t look like Methi being still on the stem, which we do not eat.
Beneath the Dry Herbs was a mass of Potato and something that looked like a classic Oily Desi Masala.
Shahzad took a seat at the adjacent table, conversation was ongoing throughout my time of eating. The Mince did not taste of Lamb and was too dark to be Chicken.
It’s Beef! – confirmed Brother Alvi from behind the counter. I bet he has never heard of Bob Todd (1970s Knorr TV advert, UK).
Fine as the Beef was, it was the Potatoes that were giving off the most intense Flavour, as they should having sat in the Masala. The Peas were firm, disturbingly so, not Birds Eye then? This post is turning weird.
Ginger Strips and sliced Green Chillies had been cooked in adding to the Spice Level which was decent, the Seasoning was below the Hector idyll.
The Cauliflower, served a bit soft for my liking, gave off a remarkable amount of Flavour. Cumin was noted then a blast of Aniseed. The Potatoes, on both sides of the plate, were perfectly cooked. The bits that had been sat with the Mince gave off the greater depth of Flavour.
Again Green Chillies had been cooked in, the Aloo Gobi was not lacking a – kick.
I had to decide when to stop, how much Rice to leave, a few Peas also. Overall, a satisfying meal, Desi Fayre, but not at the same level as yesterday’s Beef Karahi, that was something extra special. Proof, if required, that Seasoning is crucial.
Shahzad had remembered that I am from Scotland. I sat one evening on a previous visit and discussed his long term plan to move to Glasgow. I had suggested trying to find premises in the East End where there is a dearth of Curry Houses. Covid put all plans on hold.
I asked if they had managed to stay open and serve Takeaway during Lockdown(s). Chilli Grill was closed for eighteen months. Now inflation is creating its own difficulties. Brutal.
The Bill
€21.50 (£18.68) Great value in this city.
The Aftermath
I had hoped to secure a photo of the Brothers Alvi, instead Shahzad took selfies of the three of us. These might turn up one day. I was then invited to come behind the counter and have my photo taken once more with Shahzad, Covid screens still in situ.
In recent years, September has been – Belgium month. If Dr. Stan comes up with a decent price for Eurostar, maybe a trip to Köln would permit nights here in both directions?