It was midway through last year’s trip to Lisboa that Hector came across Rua do Benformoso, Lisbon’s veritable – Curry Mile. Well, a few hundred metres. Not just Curry, but Pakistani Curry, though many venues identify as – Bangladeshi. Food Garden was the only Curry Cafe in this stretch which Hector managed to visit last time, today, somewhere new.
Marg and Hector met Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley at Martim Moniz Metro, a few metres from Benformoso, at 13.15. They admitted to having had Samosas whilst they waited for us. No comment.
Tasty Hut Halal food (Rua do Benformoso 151, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) stood out as being today’s choice of venue. Photos of the various Dishes were posted outside. There were enough people inside to confirm the efficacy. A table for four, possibly the only one, was secured. The menus were under the glass on the table top.
Just the three Karahi styles to choose from: Red (Lahori?), White (Namkeen) and Chersi (Afghani). Each Curry was available in three sizes: Quarter, Half, Full. I had to assume that this meant – kilo. I could have asked for verification, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Composing this Blog hopefully provides clarity for future diners.
Sharing a full portion of Chersi Karahi (€22.00) between three seemed a logical order. On asking for Desi/Apna, the waiter assured me that the Chersi was – Spicy. Marg had already declared a quarter of Mutton White Karahi (€5.50). Maggie wanted Chicken. Seeking something – less Spicy – with advice from the waiter, she was led to Red Karahi (€4.50), again a quarter. This left Hector sharing with Clive, a half of Chersi Karahi (€11.00). Maybe I had Athena Curry Cafe prices in my head at the time of ordering.
Bread, there was no Paratha available today. Clive wanted Keema Nana, not on the menu. The Plain Naan (€1.50) and a Garlic Naan (€2.00) were ordered. No more Garlic Naan, Clive took the Cheese Naan (€2.75) option. How can they run out of Bread? Maybe Tasty Hut do not prepare their own. In my favourite Athena venues, one sees piles of Naan being taken out the door to who knows where?
On studying the Drinks list, I suggested we share a 1.5 litre bottle of 7Up or Coke. Not for the ladies, I ordered one to share with Clive. On its arrival, Marg asked for Lemon Sparkling Water (€1.00). This came, then Maggie asked for Still Water (€1.00), I don’t think we were doing the waiter any favours here, he had plenty other people to serve. He brought a choice of bottles, Maggie inadvertently chose the Sparkling.
I tried to spot photo opperchancities to capture the atmosphere of the restaurant, it was always too full, people moving around. With Friday Prayers presumably underway, I was surprised to see so many eating at this time.
On seeing the half – Chersi Karahi, I took this to be Maggie’s quarter of Red Karahi. Nope, this was for Clive and Hector to share. On seeing her White Karahi, Marg remarked – Tapas. The portions suited The Ladies, the Chaps, well we just had to get on with it.
The Naans were thin peely wally, hardly risen. The Naan at Food Garden last year most certainly impressed, Tasty Hut do not prepare their own then? There was a Tandoor sitting behind me, not switched on.
Mutton Chersi Karahi
A threat of Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the Masala. The – redness – and consistency suggested a Tomato base. Ribs stood out as I shared the contents of the plate with Clive. We had enough Meat, just, not be too disappointed with our choice of portion size. I had previously concluded that given the – Handi – was advertised as – boneless – all other Karahi were – on-the-bone.
Wow! – the first dip of Naan into the Masala, that so important moment, this Karahi was something else. The Spice Level was right on, then it kept growing. Not for – The Ladies. The Seasoning was spectacular, perfection, and so the Flavours flooded out. Tomatoey, Peppery, there were no Whole Spices in the Masala, but Chef had chosen well. The Flavours here were immense. And to think that back in Porto on Tuesday, I thought maybe my taste-buds were at fault. No, that so-called Chicken Karahi at Chutnify Canteen was the epitome of – Bland!
The quality of the Meat was being praised around the table. Mutton, cooked to perfection, super-soft and giving of Flavour. I did spot a stray piece of – Offal.
This was as good as Charsi Karahi gets. No, this was way better, especially compared to some watery efforts I have encountered. Clive had his say:
Very tender, lots of flavour. Could have done with twice as much.
Or maybe three times.
White Mutton Karahi
The White Masala looked as though Yoghurt had been added, more than one might expect. Even the Meat looked – white! That Marg has taken to the simplicity of Namkeen Karahi over the years is comforting. We can share one whenever it’s on offer. Marg was keen for me to sample her Curry, I had to decline, no way was I interrupting the flow of pleasure from the Chersi.
A spicy creamy texture, full of flavour, with bony bits. A lovely change.
(from Keema?)
In time, I did secure a Soupçon of the Masala. Had I ordered this, I would have been content, however the Flavours here were not as intense as the Charsi.
Red Chicken Karahi
Despite the Oil collecting on the side of the karahi, this looked less Oily overall than the Charsi. The Masala was different, – red – if they like. Maggie held up a bone. It was not one either us recognised. Had they brought Lamb? The Hector was not for being distracted whilst he ate, so did not see the pile of of bones accrue on Maggie’s plate. Definitely – Chicken.
I do not recall Marg making her customary – Spicy – outburst today Maggie didn’t let me down. Maggie was getting tore in, in the way that someone else wouldn’t. Her pink fingernails were turning orange, Turmeric! – I was informed that Maggie and I both had the telltale signs of enjoyment circling our mouths.
Turmeric has changed everything – she announced – the portion was just enough for me.
Having finished the Meat, there was a decent layer of Masala left on the bottom of her karahi. This crossed the table.
Woof! Woof! (well I could hardly write – wow-wow!) If the Charsi Masala was excellent, then this was another step up. I gave some Masala to Clive, he wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t, well, the others would have given me away.
Hector made a resolution there and then. Tomorrow, at Tasty Hut, a half portion of Red Mutton Karahi (€10.50) , though the photo of this on the menu does look a bit pale.
We had to go up to the counter to pay. Mein Host (?) did the additions. Space was tight at the counter, about time someone moved that Tandoor.
The Bill
€28.25 (£24.80) I would happily have paid double for double the portions!
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was issued, the waiter thanked. Tasty Hut was too busy to engage further. For the record I had Seafood Paella for dinner.
Menu
