Lisboa – Tasty Hut – So Good Yesterday, Back Again Today!

The Curry-Heute Test – you impressed me once, prove you can do it again. Having written up yesterday’s wonderful experience at Tasty Hut Halal food (Rua do Benformoso 151, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) it was back as soon as I could get there.

14.30, an ideal time to eat, Tasty Hut was even busier than yesterday. Marg spotted one chap at the table we had previously occupied, also back for more. We had to squeeze on to the middle of a table for six, no formalities here, we were all here – to eat.

Red Mutton Karahi (€10.50), the half portion is why Hector was back. The Chersi Karahi yesterday, would have had me in raptures had I not tasted Maggie’s left over Red Masala.

Today I understood how the portion sizes worked. Quarter is Tapas, half is a decent portion, whole is to share. To accompany, a Garlic Naan (€2.00), something I usually avoid, however, the Naans here ain’t that clever.

For Marg, a Kebab Roll (€4.00). There was the choice of Meats, Marg chose Chicken. A litre and half bottle of Still Water (€1.50) completed the Order.

The unused Tandoor sitting in front of the counter had me question whether they cooked the Bread on the premises. Today, I saw the dough being rolled out and presumably cooked in one of the the two Tandoors in operation at Tasty Hut. I never did see Bread come out of a Tandoor. The Tandoori Meat Chef was certainly being kept busy.

Chaps beside us had Biryani, filling, but why eschew the wonderful Masalas on offer here?

Chicken Kebab Roll

Marg’s Roll was a Seekh Kebab wrapped in a Naan with Salad. No Raita was forthcoming, maybe one has to order this separately. A dry snack one would surmise.

The meat was quite spicy – was the verdict. Consistency maintained.

The Garlic Naan was served whole, again not risen very much, and would turn crispy. Are they turning them out too quickly? The Garlic would prove not to be intrusive. As a means of conveying the Karahi from plate to mouth, well, I know what’s coming.

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Red Mutton Karahi

Too oily – would be many people’s take on this creation. Without the Oil, the full intensity of Flavour could never be attained. The Meat count was into double figures, each piece was substantial. With no rib bones today, I may have been given better cuts of Meat.

Cough! – the Spice hit hard, yes, even Hector is falling into this trap. The Seasoning was there, all was set.

Red Karahi, I’ll take this to be – Lahori, this is what was coming across, strongly.

Here was a big, oily plate of heavenly delight. Super-soft Mutton, each piece giving off way more Flavour than any Mainstream venue. Why does one have to visit a Curry Cafe to achieve this?

The Masala was abundant, but this was far from being considered a – Soupy Curry. So much Flavour, one can only speculate as to which Spices were included, and maybe those omitted. Rice would certainly have worked with this Karahi, or better still, a Vegetable Biryani. Sadly the latter is not on the menu.

Comfort eating, Hector was in the zone. Marg had to watch as the surplus Oil dripped down the chin. This is a sight I choose to share with the World. Getting down and dirty in a bowl of Curry, bring it on!

The Bill

€16.50 (£14.50)  €3.00 for the Chicken Kebab Roll then.

The Aftermath

The chap at the till asked where we are from. A bit of engagement, this place is too busy to hang around and chat.

The Flavours lingered long on the palate. The photo at Belém was taken a couple of hours later with still a satisfying taste in the mouth. I hope to have one at this time tomorrow.