Authentic Punjabi/Lahori cuisine in Brussel? It has to be Chilli Grill (Rue Antoine Dansaert 172, 1000 Brussel Belgium). Having arrived yesterday, usually a beeline would have been made to Chilli Grill, alas, closed on Sundays. Monday, it’s hard to find anything open, but this is a pan-European phenomenon. Hector will admit to contacting – The Brothers Alvi – last week to establish that 13.30 was the earliest time to arrive today.
A 13.45 rendezvous was suggested. Tram 81 still ain’t running, as we first discovered yesterday having to haul the bags up the hill to St. Gilles. 14.00 it was, Dr. Stan and Hector arrived at 14.05, Mags was still, well who knows where?
It was the brother of Shahzad who greeted. Mutton (Beef) Karahi (€10.95) for two with Rice (€4.00) was confirmed. As we took our seat, so Shahzad, Mein Host, appeared from the kitchen.
It’s good to be here again – was my greeting. All was well.
Dr. Stan arranged Fanta (€2.00), 330ml cans. This trip, Fanta has become cheaper each time we have ordered this Belgian version which, for unknown reasons, seems superior to that which is served outwith this nation. Belgien, – cheap – sorry.
You like yours Spicy!(?) – asked the brother, addressing Dr. Stan.
The Hector had just been put in his place, Dr. Stan is the more frequent visitor to Chilli Grill as he passes through Brussel en route to/from Deutschland, whilst the rest of us fly.
It was then established that the Hector could handle – Spicy – also.
We could see/hear Shahzad working his magic at the hob just inside the kitchen. Our food was on the table when Mags arrived. The Order was tripled, well sort of.
The Rice was approaching another fine example of a Euro-portion. Six more grains and the Hector might have been beaten. Dr. Stan and Hector would clear their plates, Mags doesn’t do so well with Rice.
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Mutton (Beef) Karahi
Yes, the karahi looks small. Contained therein, were ten large pieces of Meat, such that the Masala was minimal. A Dry Karahi. QED.
Ah the irony, by the time the Meat and Masala had been arranged over the Basmati, such was the rate of absorption, more Masala would have been welcomed. One day Hector will have the courage to ask:
Please, Sir? Can I have some more?
More Masala, is this actually being written?
A small plate of what came close to being classified as – foliage – added a bit of Diversity, the Chillies would certainly add more heat. Everything combined, there was no issue with the Spice Level, we had a – kick. The Seasoning was well below that which the Hector seeks. As a consequence, it took some time for the Flavours from the Masala to reveal themselves. That the Rice had soaked up the Masala didn’t help here. Subtle, but a sense of Cloves and Pepperiness was noted.
I halved each piece of Beef with my fork, Dr. Stan was in full – Yvonne mode – and was using both knife and fork throughout his meal. Firm but tender, easy chewing, the Beef was giving off a remarkable amount of Flavour. The columnar, internal structure, took me back to when I used to challenge that what lay before was in fact Lamb. Today, Beef, I couldn’t really tell the difference.
Dr. Stan and Hector cleared their plates, not a grain of Rice was left, an achievement in itself.
It’s always good – remarked Dr. Stan, who did not define – always – and the frequency of his visits here – tender meat, spicy, dry masala.
That is what we seek.
Mags, who only remembered she had previously been here after she had taken her seat:
Excellent, beef cooked perfectly, very tender. Sauce, what I asked for, medium hot. Definitely will be back, again.
We sat for a while after the meal, letting the food digest, finishing the Fanta, and chatting with Shahzad. His brother dealt with the payment.
The Bill
€50.80 (£43.84) Prices at Chilli Grill have not increased this year. Our best value meal of this trip.
The Aftermath
Do you live in Brussel? – Shahzad asked Dr. Stan.
Talk about turning the screw? I suppose every time I go abroad with the Good Doctor, he gets to visit Brussel twice. Clearly, he has become a regular at Chilli Grill.
I asked Shahzad about the well-being of his business. I shall remind the Reader that pre-Covid, he had designs on setting up in Scotland. I was surprised to hear that it is not the increase in the price for ingredients that are the issue, but the increase in the cost of gas and electricity. With rent for apartments also going sky high, he doesn’t know how people can afford them. The bottom line, people are staying at home, not going out – to dine – or otherwise.
What am I making for Dr. Stan’s breakfast tomorrow? Some may find out.