Yesterday, someone in The Company mentioned – Whitechapel – as being a transit point for the other ongoing activity in this three day London trip. That was enough to have Hector dismiss any further exploration of Tooting or Southall for this year. A return to Dilpasand Restaurant (111-113 Commercial Road, Whitechapel, London E1 1RD England) has always been on the cards.
Last year, three of us shared the kilo, today it was only Hector and Lord Clive out for Curry. Two of us can manage the kilo.
Arriving at 13.15, we were the first sit-in customers of the day. We took a different table from Visit #1. A 1.5l bottle of Still Water (£2.99) was on each table, clever. The young waiter brought the menu and two bottles of sauce from the fridge. There followed a ten minute wait whilst the main waiter assembled a Takeaway, a bit annoying, we were raring to go.
Not surprisingly, prices have increased at Dilpasand since last March. The kilo of Charsi Lamb Karahi (£39.99) was dismissed. Between three, maybe, two, no way. The Hector is not ready to pay forty quid for a kilo, yet. Clive has spoken oft of the massive Keema Naan he ordered here last time. Now £7.99, this is a meal in itself. Clive’s compromise was to order Deigi Aloo Kheema (£13.99) with a Garlic Naan (£2.99). Deigi Mutton Korma (£13.99) had caught Hector’s eye. The possibility of a Desi Korma was not be missed. A Plain Naan (£1.49) would accompany. A strange choice, Hector. Having established that we would be paying handsomely for the water, I asked for it to be swopped for a cold one, duly done.
We appeared to be going around the houses before – above medium – Spice was agreed.
The Plain Naan was served whole, had a lots of puffiness, but only the beginnings of burnt blisters. A bit under-fired for Hector. Without any Butter spread across the top, it was a decidedly dry. It did the job, however, the Garlic Naan appeared to have it all. Closer to the sought after teardrop shape, it had a comparable number of risen bubbles but looked to be a much more inviting prospect. Neither of us could manage a whole Naan.
Deigi Mutton Korma
Traditional wedding style – was referred to on the menu. Deigi – apparently means – cooked in bulk. A Desi Korma is what I was hoping for.
Tarka and a threat of Coriander topped the Masala which clearly had the required Yoghurt to be a Desi Korma. Not a Creamy Curry, this should be more subtle.
The lack of Seasoning was immediately noted. The Spice Level would never get above – medium. There was an off-putting, but fortunately, only a slight Sweetness. It took me too long to identify that the Tarka-Onions were the source. By then I had stirred them in.
The quality of the Meat varied from one mouthful to the next. One or two chewy pieces gave way to the perfectly acceptable. Then there was the pulp. Quite array from the Big Pot. This handi most certainly contained way more Meat than was served yesterday at The India Club.
As I reached the bottom of the pot, so the taste of Cloves was released, where had this been hiding? This Mutton Korma suddenly was giving more. The hoped for blast of – Citrus – was not happening and so I was re-evaluating the scene.
Meat, Masala and a somewhat dull Bread. Was the Hector becoming bored?
I should have ordered Rice. Then I would probably have finished all the Masala, as it was, it became uninteresting. I had high hopes, had assumed a Desi Korma, this was not it.
Deigi Aloo Kheema
With Tarka, Coriander and Ginger Strips on top, this was certainly a unique Aloo Keema. The Potatoes were left in relatively large chunks such that the Mince was less visible. There was no more moisture present than was needed. This appeared to be a fine creation.
Tatties with a kick – was an early comment from Clive. When Potatoes absorb the Flavours from the Spices, then we have something special.
Somehow, I spotted a Bay Leaf in this melange followed by two Dry Red Chillies. The latter sparked my interest, from these lies the source of – smokiness. I asked, Clive confirmed.
Some you win, today, Clive had the significantly better Curry. I asked Clive how wonderful his Curry was:
It was very wonderful, the spice level was about right. Not as spicy hot as yesterday’s, but close. Still, plenty flavour.
The waiter came over to check on our progress. I showed him the photo taken last year, Mr. Khan was in the kitchen. Whether or not the complimentary Kheer was a consequence of reintroducing myself remains unknown.
The Bill
£39.98 I made sure we drank all of the water.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was greeted on the way out. I don’t think he remembered us.
2023 Menu
