Lisboa – Tasty Hut – Taste of Cabbage

A few days in Lisboa, an opperchancity to enjoy quality Curry in the country which Hector believes must have been a huge influence in the development of this style of food. It was announced last night that Marg and Hector would be at Tasty Hut Halal food (Rua do Benformoso 151, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) at 13.00 this afternoon. Steve explicitly declared that he would not be having Curry-Heute. There was no surprise therefore in finding him in situ, his first experience of Rua do Benformoso.

Steve had already ordered. Had he read a well known and reliable Curry Blog more carefully, he may not have ordered the – quarter – of Red-Mutton Karahi (€5.50) but gone for the – half – which the Hector was back for – €10.50. In addition, he ordered a Plain Naan (€1.50) and Plain Rice (€2.50).

With the menu housed under the glass table-top, there was still the temptation to instinctively try to lift it. Having had Bread as the accompaniment last year, it was time for Hector to try Rice. The waiter came over with Steve’s invoice, Plain Rice was not available, he would give the Rice from the Biryani. Better still.

Marg took a notion for Masala Fish (€6.00). This was not available and so it was back to a Kebab Roll (€4.00) in Chicken, same as last visit.

Two small bottles of Sparkling Water (€1.50) were ordered, plus a can of Fanta (€1.00) for Steve. Cans are better value.

Tasty Hut was stowed. We were sat at table 4 in the corner, sharing with three other chaps. They ordered a veritable mountain of food, no surprise then when some of it became Takeaway. Despite being finished first, they sat patiently until we had finished before taking their leave. Respect.

Kebab Roll

Marg had asked for Salad in particular when ordering. What came was a Chicken Seekh Kebab wrapped in a Naan with Onion, Cucumber and Lettuce inside.

Instead of eating it by hand, I decided to open it up and use a fork and knife. The Seekh Kebab was spicy and the lettuce, onion and cucumber salad helped to moisten the meal. I used the extra Bread to mop up Hector’s dish which was full of flavour.

The doughy Naan was a good size, Steve would eat it all. I still don’t know how he can manage Bread and Rice. The Baryani (sic) Rice came as a classic Euro-portion, twice as much as Hector would manage. Steve nearly got there. Lightly Spiced, this had true Flavour in its own right. Although certainty cannot be established, I’m pretty sure it was from here the Star Anise, Black Cardamom and Cumin Seeds originated. Tasty Rice.

Red – Mutton Karahi on-the-bone

Steve considered his – quarter – portion to be enough. Hector was here for Curry, not Bread. Twelve large pieces of Meat were arranged on the Rice. This left relatively little Masala. As ever, some was retained to top up after the first drizzle had been absorbed.

The Masalas were markedly different. Steve’s shows a Thickness that was distinctly missing from mine. My watery Masala, decidedly – red – had specks of Herb and a hint of Onion Seeds. The Masalas were clearly from different depths of the pot, this has happened before. In effect, we would have two markedly different experiences. Steve was making all the right noises, and was thoroughly enjoying his Curry. Hector was not in the same place.

Such was the size of some of the Mutton pieces, a knife had to be employed, most unusual. Whilst the Mutton had been properly cooked and was Tender, it was not of the same quality as one may secure in the UK. At these prices, to be expected.

The Masala was Peppery, a positive. Unfortunately, there was a dominant Flavour, that which I have experienced most often in Europe, and have only recently come to identify specifically – Cabbage. Steve reckoned he could smell it, the Hector could certainly taste it, and it was spoiling the day. This is not what I was served last year. This was not why I came to Tasty Hut. With plenty of venues to choose from on Rua do Benformoso, maybe it’s time for the Hector to try elsewhere.