Lisboa – Caxemira – Relocated

Caxemira – Conzinha Indiana – some may recognise the name and recall the down-town location on an upper floor. In last year’s visit to Lisboa, we never found it open, there was a simple explanation: Caxemira (Rua Antero deQuental 3, 1150-087 Lisboa) has moved to this address. The new location is close to the top end of Lisboa’s – Curry Mile – Rua do Benformoso, but try getting to it. The bottom end of the street is blocked off due to ongoing roadworks. In the darkness, we found pedestrian access only. Not good for business.

Arriving at 19.30, Caxemira was empty apart from a solo diner. The premises bore no resemblance to their former locus, this was bright, modern, pukka. Comparisons with The India Club (Hotel Strand Continental) – London, are no longer valid, the two were remarkably similar and the latter has gone too.

The logo on the menu was the first confirmation that these were the same people. I did show Mein Host a photo of the previous premises:

It’s now hotel – was the acknowledgment.

At the foot of my last Caxemira review was a photo of Vijay, Mein Host and Geeta, his dear lady. Geeta was duly summoned, both were delighted to see themselves. That we were not strangers was thus established.

The menu was not vast. Kadai Gosh (€16.00) featured – Pimento – so not for Hector, or anyone else. Steve was considering this but in the end decided to go off piste and go down the Tandoori route. Mix Grill (€17.00) and a Garlic Naan (€3.50) washed down with a small bottle of Cobra (€3.30) would become his Order but with a caveat. Steve wanted a sauce to accompany. Vijay was not having this, and suggested Chicken Tikka Masala (€14.00). The Hector was called upon, I persuaded Vijay that all he had to do was give Steve some Masala from – The Big Pot. Sorted.

That’s how – Chicken Tikka Masala – came about, I reminded him.

Clive chose Chicken Chilli (€14.00), Vijay warned him that this was – hot.

We’re not in Polska – I advised Clive, he was up for it.

The ladies both went for Butter Chicken (€15.00). Is that not why it was on the menu? Having enjoyed Rogan Josh (€15.50) on my last Caxemira experience, I decided to revisit this. I’ll admit that I did miss – Natas – in the given description: Cream. The Tomato had me won.

The two couples both went for the sharing of Sundries: Pulau Rice (€4.00) and Paratha (€3.00). The Order was completed by small bottles of Still Water (€1.15) and Sparkling Water (€1.95).

No Starters, Vijay suggested Chicken Samosa (€1.50), no takers. Marg was ravenous and resisted having accepted: have a Starter, don’t finish the main course.

The solo diner departed, we had the place to ourselves. The original premises were always busy, this felt strange as did the décor. Those who used the facilities remarked on the luxury. Caxemira bears no resemblance to the nearby Benformoso Curry Cafes.

All the Bread was served in quarters. The Paratha was nothing special. The dreaded Wholemeal Flour negated the layering. The Naan was well-fired, puffy in parts. The Pulau Rice was certainly the winner. With Sultanas and Cashew Nuts, these provided an unexpected Diversity of Textures. The portion size was just enough to share assuming one had Bread also.

Mix Grill

There was no dramatic entrance, no smoke, no sizzling. Pieces of Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Seekh Kebab and eventually unearthed Lamb Tikka sat atop a bed of Onions. The accompanying viscous, Herb-strewn Masala, looked decent.

Needs more salt – was Steve’s opening remark. Unusual for Steve.

That Steve was finished last confirms he had lots to get through.

The chicken and lamb, tender meat, were well tandooried. There was an onion base on the platter. The sauce was OK, not spicy, but a complement to the meat. I recommend the combination.

Chicken Chilli

Two whole Finger Chillies and a threat of Coriander topped the Masala. At the end, one Chilli remained, so Clive stopped short. The Masala was different from Steve’s. In fact, the four Masalas presented this evening had different characteristics, so a good bit of tweaking in the kitchen.

I was warned it was going to be hot, and it was, as designated. Not unbearable, enjoyable, hot, no sweat, a couple of tears. Reasonably decent portion size, enjoyable.

Rogan Josh

With a Tomato-Red hue, this appeared to be the richest Masala presented this evening. Tomato is what the Hector was after, not Cream. Fortunately any Cream here was minimal, however, there was a brief panic when a trace of Green Pepper was spotted in the Masala. This may have been a stray, not an issue as it turned out.

Nine pieces of Meat were arranged on top of the Pulau, an OK portion, Previously at Caxemira, I have suggested two people sharing three portions a la The India Club. Not necessary this evening.

The Seasoning was well pitched, the Spice Level was north of – medium. The Tomato-rich Masala had an earthy, tangy Flavour. No Cream was evident, yay. The quality of the Meat stood out, markedly better than the cuts presented yesterday at Tasty Hut.

Marg was amused watching the methodical clearing of Hector’s plate. Every morsel, grain of Rice, was rounded up, nothing left. An enjoyable Curry, nothing special, and may I say it – Mainstream.

Butter Chicken

Behold a Soupy, Yellow, presumably Creamy Masala. Down with that sort of thing. However, this was very much a Curry for the ladies and/or – the children. Condescending, moi?

That the Chicken had been cut into small pieces was relayed early-doors. Then Marg made a statement of special significance:

I think this is better than Mother India (Cafe, Glasgow). It’s got a wee kick to it, not a bland, creamy Curry.

Marg has long recognised Mother India’s Cafe as being the Butter Chicken baseline for comparison. This now means that Caxemira (Lisboa) is going to be referred to oft in the future of Curry-Heute. Marg continued:

A wonderful dish of small chicken pieces in a rich and creamy sauce with a spicy kick. The Rice had sultanas, cashew nuts, which added flavour and texture to the dish. The flaky Paratha enabled me to mop up the leftover sauce in style.

This was relayed to Vijay.

If Marg says it’s good, it is!

Whilst the rest of us were finishing, Marg got in an order for Chai (€2.50). She did ask for Punjabi Tea, however Caxemira is not Punjabi/Lahori. This is an Indian restaurant.

Maggie too was in raptures, I do post what people actually say:

I thought that the cashew nuts … they didn’t have to do that, an extra expense, but appreciated. I liked the smooshed up chicken rather than big chunks. The portion was great, just enough. The sauce had a bit of a tang to it, not too creamy, not a beginner’s Curry.

The Chai was described as – hot.