One day I’ll find a DB-ICE that will actually run all the way between Köln and Brussel. Ninety minutes were lost after we were de-trained at Aachen. Maybe we should now accept that it’s better to take the RE to Aachen then take advantage of the senior SNCB ticket, cheaper and the same time given the oft enforced break in journey. Dr. Stan says it’s something to do with the DB-ICE not being able to change voltage.
Curry-Heute was therefore at an unbelievably late 18.00, Chilli Grill (Rue Antoune 172, 1000 Brussel, Belgium) once again the choice of venue, though tomorrow somewhere new is planned. Shahzad, Mein Host, and his friend were sitting outside this warm evening, a mere 26ºC. Shahzad recognised me from afar, a warm welcome, a good start.
The double take describes my reaction on entering the premises. Gone is the long counter and the somewhat dingy décor, instead, well, a transformation has taken place in the last year. There was a shiny new menu to match, with appropriate price increases. 
Mutton karahi (€12.95) has been my go-to Curry at Chilli Grill over the years. A reminder, that here, Mutton is typically – Beef. The – Mutton – list had been re-ordered. Top, is now Mutton qurma (€12.50), surely not? In fourth place – Mutton cream qurma (€13.50), this must mean the straightforward Qurma is – Desi? I took the menu up to the counter, Shahzad confirmed – Mutton Desi Korma.
Yay! Plain Rice (€4.00) was the last business at the till.
On the return to my seat I took two cans of Orange from the fridge, no Belgian Fanta available for Hector yet. Two cans, I’d had nothing to drink all day. The first, despite the off-putting colour, disappeared in an instant.
The wait was not long. With the place to myself, I could take all the photos required of the new layout.
The plate of Basmati was Euro ample. I should manage most, no way all.
Mutton qurma
Topped with fresh Coriander, the Masala had the correct oily sheen. The slight creaminess was visible therein. I decanted the boneless Meat, ten large pieces. This meant that the remaining Masala had to be described as – minimal. Not enough Masala to engage all the Rice then. Should I ask for more? That might set Curry-Heute back a decade. Two whole Chillies were revealed.
The much hoped for Citrus Blast, from the Yoghurt, Chefs assure me, was spot on. The Seasoning was well below the Hector idyll, a pity – the rules – did not permit the use of the Salt mill on the table. With so much Flavour from the Masala, this was not an issue today.
The Meat was Super-soft and not necessarily giving back Spice. The Masala was doing the heavy work, making this Curry a standout. Inadvertently a whole Chilli sneaked on to my fork. Chewed, swallowed, not clever. The overall Spice Level seemed to take a jump. A Whole Clove was removed from the Masala, its job was done. The Hector was off to that place that only a glorious Curry can take him.
Busy as I had just made him, Shahzad was keen to catch up, he knows Dr. Stan, Marg, Howard. How were they? Why was Dr. Stan not here today, yes why?
Shahzad held up an uncooked Vegetable.
Khadu – was my response, alas it was a variant.
Tori masala
Moments later, a Side of – Tori masala – was brought to the table. Some may find the Oily Masala off-putting, the slimy Texture also. A new experience, and an Interesting Vegetable is always appreciated.
Arranged upon the remaining virgin Basmati, it became clear that in no way was Hector going to finish the Rice. The Flavour took me back sixty years. This Masala must have been simply made with Curry Powder. Whether it complemented the Desi Korma remains debatable, it did prolong the experience.
This was a wonderful meal. Why do I travel? For moments like this.
The Bill
€20.00 (£16.93) I think there was a bit of rounding down with the drinks in mind.
The Aftermath
With the investment in the new décor, I had to ask Shahzad if he had abandoned his plans to move his business to Scotland. Indeed, business here is doing well.
And why shouldn’t it? For those who particularly enjoy Punjabi fayre, this is the place in Brussel to find it.
In my search for the 86 bus stop, I passed Comte de Flandre Metro station. Lines 1 and 5, another way to get to Chilli Grill.
The afterglow lingered long. Hours later, the Citrus Blast was still revealing itself. The temptation to come back tomorrow for more was being considered.