Going back for more glorious Desi Korma was the obvious thing to do on leaving Ibis Midi this lunchtime. For the sake of adding/evaluating more venues to/for Curry-Heute, Chanab Tandoori (Rue de Fiennes 19, 1070, Anderlecht, Brussel, Belgien) was chosen instead. Another Punjabi outlet, if found to be decent, it could give the outstanding Chilli Grill some competition. Anderlecht, a few minutes walk from Brussel Zuid, with just the two breweries, there are three hours on a Friday afternoon when they’re even open at the same time. Today is Sunday, I believe. Portugal v Scotland later, can’t wait.
Entering Chanab Tandoori at 13.30, one customer occupied a table to my left, whilst a chap was finishing off at the bench table along the right side wall. A quick glance, a larger room next door looked to be more inviting. Others thought so too.
As with many a Curry Cafe, the food was on display in kettles. Research had now raised the possibility of Hector having a Desi Korma on consecutive days. The photos in the online menu revealed Lamb Korma (€10.00) showing no sign of being the – creamy, mild – variety. I showed the photo of yesterdays Mutton qurma thoroughly enjoyed at Chilli Grill. No Cream, no Coconut, the chap serving behind the counter confirmed – Desi Korma.
Rice was the preferred accompaniment. I had missed the availability of Zeera Rice (€3.50) and so ordered White Rice (€3.00).
Rice on a separate plate? – was agreed. A can of Belgian Fanta completed the Order.
Belgian Fanta, the paper cup may not prove the case, previous posts do, so much tastier with less colouring than the rest of Europe. How, why?
I took a seat in the larger room near the doorway. I could not help but overhear subsequent customers specifically ask for – Desi.
The wait was not long, in fact not long enough. Just what current preparation had been done to produce what was brought? For once, the Rice portion looked almost sensible. Or did it?
I had spotted a Naan being served at the far end of the room. Round, risen, puffy, burnt blisters, excellent, just what the Hector hadn’t ordered.
Lamb Korma
The appearance was completely wrong. A Desi Korma should have a Masala, rich in appearance with an oily sheen, and the merest threat of being creamy. This was Lamb Shorva. I would like to see their Mutton Curry (€10.00) for comparison purposes.
The Lamb served on-the-bone livened up expectations, a Sucky Bone too. Whole Spices were in the mix, Cloves and a Black Cardamom also, fresh Coriander had been cooked in. I counted six decent sized pieces of Meat, plus tiddlers, as I arranged them on the now seemingly mountain of Rice.
Hot food, a good start. The Shorva packed a punch, so much Flavour coming through. There was no doubting this was down to the Seasoning which was totally a la Hector. The soft Meat was not giving back more than its own Meatiness, however, each intake of Shorva soaked Rice had Cloves to the fore. The intensity of Flavour had me won. A thought, this style of Curry was close to a traditional Aloo Gosht. Had Potato been present I would be nominating this for prizes. Who wins awards?
A Lamb Desi Korma? As I ate on, so perhaps I was becoming a bit more onside with that possibility. Regardless, this was a damn fine Curry. And yes, way too much Rice.
The Bill
€14.50 (£12.27) I was prepared to pay cash as I had been led to believe was mandatory, it isn’t.
The Aftermath
I introduced Curry-Heute to the chap who had served me. Immediately another chap appeared, Mein Host – Umer Darz – whose photo it is on the menu. The serving chap did all the translating for both his boss and the first customer sitting in the room. The Calling Card was well received, the extent of my travels appreciated. Yes, the Hector does travel to the ends of the earth looking for Desi Punjabi fayre.
As I walked uptown, so the afterglow began to reveal that distinctive Desi Korma Flavour.
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