Curry is clearly not a big thing in Thessaloniki, there are only three venues to choose from in Greece’s second city. So little chance, actually no chance, of finding the Curry Cafes which are abundant in Athena. Mainstream it has to be.
The Hector chose India Gate (Kon/nou Melenikou 13, Thessaloniki 546 35). Having checked it out yesterday on our walk down from the Acropolis to the waterfront, I promised Mein Host that we would return this afternoon.
I liked the given description of the Tawa Gosht (€12.00). Beef would be a change from Mutton. Given that the unnecessary Capsicum was clearly mentioned across the menu but not here, hopefully this Curry would exclude it.
We arrived this afternoon just after 14.00 and took one of the two remaining tables. There are only four tables at India Gate, seating a maximum of sixteen. All al fresco, there is no seating inside. A young boy cleared the 
debris from the previous occupant, carefully wiped the surface and set up our places. He brought a large bottle of chilled Still Water (€2.00). We attempted to have it replaced by Sparkling but gave up when only 200ml bottles of Soda was established as the alternative.
Mein Host came out to take the Order. For Marg, Butter Chicken (€10.00), we would share Mushroom Rice (€7.00) and a Traditional Naan (€2.30).
Mild or Spicy? Marg opted for the latter, as if anyone ordering Butter Chicken was going to ask for it to be – Spicy.
I asked if he knew the words – Desi – or – Apna. Neither seemed to register.
Can you serve me the Curry your mother would have prepared?
Desi – was then mentioned having been just dismissed. I may have got the message across, I was looking for something beyond the Mainstream.
Having taken the Order, Mein Host returned – Mild or Spicy?
We sat and watched the World go by. It was a full thirty minutes wait for the food, so not a rushed job then. I couldn’t help but recall the last Curry I had with Marg outside – Straßenessen in Berlin. The setup was remarkably similar to India Gate, except then it was November, today is October 1st, it’s 24ºC here in Thessaloniki, the Hector is still in sandals. I wonder how this place operates in the Greek winter?
The Curry arrived first, not much we could do with it, except take photos. At least, sat in the direct sunlight, it would get some rays. The illumination in today’s photos is quite different from the norm.
We both remarked on the size of the pots, small. This feeling was enhanced when the Mushroom Rice was presented. Here was enough to share, and some. The abundant Rice had been spiced a la Biryani. Fresh Mushrooms played their part in making this a quite magnificent Vegetable Rice.
If I was able to return here, the Vegetable Biryani would certainly be worthy of investigation.
The Traditional Naan was tear-shaped, thin, risen and blistered. A proper Tandoori Naan. It had been cut lengthwise, this did not detract from the visual impact as cutting it into bits does. A bit crispy, but a thoroughly enjoyable Naan.
Tawa Gosht
Topped with Cherry Tomato and a threat of Coriander, the brown Masala looked splendid in the bright sunlight. The viscosity of the Masala was apparent as it, and the Meat were relocated to the plate. For once, I didn’t count the Meat, there was sufficient. Subconsciously, maybe I didn’t want a lot.
I had chosen Tawa Gosht because of its description, yet there were strips of Capsicum mixed through the Masala. All three colours, just to spoil my day. A discard pile was duly created. Inevitably pieces were eaten, and I would pay for it later. Burp, horrible.
The Spice Level built steadily as I ate, nothing in the extreme, a suitable – kick – as I hoped had been relayed. The Seasoning was fine, neither a standout or a hindrance. The small-ish pieces of Beef were Soft, there was the sense of Spice being given back here. It is so rare that I have a Beef Curry, 
here was a decent, honest attempt. No Whole Spices, nothing in particular that could be identified, but definitely the Flavour of Curry, albeit we’re in Europe and whatever happens over here in Mainstream Curry Houses, that – taste – was present.
The Rice was playing its part in the overall enjoyment of the meal, from here more Coriander. The Naan was used to wipe the Curry bowl, all that remained was the discarded pile of – Ballast.
Butter Chicken
Red, but otherwise, a similarly viscous Masala, but was that Cheese swirled across the top? I’ve been watching too many American cookery videos. Marg assured me it was Cream. The Hector Soupçon was sourced – Sweet. This Curry was for those who like that sort of thing. Marg’s verdict:
A fairly small dish with an abundance of sauce in ratio to the pieces of chicken. A very sweet and thick sauce went well with the Rice. I was ready for this meal and started before the Bread arrived. A crispy and tasty Naan.
The Mushroom Rice was full of spices and these extra textures added to the whole flavour. I loved the Coriander kick. Overall, a tasty dish with the Mushroom Rice the stand out.
The Bill
€33.30 (£27.71)
The Aftermath
The ritual of introducing Curry-Heute complete, I asked Mein Host about his lack of indoor tables. They have heaters for outside in winter, simples. One therefore must really want a Curry to come here but then there are so few choices.
Strangely, the food today was not discussed. I was advised that expansion was not possible due to the adjacent excavation.
What did the Romans ever do for us?
2024 Menu
