An online photo of a dark, rich-looking, on-the-bone Curry was enough to have the Hector investigate Noor Tandoori (Rue de Fiennes 42, Anderlecht, Koninkrijk België). Another Anderlecht Curry Cafe serving Pakistani Fayre. How many more are hidden away?
As I took the external photo so the young chap approached the door. I was not a spy, I was here to eat. This was Mohammed, but as everyone is called this, I shall use Jahanzaib – Beauty of the World.
I studied the array of Dishes on display. Lots of Daal, a Vegetable Curry which evoked Klingon Gagh, and the biggest pieces of Paneer ever seen. Spinach and Paneer, I doubt if that would stay in my stomach for long.
What I took to be Karahi Gosht proved to be otherwise. Lamb yes, but not Karahi. Jahanzaib pointed to another tray, this was Karahi. With Karahi comes Naan (€1.50). I was directed to the fridge for drinks, Fanta (€2.00) my preferred accompaniment whilst in België, I took two.
On taking a table I studied the laminated menu, all in English. No Lamb Karahi, only Chicken Karai (€12.00), I didn’t give this another thought. The array I had just photographed surely had items not on this menu.
A couple were the only two diners on my arrival. They had a huge Biryani, lots of Bread and a Curry I couldn’t see. When they departed, two whole carrier bags were filled with the produce of Noor Tandoori. Can the wife not cook?
Noor Tandoori is brightly decorated, with flexible seating down both walls. I can envisage large groups dining here. My table accommodated six.
A blond, young lady, rucksack on her back entered and approached the counter.
I’m a vegetarian – she told the World. They always have to. Why can they not just order their food without the holier-than-thou attitude?
After ten minutes, the food was brought on a tray:
a small pot of Raita and a rather impressive Naan. I remain unsure as to how these go together without some sort of Salad. One glimpse of the Curry and the heart sank. Chicken!
That’s not Gosht, that’s Chicken.
A pity – Murgh – didn’t immediately come to mind.
Jahanzaib assured me that to him – Chicken is Gosht.
As the rest of the World already knows, Gosht/Goshat is Lamb or Goat.
Having already seen the interesting Lamb Curry, I was not about to accept – the Curry that doesn’t exist.
The further ten minute wait gave time to appreciate the Naan which was fortunately served hot. Whole, risen, puffy, blisters, this is what the Hector seeks. When I finally got around to dipping it, lovely and light. An excellent Naan, however, this proved to be the wrong accompaniment for what followed.
With three Lamb (€12.00) options on the menu, I had to verify which I had been served. Bhuna, this most certainly was not. With Butter, interesting. This was in fact the Lamb Korma.
What is happening here? The Hector spends his days trying to find a Desi Korma/Qorma, and here it was, two days in a row.
Lamb Korma
As with yesterday at Mithu da Dhaba, a Soupy Curry. Yesterday, I used Shorva, today this does not feel totally appropriate. The consistency here had a bit more bulk, but hey-ho, Soupy it was, and so Shorva it is. And as is my preference, this Curry would have better suited Rice, not Bread.
The seemingly meagre four pieces of Lamb on-the-bone did not appear to be much. Was this the Curry I had seen at the counter with the orange, creamy Masala? Once reheated, maybe this is how it turns out.
Whilst there was no Citrus aroma I associate with a Desi Qorma, the first dip of the Naan revealed a definite – Tang. A Spicy Tang. The Seasoning was maybe conservative, but this Curry was not lacking in Flavour. The Yoghurt Flecks were clear to see, this was way closer to a Desi Qorma than what I was served nearby yesterday.
There’s Tender Meat, Soft Meat, and oh-so-soft Meat, This Lamb was in the latter category, but with traces of Offal. How it still clung to the bone puzzled. Finger food, there was seemingly no other way to eat this. I tried using the spoon to separate Meat from Bone and in doing so, created my own Meat Pulp. Not a good idea, Hector. Back to the fingers.
Whilst the Meat was not giving back the Spice, the distinctive Flavour of Mutton was to the fore. The piece of Offal gave off its own quite different Flavour. No Whole Spice, and no sense of either Clove or Cinnamon, the Earthy Flavours here were something new, with the – Tang – continuing to dominate.
What started as four pieces of Lamb somehow became twelve. Plenty of eating, and tiring, even though the chewing was minimal. I had also eaten way more Bread than is my norm, it was that good.
This was approaching the much sought after – Desi Qorma – so, enjoyable as this Curry was, it was nothing outstanding. Had I ordered a Vegetable Biryani (€8.00) as the accompaniment, I could have created a much better meal, next time.
The Bill
€17.50 (£15.18)
The Aftermath
I introduced Curry-Heute in the usual manner. Jahanzaib was quite taken with the Calling Card. Hopefully this will give him his moment of fame. Mine was last week.
We looked through the rotating photos, many a Curry was celebrated. Keema Padora rated a special mention.
Before meeting up with Dr. Stan at La Source, a bit of investigating. The Afghani outlet for Mithu da Dhabba was reportedly around the corner from Noor Tandoori. These premises proved to be no more.
Looks like Noor Tandoori could be my first port of call next time in Brussel, unless Chilli Grill is open.
2025 Menu
