Dr. Stan has returned to Blighty, the Hector has extended his stay in België for three nights in order to see Pendragon perform in Ittre. Antwerpen was the most affordable city in België to hold up for two nights before heading down for the gig. This gave the opperchancity to review the Curry scene in this northern city. Avoiding the Mainstream, and not having enough mouths to go Afghan, a return to Iman Hallal (Diepestraat 101, 2060 Antwerpen, België) appeared optimal.
On my previous two visits to Iman Hallal, I have had Lamb Korma. Having had this for the last two days in Brussel, I needed to try something different. The irony, the tough Meat aside on Visit #1, this could well be the source of the best Desi Korma had in België to date.
I arrived at Iman Hallal at 16.30, the same chap as before was behind the counter, not that he would recognise me, my visits have been years apart. I pointed to the rear of the restaurant thus conveying I was here to sit in.
I have never known anyone to eat in the seating at the front of the shop, through the back is where it’s at. And today, one fellow diner, with the waiter seated at the rear.
The menu has changed, still iconic in layout, but now a book, not just a laminated sheet. Lamb Thali (€16.00) was considered, a real departure from the norm. Daal Gosht (€12.00), but this just looked like Meat added to the Daal. Lamsvlees Meet Palak (€12.00), once Spinach is planted in Hector’s mind, that’s it, no going back. I am also due to cook a Palak Gosht later in the week.
The photo showed Naan, if I accepted the inclusive Bread, way too many may have arrived. I enquired about Rice instead, not a problem.
Being België, there had to be Fanta (€2.00), two cans, after all, it’s 30ºC, the warmest day of this trip. A small dish of Raita accompanied the arrival of the – beaker.
The wait for the food was worryingly short, but then, all would be sitting waiting to be reheated.
The Rice portion was sensible-plus. Not as ridiculous as some Euro-portions, but more than the Hector would manage.
Lamsvlees Meet Palak
The smaller size of karahi, but commensurate with what I was paying. I prefer my Palak Gosht to be Masala with Spinach, not the mass of Herb, this was clearly in the latter style. I was looking for something different.
Some of the Meat was cut almost Bradford-small, others larger, plenty of eating. Crucially, the Lamb was Tender, on Visit #1 they appeared to know their Meat was not up to scratch.
The Seasoning was low, but this seemed acceptable given the mass of green sat before me. The Spice Level would not have challenged any but the meek. I’m painting too bad a picture. The food had been served hot, and after two days of Shorva, it was good to get back to Dry Curry. In Europe, Saag/Palak is usually served with Cream mixed through, thankfully, that was not the case here.
The Spinach was not particularly powerful in terms of Flavour. No Whole Spices but I did find a piece of stem. Gentle, relaxing fayre, it fitted my mood for the day.
The Bill
€16.00 (£13.88) Rice included, the European way.
The Aftermath
Metro lines 3/5 run from the nearby Elisabeth to Groenplaats in the heart of the old town. I have tended to find the Metro here confusing, the given direction is not what it necessarily says on the front of the train. Do they state – from – where they have originated? Today, I manage to suss it, just as well, the Curry is clustered in the area housing Iman Hallal.
2025 Menu extracts
