It is three years since Dr. Stan and Hector last visited In-Dish (Kemelstraat 9, Brügge 8000 België). Kemelstraat is usually where we end an evening in Brugge. Today, we had a rendezvous with the members of Bieres Sans Frontieres, those who volunteer at the – foreign bars – at CAMRA festivals in the UK. With ‘t Brugs Beertje opening, an hour early at 14.00 especially for us, there had to be bunkers afore.
On our last visit, Hector had the Curry Home Style – Lamb (€20.50) which was reasonable, however, it was Dr. Stan’s Curry that made the visit memorable. Famed for his preference for Saag/Palak Gosht, he had the Saag Lamb (€20.50). Unusually for Europe it was not a Creamy Mash of Spinach, effectively a Spicy Gemüse, as is served in Deutschland. Instead, it was the much preferred Masala with added Herbs. On that day, Dr. Stan even suggested that his Curry could have done with more Spinach. Inevitably, this is what we were both having today.
Served with inclusive Rice, which was just as well given the comparatively inflated price for Curry at In-Dish, it was just a matter of selecting the drinks. Fanta (€3.00) for each of us, a 500ml bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.00) for Hector also. Rehydration, the water in the hotel room may have conveyed that it was drinkable, the Hector was taking no chances.
A mature couple, locals, were the only customers on our arrival. They were subsequently joined at a window table by three Anglo-Indian ladies. Having little choice but to overhear other people’s conversation, the two tables engaged. The locals were a delight, a retired school teacher and his lady, out for Saturday lunchtime Curry. This is the life. As for the visitors, one wonders why some people travel.
The food arrived in a reasonable time. The Rice portion to share, for once in Europe, actually sensible.
Having let Dr. Stan have first dibs, there was minimal leftover Rice after I took what I could manage. In time Dr. Stan took this, which of course led to the usual offer in a European Curry House:
Would you like more Rice?
With some unknown Seeds mixed through, there was a pleasant aromatic Flavour from the Basmati.
Saag Lamb
Had we been videoed, it could have been priceless. There was almost a groan of disappointment on seeing the two Curry pots. A mass of green, and the swirl of Cream, Euro-Curry.
Was last time an aberration? – suggested Dr. Stan.
Once decanted, the Curry did look better, not as green, however, there was little in the way of an identifiable Masala. Pieces of Onion was the only clue that this was not just a mass of Herbs.
The Meat count reached double figures. Tender Lamb, but giving back nothing other than its own Flavour. No Spice, how could there be, no Masala from which to absorb it.
As for the Mash, the Spice Level built to something approaching – medium. The Seasoning was decidedly low. Spinach was therefore the dominant Flavour.
The discovery of a whole Black Peppercorn provided a diversion. Biting into this released more Flavour in an instant than the meal had provided prior to this moment.
Dr. Stan – It was a pleasant Curry. The spices were there but not overwhelming. Not as creamy as at first glance.
I conclude that we were both disappointed. Still, all plates were cleared, every morsel eaten, all possible pleasure extracted.
This was not the Saag as served back in 2023.
With some minutes to spare before our 14.00 rendezvous, Dr. Stan ordered coffee (€3.00).
The Bill
€55.00 (£47.57)
The Aftermath
Our fellow diners discovered that the chap who had served us was also doing the cooking. Whether that means he is also the Chef, of was filling in, may never be established.
Next, the shortest of walks…
2026 Menu
