Whilst it is always a pleasure to visit Chilli Grill (Rue Antoine Dansaert 172, 1000 Brussel, België), today, they were on a hiding to nothing. Friday’s outstanding Lamm Achari at Rice & Spice (Kaarst), followed by yesterday’s Lamm Qorma at Desi Dhaba (Aachen) would surely be impossible acts to follow.
After the seemingly compulsory train hiatustravelling across the border between Aachen and Brussel, it was 17.15 before we reached Chilli Grill. At least, arriving this late meant Dr. Stan’s breakfast would have been digested, and Chilli Grill would be open for business.
The Brothers Alvi were there to greet.
I read your Blog, you go a lot of places – remarked Shahzad.
It’s hard work.
Mutton Qurma (€12.50) with Rice (€4.00), was the Order of the day. More Desi Qorma, but I’ll take it whenever the opperchancity presents itself. After a signifiant Lamb intake in recent days, at least today should have provided a break: the Mutton served at Chilli Grill has always been admitted to as being – Beef.
No more! We were advised that – the locals do not like Beef.
In eight years of dining at Chilli Grill, why has it taken them so long to realise this?
Today therefore, it would be Lamb on-the-bone, adding further to Chilli Grill’s – Desi – credentials.
Drinks (€2.00) were sorted, with no glorious Belgian Fanta seen in the fridge, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, another favourite.
I noted that prices at Chilli Grill have not changed since 2024. How many Curry Houses on the planet have managed this?
The daughter of Shahzad was waiting to depart with her father. Apparently, she is aware of Curry-Heute, now she has the Calling Card, a souvenir.
After two days of sensible Rice portions, it was back to Euroland. A mental line was drawn, Masala permitting, I knew how much Rice I should manage.
A wee portion of something Spicy was provided, just in case. Not employed.
Mutton Qurma
No Citrus aroma of a Desi Qorma, I have of course enjoyed this Curry here before. Already I could tell that this was not in the same league as yesterday’s at Desi Dhaba (Aachen).
The volume did impress, a karahi packed with Meat, hence the consequently minimal Masala would have to be eked out to make any significant dent in the Rice. Nine pieces of Meat, each of which would be halved. Two Bones, one a large Sucky Bone, the first encountered at Chilli Grill, an historic moment.
With its Oily sheen, the Masala looked the part, however, the level of Seasoning was way below what the Hector seeks. The Spices would have to work even harder to make any impact. Whole Clove, Green Cardamom, and pieces of Cinnamon Bark would be assembled on the side of the plate along with the discarded Bones. The – Desi – credentials were present, but there would be no – wow! – moment today. Three days in a row would be unheard of.
The softest of Meat, but it was hardly giving back any more than its own Mutton Flavour. With the Masala consumed, or absorbed by the Rice, the Meat was found to be holding its own in the endgame. Such was its level of moistness, and with the palate saturated in Spice, the impact of the Mutton was seen in a more favourable light.
Dr. Stan – This was a rare, disappointing visit. Although the meat was as tender, as tasty as ever, the sauce was underwhelming and only lightly spiced.
Dr. Stan, who visits Chilli Grill more times than he lets on, also was experiencing the – Aachen hangover. Yes, Desi Dhaba was that good, and will hopefully become a fixture in our annual trips to NRW/België.
The fundamental difference was in the Seasoning. Maybe a word with – The Brothers – may be required: be brave, more Seasoning – Karrah!
The Bill
€37.00 (£31.74) Amazing value in Brussel.
The Aftermath
Curry three days in a row already, there are three more days left in this trip. Surely not?