It is fifty years since Hector first set foot in this city, and just for one day. This year, five nights in Athena, the Hector always manages to squeeze in a Curry or two when not indulging in Giouvetsi, Stifado, Bekre Meze, Kleftico, or even Gemista. Those who know the latter dish should appreciate the irony. Fortunately only one of the above features – Lamb. Today, the Hector continued his run of Vegetable Curry. Does – two in a row – constitute – a run? We may come back to this in 2028.
Marg and Hector had a 14.00 rendezvous with Steve, who is also here to enjoy the many delights of Athena. Normally, when visiting Punjabi Tikka (Nikiforou 1, Athina 104 37 Hellas) we have taken a table outside. In the two years since our last Curry here, the perimeter foliage has grown into a hedge, it all looks a bit claustrophobic at the entrance. Inside we went.
I went up to survey the pret a manger, the only Meat Curry on display, in a magnificent Oily Shorva had to be Liver. No way, Pedro.
The Vegetable Curry was clearly an Aloo Gobi-plus, about time this was explored. Steve was invited to follow suit when he joined us, before studying the menu.
As expected, there had been a price increase since 2024, a whole 20%, main courses now cost a whopping €6.00! As the dedicated page for Punjabi Tikka shows, the portions here are the full bhuna, and Bread is included.
A lady served us. Keema for Marg, Beef Karahi for Steve and Aloo Gobi for Hector. Inclusive Roti (€0.50) for Marg and Steve, I asked for a Keema Naan (€2.50). Where else am I going to get one at this price? I also did my best to ensure that my inclusive Bread would also not arrive. The lady was not sure if the Keema Naan was available, but later verified it would come.
Three chilled 0.5l bottles of Still Water were presented, along with a Salad and Raita, this is the norm. The number of sit-in customers, and flow of Takeaway, restricted the photographic opperchancities. One does one’s best. Punjabi Tikka is definitely in Hector’s preferred style of Curry Cafe, no frills, just proper Curry.
The TV was showing yet another movie from the Indian Subcontinent: endless singing and dancing, no cavorting. Hang on, Hector, that background looks familiar. Behold, Goredale Scar, the gorge adjacent to Malham Cove, Yorkshire. I used to visit this area for fun before it became the locus of an annual Geography Field Trip. All my fault. I feel as if I know every clint and gryke on the top of Malham Cove, such that, on seeing a Harry Potter movie, reportedly set there, I was able to inform Marg that the limestone pavement it was filmed on for close ups, could not possibly have been Malham. It wasn’t.
A basket arrived with two Roti, the Keema Naan would arrive much later. How this Bread comes under the moniker – Roti – I know not.
Across this part of Athena between Psyri and Omonia, the Bread always impresses. Thicker than Pitta, but closer to Pitta as is served in the Middle East, not the nonsense served in the UK. Light, fluffy, a joy to eat.
Keema Aloo
Topped with Coriander Stems, what a mass of Mince and Potato. The Oil was separating towards the periphery. Marg insisted that I sample it. The Beefiness was to the fore, this was a tasty Keema. Next time, I could be 
tempted. Marg:
We sat inside to avoid the smokers. I was ready for my Keema dish. The first mouthful was full of flavour with a real earthy taste of “welcome back to Athens Curry”.
The fresh Roti allowed me to pick up the mince and eat everything. There was oil in my dish, but this added to the overall flavour. An excellent meal.
Beef Karahi
A Ginger Strip and a modest sprinkling of Coriander topped the mass of Meat and Minimal Masala. Again, the Oil was collecting around the Curry. I estimated that the Meat count was into double figures, and the pieces were 
not small.
Steve took his time, and eventually managed the lot. Steve:
A reasonable portion of fairly tender chunks of (gristly) beef. The masala was pleasant enough but not bursting with the flavours I would have expected from a Karahi dish. However, still excellent value for money, and very good service.
Aloo Gobi Baingan
Ginger Strips topped the karahi-ful of mostly Vegetable Mash. The Potato pieces stood out. I had to start with borrowed Bread, else I would have been watching my karahi go cold.
I started with the Aubergine, as soft as many hate it, there was enough Flavour emanating from this Vegetable to justify its inclusion. The Cauliflower too was well on the soft side, but giving off its own distinctive Flavour, plus the Spices from the Masala Mash, things were becoming interesting.
Not for the first time, the Potato was the star. The correct Texture, and oozing Flavour. A Black Peppercorn and a Black Cardamom were picked out from the Oily and well Seasoned Masala Mash. Some would be put off by the appearance of this creation. Mainstream restaurants would never present such a Curry. The Flavours were captivating, and there’s more.
The Keema Naan arrived, eventually. By this time we had worked out that the two Roti was enough between the three of us.
I cut it for you – said the waitress. Next time I’ll know to ask for it to be left alone.
This was unlike any Keema Naan ever seen before. The base was Roghni with corresponding perforations. The Meat appeared to have been pasted on, to create the slab one typically eschews. Then topped with Sesame Seeds, again, a la Roghni Naan. However, here was not the slab of Pink, Donner-like Meat. It was not the same as the Beef in the Keema, but very Meaty, very tasty. A meal in itself, where was Lord Clive when you needed him? Too much of this unique offering would be abandoned.
The Bill
€22.00 (£18.88)
The Aftermath
Later on, at Tapfield, I met Sunni from that London. We sat and discussed all matters Curry. He has given me a few venues in the his city to try, alas, most are Grill Houses. Time will tell.
Finally, the big change in appearance to Curry-Heute. The background colour is restored to what it was at the outset, the tagline also has its prominence re-instated. WordPress updates over the years have caused havoc. Hector now has a new imaginary friend, who is far more efficient at finding solutions than those I have to deal with via my web host.