Only discovered yesterday Pak Taka Tak (Menandrou 13, Athena, Greece) was the choice for Curry-Heute. 11.30 was the agreed meeting time for Steve to join Marg and Hector at this Café – Restaurant behind the Fruitmarket.
Steve had sneaked in a Curry yesterday at Indian Masala in nearby Plaka, the description of what I had seen yesterday had him on board today. Marg is keen that I point out that it was she who first spotted the Dark Curry topped with Green Chillies and Ginger Strips which the Chap behind the counter identified as – Mutton.
On his Bus Tour yesterday, Steve’s Guide had highlighted the growing Indian presence in the area south west of Omonia. These venues are not where one would go – To Dine – but for Lunch they are ideal, and decidedly cheap.
There were flurries of snow as Steve joined us at the rendezvous time. This time last year Marg and Hector had walked up Athinas in t-shirts and sandals. Steve was cold too, that says something.
A Young Chap who be be Our Host for the duration took the order. Mutton Curry, we were also offered Beef. Marg would have a Samosa, a tray of Samosas sat on the counter, these looked well packed. The request for Paratha was not accepted.
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Naan?
OK, two Naans.
Potato or Keema?
One of each.
As we waited, piles of Naan wrapped in foil were taken out by a stream of customers. A poster in the window said Biryani was available for €1.50. This should put the Venue in perspective. Hector had to use The Facilities, no worse than Glasgow’s Yadgar currently, or the original Village.
Two Black cast iron karahi were placed on the gas stove, a Chef was seen stirring away. Promising. Two fellow diners had three Samosas each. We watched as trays were assembled on the counter with wooden bases for the karahi, Salad and Raita. Quartered Naans were placed and finally the Karahi. Mein Host was happy to pose enabling the moment of anticipation to be captured.
One never knows what to expect. Having seen the Menu yesterday at the Mainstream Restaurant – Indian Chef – one would not be over exited. Having seen this Dish already, there was a possibility that today’s Curry could be very special.
From the moment the tray was placed before the Hector, I knew. The first dip of the substantial Aloo Naan revealed Cloves in perfect harmony with the Masala. Flavours burst on to the palate. This was joyous. As I ate so the pleasure simply increased with each passing mouthful. The Tender Mutton was on-the-bone. The pieces on top had minimal bone, larger pieces below would require fingers. The Potato stuffing in the Naan provided the Interesting Vegetable. Sesame Seeds atop the Naan added Further Flavour.
This Curry was rapidly approaching perfection. As I progressed towards the base of the karahi so I found myself in – that special place.
Bloody Hell – was the exclamation. It was hours later that it dawned on me what I was tasting. The overall experience was familiar, it was the Ghee, this Curry had the same rich Buttery Taste as presented to Marg and Hector at Manchester’s Lahori Dera.
A Sublime Curry Moment
I have visited a number of Athens Curry Houses in recent years, the Curry has always been good, sometimes very vood. The Karahi served at Pak Taka Tak was in the truly outstanding category – Outrageous Curry! Easily the Best Curry I have ever eaten in Greece.
The Chap brought two more Naans, even Marg was dipping now. Her Samosa had been devoured, the Salad and the Spicy Raita too. Hot in temperature, mostly Peas and Potato – was Marg’s description.
Remember Steve? Not a fan of on-the-bone, there was not even a murmur about the pile of debris that was accumulating. He too was gob-smacked by the intensity of flavour emanating from the Karahi. His Keema Naan was described as – well stuffed. Steve managed to wipe his karahi clean.
That was sensational!
The Bill
Wait for it… €10.50. I approached the counter and handed over a €20 note. I was asked for 50c, €10.00 back. Nobody could believe this. This is what eating in Greece used to be like.
The Aftermath
I had to congratulate Mein Host on the quality of the Curry. The Calling Card was handed over and the website shown on the Trusty Samsung. In stilted English Mein Host told me – I have another Restaurant, two streets away. He pointed south in the direction of Psiri. It was established that Mein Host was indeed the Proprietor of both establishments.
We searched for The Other Restaurant but could not locate it. We did find a Delicatessen which was a Tourist Attraction in its own right. A warm welcome here too, and just to stand in awe.
Hector and Marg have one more day in Athens, normally after a discovery like this I would be back at Pak Taka Tak to enjoy the fare once more, however, there is another new venue to be explored, tomorrow. Taste of India across the street looks promising too.
