There has been speculation in the last couple of days as to whether it is possible to have Curry with Paella in Barcelona. We did find Punjabi Bar (Carrer de Blai 25-27 , 08004 Barcelona, España) which sells Paella and no Curry. Their Kebaps were a choice of Chicken or Beef, no Lamb.
Today five of eight departed and the remaining three had to change accommodation. Unable to check in until 15.00, Clive and Maggie accompanied Hector on the walk up Avenue del Paral-lel to Espanya. Just off this is located Restaurant Asiatic Bhatti Kabana (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 274, 08004 Barcelona, España) a venue I located by searching for – Pakistani Restaurant. Bhatti Kabana opens daily at 13.00, we arrived shortly afterwards. Clive had worked up an appetite, Maggie would have a Starter. Breakfast for all save Hector, was at 11.30.
Photos of Paella at the door and two rotating Kebaps were the first things we saw on entry. I checked the Menu before committing to a table thus confirming Curry was available.
After yesterday’s momentary loss of taste-buds I was determined to have something with a guaranteed strong Flavour. Karely Gosht (€7.95) should surely match this criterion. A Paratha (€1.00) would accompany, also the same 250ml Bottle of Vichy Catalan (€1.00) I had been served at Tabaq.
Keema Karahi (€6.95) was on the Menu, Keema Mutter (€6.95) was not, we would ask. Maggie chose Fish Pakora (€5.00). Two Bottles of Still Water (€1.00) would complete the Order.
Karely Gosht – I said to the Waiter.
Karahi Gosht – was his reply.
Karely Gosht.
Karahi Gosht.
Karely Goshy – finally.
Keema Mutter was not a problem, there was an expression of surprise that this Dish would be eaten without Bread or Rice.
Had Clive not had Breakfast one wonders if we would have shared a kilo of Lamb Karahi (€22.00)?
I went for a wander whilst we waited. The premises were very long and narrow, the décor very simple. The style took me back to the 1950s, apart from paint, I doubt if much has changed over the decades. How long has it been a Curry House?
Other Diners arrived, the Waiter was kept busy throughout our stay, people were ordering Kebap in various guises, heaps of food.
Keema Mutter
This looked decent, Peas aplenty, Ginger Strips on top. It had the correct consistency, Minimal to Zero Masala. I soon discovered what it lacked, Spice.
This lack of Spice was repeated as Clive ate:
I think Chef walked past the Spice containers – was the first of Clive’s observations.
I have just eaten Mince and Peas.
No Spices were harmed in the making of this Curry.
Fish Pakora
Four Pieces of Fish in Batter sat atop a bed of Lettuce. €5.00 for this?
The colour was decidedly dubious, Chef might have used the Food Dye.
Not Spicy – was Maggie’s comment.
The Pakora did not last long, there wasn’t very much to it.
Paratha
It looked Peely Wally but was nearly Perfect. This was Light, Layered and Flaky. A bit longer on the heat and it could have been a standout.
*
Karely Gosht
This looked – tired – on arrival. I wonder how long it had sat in the Karahi before serving? The Curry was Hot when presented but did cool remarkably quickly. Once I stirred the Mash I had a much better prospect. The Karela was plentiful, the Bitterness hit hard. Hector had a Curry to impact on the taste-buds. The Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Toppings added more Diversity. I was taking a liking to this Curry.
The Meat was Soft to the point of going to Pulp. At the base the Lamb was almost indistinguishable from the Masala. This reduced the necessity for intensive chewing. I considered the Seasoning then noted nothing, the Bitter Gourd was dominant, full on Flavour. For a period I used to eat lots of Karela, less so these days. This was quite a change, a bit of a challenge. It’s a pity the Spice Level was not commensurate with requirements. The lack of Spice was a feature of all the Dishes served today but in my case not enough to spoil the Karely Gosht.
I would have no hesitation about returning to Bhatti Kabana, however, the Spice Level of all Dishes would have to be clearly established.
The Bill
€24.40 (£21.59) Good value in the Curry Dishes, but the Pakora?
The Aftermath
I almost didn’t present the Calling Card. The Young Chap who was acting as Waiter and purveyor of Kebap had not had a moment in the time we were there.
I showed him the Website, this raised a smile and a – Gracias.
