Hector has done well this week in Belgium. Having almost written off Curry in this land over the years, better IT has led to the discovery of venues which might actually sell Genuine Curry rather than the despicable blandness of Euro-Curry. That Hector is able to narrow down the list to locate Punjabi venues is the key to success.
Punjab Tandoori (Sleepstraat 67, 9000 Gent, Belgium) is located on the Tram route to the north of Korenmarkt, it is a ten minute walk from there, follow the Tram lines. Arriving at 12.30, Punjab Tandoori was open as it is every Lunchtime, Thursday and Friday excepted. It was Chef who eventually emerged from the kitchen and greeted me after I did a – cough – where was the Waiter?
I had the choice of all the tables and so chose a table for two mid room. My last two venues have been Curry Cafes, here was Hector back in the land of – Pukka Restaurant, there be tablecloths here. I was handed the Menu, two things immediately caught the eye. The watermark featured the – Minar-e-Pakistan – in Lahore which Yadgar (Glasgow) display prominently above their door. Secondly, there was a lot of Fish on this Menu, tempting.
*
Chef watched me from behind the Bar photographing as many pages as I felt I could without looking like a Restaurant Spy. His watchful presence did limit the coverage but inspired me to go for it.
Karahi Gosht (€17.00), can you cook it without the – groene peper?
This was possible.
Can you do it – Desi Apna? I was unsure about the reply. We agreed – Medium Hot.
Sparkling Water (€2.00) completed the Order.
Nature called, so I went up the stairs towards the Kitchen and located the Facilities. On my return the Curry and Rice were on the table. No comment.
As is the norm with – Inclusive Rice – in Europe, there was way more than one person could ever eat.
Karahi Gosht
Behold! The Toppings were there: Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips. The Masala was not excessive, it had a decent, viscous consistency.
I decanted the Meat and Masala reaching double figures in the Meat count. Time for – The Big Test.
Spice, Seasoning, perfect!
There was loads of Fresh Coriander, both leaves and stems, the Ginger gave a lovely – Crunch. The first piece of Meat was Chewy, but nothing like as Chewy as yesterday at Iman Hallal (Antwerpen). Thereafter the Meat was Tender, a rogue piece to start? The Karahi Gosht was full of Flavour, a Tanginess was emitted, quite distinctive. I realised the experience would have been further enhanced by a Bread accompaniment, but the Rice was inclusive.
The more I ate, so the Spice Level built up, the Flavours kept coming, this Curry was – Superb, how much of this was down to the Seasoning?
This was a Curry to savour, as good as anything served in the UK, in fact way better than most. Hector was feeling very pleased with himself. Two great discoveries this week, Chilli Grill (Brussel) and Punjab Tandoori, the finest Curry Houses discovered in Belgium to date, the first premises I will most certainly return to.
A new Chap entered the premises carrying supplies. I deduced he was Mein Host. He would take the cash.
The Bill
€19.00 (£16.81)
The Aftermath
I introduced myself to Mein Host and congratulated him on the Fayre. On asking for a photo he led me up the stairs to the kitchen. Chef was cutting up more Orange Capsicum than I have ever set eyes upon.
He held one up and smiled.
Passing by later this evening I came across – Passage to India – another Curry House almost next door to Punjab Tandoori. Perhaps one day…
