Worthing – Rajpooth Authentic Indian Cuisine – Halfway to Patia

After a splendid afternoon spent at Anchored in Worthing it was time for Curry-Heute, Mahaan was nearby. On arrival, they told us we would have to wait half an hour. A couple of young chaps faced with the same dilemma led us across town to their favoured alternative – Le Spice. The song remained the same.

The Kemptown Brewery next door was considered as the place to wait the required half hour, however on entering it was obvious that this was not our kind of place. Across the street lay Rajpooth – Authentic Indian Cuisine (35 Brighton Rd, Worthing BN11 3EF England), I had read mixed reviews on other sources this afternoon whilst deciding where we should go.

At 21.15, Rajpooth was remarkably quiet, nine diners sat at three tables. This was not a good sign given what we had just witnessed elsewhere. Mein Host led us to a table, it was he who would serve us thereafter. The Menu proved to be quite an interesting read, many Dishes here were unique. The prices were mostly very agreeable. I read a fair bit of the Menu to Clive, Keema Bunjon (£7.50) took his fancy. Beneath that lay Special Achari (£7.50), Hector was certainly in the mood for some Pickle. To accompany, Clive asked for a Keema Naan (£2.75), my – almost becoming – customary Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.95) was doable.

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Keema Bunjon

If proof was required that Rajpooth was serving original Curry, this was it. Here was a delightfully thick mass of Meat in a Minimal Masala with Boiled Egg featuring prominently. Topped with Fresh Coriander and Syboes, this Curry featured a Masala which was markedly different from the Shorva which usually accompanies Kofta Anda.

Clive was too busy eating to comment so I insisted on having a Soupçon. The Keema Bunjon was possibly under-seasoned for the Hector palate. Alternatively, what was being eaten across the table was too powerful.

Special Achari

With the same Toppings, this Curry was Traditional in appearance with lots more Masala, and an Oily one at that. The Lamb appeared to have the Texture and Taste of Lamb Tikka, else it had been sitting in a Masala for some time. This did not convey the sense of Lamb meets Masala moments before serving. Despite the abundant, and relatively Thin Masala, this was not a Soupy Curry. The Onions helped bulk out the Masala, Jalfrezi came to mind. Hector was fooled into eating Red Capsicum having mistaken it for Tomato. The Red Peppers had been well cooked to the point of being  – almost tolerable.

I could not taste the infusion of Pickle that had been expected. The Spice Level was quite demanding, the Seasoning was not an issue. I wondered around halfway if Mein Host had recorded – Karahi – rather than – Achari. Eventually I was able to convince myself that I was tasting a hint of Pickle, the telltale Rind and Pods were never encountered. Halfway to Patia – was recorded as the final description.

Plenty of Keema – remarked Clive with reference to his lightly fired Keema Naan. Served whole and round, the Naans did appear to be a bit on the small side when they arrived. The size proved to be sufficient, as much as one could manage in comfort. Fluffy, without being doughy, the Chilli and Coriander Naan was thoroughly enjoyable. This Naan was an ideal accompaniment for the Special Achari whose appearance suggested that Rice may have been more suited. Having devoured the Meat, the remnants of the Naan worked well with the mass of Mushy Vegetables which was left in the Achari.

The Bill

£20.70 Achari was confirmed.  Why more for the Naan without Meat? Apart from that, Restaurant prices comparable to many a Curry Cafe.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was given, I assured Mein Host that we had enjoyed our meals.

Clive had become concerned about a lack of trains to Crawley. We asked Mein Host to get us a taxi back to the station. A half hour wait – he told us. What is it with Worthing and half hour waits? We walked, our train necessitated a change at Brighton, nothing happening there tomorrow.

Menu