Four nights in Gent, the plan was simple, maximise the number of visits to the very impressive Punjab Tandoori (Sleepstraat 67, 9000 Gent, Belgium).
Not open on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes, this would mean today and tomorrow were the only viable days. Imagine the annoyance at finding Punjab Tandoori closed today, a Tuesday. Passage to India which was a couple of doors along the street has gone.
A quick search on Google Maps took me to Oudburg, there are not many Gent Curry Houses open at lunchtime. Hang on I’ve been to Himalaya Restaurant before, Nepalese, it was decidedly poor, as was the reporting. Curry-Heute was in its infancy in 2011. A couple of doors along was India Palace (Oudburg 11, 9000 Gent Belgium), Hector would have his Curry-Heute.
There may have been a couple of diners in the al fresco seating area, Hector was having none of that. The Restaurant was empty, the Waiter gestured that I should sit at the window table, I wonder why? I pointed to the brilliant sunlight that was bathing this table. He extended the awning, shade was provided, all was well.
The Menu was brought, in Flemish/Dutch, not a problem. The language of Curry is universal, the standard dishes were there. The Waiter offered me the Menu in English, declined. I verified that the Balti Ghost (€18.50) had no Capsicum by showing a photo of the unwelcome – Ballast. He assured me he could have it prepared without. Spicy- was agreed upon.
A 250ml bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.50) would complete the Order. That’s €10.00 for a litre of Sparkling Water. Incredible.
What appeared to be a half Poppadom in a basket was accompanied by a Mint Raita and some Mango Sauce. I felt compelled to eat the Poppadom despite the lack of embedded Cumin Seeds. Never a fan of Mint, the combination proved to be quite refreshing.
The Curry and Rice arrived in less time than one might expect. The Rice portion looked ominous, another potential waste scenario, however, on spooning the Rice to my dinner plate there was exactly the amount that I desire. Check the bowl, a false bottom.
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Balti Ghost
Topped with tiny pieces of Ginger and micro sprinkling of Fresh Coriander, I could see that pieces of chopped Onion and Garlic permeated the blended base Masala. This was already way better than the feared Shorva which is encountered too often across Europe. Decanting the pieces of Meat, the count was well into double figures. This was quite a plateful, more than I would normally eat this early in the day.
The lack of Seasoning was very apparent, at least the Spice Level could be described as – Moderate. The Flavour was very recognisable, here was the classic Euro-Curry born out of who knows what ingredients that never made it into the Big Sauce Pot.
Is it good? – asked the Waiter.
It’s OK – was the very accurate reply.
This never going to challenge, it was a competent Curry, no more.
I came across a piece of Cinnamon Bark which did make me appreciate my Curry a bit more. There was no sign of Cumin, Cloves, Cardamom, Methi I could dream about. Some of the Herb topping was now mixed through the Masala, the Ginger offered a pleasant crunch. Whilst most of the Lamb was Tender, some pieces did feel to be a bit – Gristly.
When I topped up with the remaining Masala, the latter part of the meal definitely improved. The Seasoning in the Masala at the base of the karahi was more noticeable. This gave a pleasant note to end on.
I had eaten all that had been set before me. It was Curry, but far from what I had been hoping to eat today.
The Bill
€21.00 (£18.75) With the political shenanigans going on at home, I was worried about the exchange rate. We are back to what it was all summer, but far from what it was when I last had Curry in Oudburg.
The Aftermath
I noted on their business card that India Palace is marked as being closed on Tuesday lunchtimes. I gave my Calling Card to a different chap. It was accepted with some interest being shown. That the Curry-Heute coverage of Belgium is as extensive as it is has been achieved by eating a quantity of Bland Curry.
India Palace – Menu extracts
Brugge – In Dish
Brugge was the focus of Hector’s other activity today. I couldn’t miss the Curry House next door to ‘t Brugs Beertje on Kemelstraat. The Menu at In Dish was short, but the suggestion of something like a Desi Curry is enough to tempt. One day, perhaps.
