Hector and Marg are journeying north with the intention of stopping off for Bier and Curry in favourite places that have been off limits for the best part of a year. Lord Clive of Crawley has joined the trek, others will join in the following days.
Sometimes taxi drivers give good advice. Back in August 2018, en route to the then favoured Desi Restaurant, our driver insisted that Lahore Tandoori Restaurant (539A Lincoln Rd., Peterborough PE1 2PB England) a couple of blocks further north, was the best place in town. The standard of Curry in Peterborough has impressed over the years, there has been the occasional disappointment. Having studied other sources, the word, is, one should ignore the run of the mill Curry Dishes on the Menu and go straight for the Lahori Desi Balti.
Given that an hour’s notice is required for the kilo of Lahori Desi Balti (£21.95) to be prepared, this was phoned in ahead of our intended 19.00 arrival. That we would be three diners only made the chap on the phone take note, especially when I said my wife would be ordering something from the Menu on our arrival. As the Desi Balti would be served on-the-bone, the kilo should not be onerous for Clive and Hector.
Greetings to Mein Host complete, we took a table at the rear of the restaurant. One other table would be occupied throughout our stay, the diners were concentrating on Grills.
Marg was attracted by the Murgh Makhani £6.95), she thought it sounded exotic. When Hector sees – Makhani – the thought of the complex Daal comes to mind. Alas, Murgh Makhani is Butter Chicken in normal parlance. Butter Chicken (£6.95) was also in the Chef’s Specials, it had Almonds and Coconut, the Makhani clearly focuses on the Butter.
A Tandoori Roti (£0.95) would be Marg’s accompaniment, for Hector a Paratha (£2.25). A Keema Paratha (£2.50) completed the food order. Try keeping Clive away from Keema Naan/Paratha. A Mango Rubicon (£1.50) was added, thereafter, tap water.
I had time to take the customary photos and attempt to capture the atmosphere of the venue and its décor. Informal, despite the table cloths, and large enough to hold some thirty odd diners on a busy night.
The wait felt appropriate for the Order. When the Lahori Desi Balti was placed on the table, I knew we had a winner. Decanting would be necessary, the hot plates were appreciated.
A Salad was presented just before the Breads. The Tandoori Roti was substantial, the Paratha was served in quarters. Whilst this always annoys, the Quality made up for the Bread Chef’s keenness with his knife. Layered, flaky and Buttery, a fine Paratha.
The Keema Paratha also impressed. On opening one quarter, individual grains of Mince were visible, unlike its counterpart in Shoreham a couple of nights previously.
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Lahori Desi Balti
The size of the portion blew me away as did the sheer magnificence of the quality of the Masala. This was it, the Desi Karahi that Hector travels the land to experience. The Oil was separating, one instinctively knew that this was going to be a very special moment.
It was the big Yoghurt hit that came across instantly, a first, then the significant Spice hit. The Seasoning, oh yes, this was everything the Hector desires.
Sucky Bones, so Soft Meat, melt in the mouth, and the richness of the Flavours. Where do these Flavours come from? I have the same Spices in my cupboard at home no doubt, just what is the difference?
An extra sauce was provided, this I recognised immediately, the recipe has been in these pages for years as – Pakora Sauce 2. I have never made it, for reasons that should be apparent if you use the link.
Every mouthful was a moment of joy, the Traditional and Mainstream Curry had on this trip previously was blown away, for Hector this is what it’s all about. Mmmmm.
Clive added a few words, a disagreement also:
The lamb could have been more melt in the mouth, hardly a criticism, it was bloody good.
Even Marg got in on the act, too Spicy for her of course, but it was good that she shared some of the pleasure that her fellow diners were enjoying.
Murgh Makhani
Yellow and Creamy with Chicken Tikka one presumes, Marg keeps opting for this style of Curry which is an anathema for Hector. A blob of Butter is visible, this took Marg by surprise somewhat.
Sweet – said Marg – but that was expected.
Well. Of course it was.
Throughout our time of eating, Mein Host, Zahir, checked regularly that we were fine. The level of pleasure that the Lahori Desi Balti was giving was noted. That the karahi was rapidly approaching – empty – may well have impressed, he acknowledged that we knew what we were about. Zahir took on even more interest when the Calling Card was given. That we were in Peterborough, specifically to visit his restaurant was appreciated.
The Bill
£36.10 There was no card machine, however, Zahir had some other payment scheme in place which involved email. Marg paid in cash.
The Aftermath
There had to be a photo, in fact many were taken. Hopefully we have Zahir’s good side.
Menu
