Athena – Punjabi Tikka – Strong & Stable

Twelve hours in Athena and Hector has not had a Curry.

That is a disgrace – as the future Prime Minister once said.

We did reached our accommodation, overlooking the social hub that is Iroon Square, at 01.00 last night.

With so many choices in the area to the north of Psiri, I decided that having had the Beef Karahi and Keema at Punjabi Tikka (Nikiforou 1, Athina 104 37 Hellas) last year, I had to try the Mutton Karahi (€4.50). Yes, €4.50, and that includes the Pakistani Roti (€0.40). This must be the cheapest Curry in Europe, and all of the Curry Cafes in this area are selling authentic fayre.

Taste of India was closed as we passed. A sign said filming was happening here back in June. As nobody has removed this, one suspects the venue has closed, a sad loss if so. If I pass – Bollywood Masala – their more Pukka venue at Plaka, I’ll ask. In the meantime, I stuck my nose into Khan Tikka around the corner from Punjabi Tikka.

They have a mean looking Lamb Curry calling me. So many venues to choose from, and I cannot even get round my favourites in a single trip.

At Punjabi Tikka the friendly face from last year was not present today. Last year? We’ve known him for many years as he moved here from Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House. Maybe he’s on vacation, everyone else is. Our favourite Bier Houses both close this weekend, apparently few will be left in Athena by August 15.

The pictorial menu was brought, same prices as last year. Evidently there is no inflation in Hellas. Two chilled half litre bottles (€0.50) were brought, a matter of course. I added a can of lemonade (€1.00) to the Order, Marg a Greek Salad (€5.00). Fancy ordering a Greek Salad in a Pakistani restaurant in Athena!

I hate straws, I hate these new fangled eco-friendly paper straws even more.

Call it a Pakistani Roti if they want, the Bread in these Curry Cafes always impresses. A Naan by any other name, two were brought. Served whole, hot, light and fluffy doesn’t even begin to describe the wonder of this Bread. We both ate more than was sensible given how much food was on our plates.

*

Greek Salad

Lots of green and white, after last night’s footay score, I wasn’t bothered. The Cucumber was buried, maybe not living up to the pictorial grandeur of the menu. Green Olives, with stones in, as expected the cheaper bitter variety. Marg’s verdict:

Fairly big, large chunks of Mediterranean Tomato, plenty Onion, Cucumber, Lettuce, Olive Oil and Feta Cheese. It was a pleasant Greek Salad, but not the best I’ve had.

Maybe Samosas next time, Marg?

Mutton Karahi

The Cinnamon Stick stood out in the Masala, its powerful aroma noticeable as the karahi was placed on the table. I counted the Meat into double figures. The Bone count was not excessive, the Sucky Bone was a joy.

Dipping the wonderful Bread into the clearly Tomato-based Masala, there was an explosion of Flavour on the palate. Large Green Chillies had been sliced and cooked in. When the more Oily part of the Masala hit the back of the throat it took me back to the – rawness – of Glasgow Curry in the 1960s. This Karahi was taking no prisoners.

The Mutton was cooked close to the edge, any more and it could have turned to pulp. This was Tender Mutton at its finest, and it definitely was from a sheep. With Flavours that only Desi Cuisine can muster, this Karahi defined – depth of Flavour.

Towards the base of the melange, I found strips of Onion, however, these were way outnumbered by the sea of Tomato Seeds. Pure Punjabi Taste – the front of the menu declares. I concur.

This was a – Karahi – I fail to understand why so many venues do not recognise this.

The Bill

€11.50 (£9.74)     No koybep charge.

The Aftermath

As I handed the Revolut card to the chap who dealt with payment, I surveyed the other ready Dishes. There was something for everyone. Last year I was told that Saturday is Kofta day. This was reconfirmed.

Kofta Anda?

Apparently so.