The only way was to prove one way or the other that Marg and Hector ate each other’s Curry two nights ago at Radhuni (Rua do Benformoso 155 A B, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) was to return and order the Lamb Bhuna (€8.50) once again. The final day of this trip to Portugal, and Portuguese Fayre was planned for this evening. By going out early, Hector could squeeze in a Curry for lunch.
Hector and Marg arrived at Radhuni on the hopefully now famous, well in these pages, Rua do Benforomoso, at 12.20. Only two tables were occupied, solitary diners. We took the same table as before, right at the counter. No messing, Marg was having Samosas (€2.50).
Chef could be seen in the kitchen but did not approach. Today, no Fazal, a different waiter who was keeping to the script – no Tandoor.
To accompany the Bhuna, a Chapatti (€1.00). I had hoped today for a Naan (€1.50) – no Tandoor. I noted on the display board outside that something looking very close to the wonderful Malabar Parotta is featured. So what was it they gave me on Monday masquerading as a Paratha?
No tandoor.
*
The wait was appropriate, Marg noted the photo on the wall drawing our attention to Sola Mori. Shark?
The main course arrived with Marg’s Samosas. Today, Marg could confirm that there was Meat in the Samosa, Chicken Keema. They didn’t last long, not the largest Samosas ever seen.
The accompanying Red Chilli sauce was not touched. Too sweet, surely this belongs with the cuisine of lands further to the east of the Indian Subcontinent?
Lamb Bhuna
Here we go again. This was nothing like as Dry as the Curry served to Marg previously as Lamb Karahi. There was possibly only a smidgen less Masala than that served to me as Lamb Bhuna. Conclusion: I’ll stick to what is written already.
This – Lamb Bhuna – was still a magnificent Curry. Yes there’s Oil, but those of us who appreciate authentic Desi Curry can take this in our stride. You don’t get this depth of Flavour without. Once again, the Spice and the Seasoning combined to create a full on Flavoursome experience.
The single Chapatti was just enough to scoop up the Masala and pieces of Meat. I counted ten pieces of Lamb, some on-the-bone. Seasoned Lamb, giving abundant Flavour, at a level at least one above a typical Restaurant Curry.
Today, a whole Green Cardamom was captured before it was bitten into, Monday’s Curry featured a Black one. I took the Masala to be once again – Tomato-based. As before, Earthy Flavours were to the fore. A Curry worthy of this trip and likely to be the last in Portugal in 2023.
The Bill
€14.50 (£12.80)
The Aftermath
I showed the waiter Fazal’s photo now published in a well known and reliable Curry Blog. Hopefully he would pass on – the information.
Reliable? Hector certainly had ordered Lamb Bhuna, what was Marg’s Curry on Monday?
Outside on the display board I noted both Lamb Bhuna and Bhuna Gosht, two different dishes?
To be continued, one day, perhaps.