During our three day stay, it was confirmed that there are no Curry Houses in Siena. Before Covid there was one, no more. There’s a business opperchancity. Pisa has many to choose from, one Pakistani source stood out. Google have been informed that it doesn’t exist.
Being resident north of the River Orno, not far from a famous tower which all the World has heard of, and is way more fun than some have reported, why not choose something nearby?
Ristorante Indiano – India (Via Roma 52, 56126 Pisa Italia) looked as good as any, Hector is back in the realm of Mainstream Curry, expectations have to be adjusted accordingly, unless – Desi – makes a surprise appearance.
Arriving at India at 19.15, three diners were in situ. Six more arrived as we ate, by the time we left this Thursday evening, business was booming. Italian customers, the tourists had mostly left this – day trip city.
With a glass window, one could see into the kitchen. Marg was intrigued by the green marinated Meat, ready for the Tandoor. Tablecloths, this was a step up from recent Athena and Roma venues. We would be subjected to the wailing Doris screeching her way through the – classics?
A window table for two was allocated, due to restricted space on the pavement outside, all who passed would see us. Our view was not what one expects to see from a Pisa restaurant window…
The solitary waiter brought the menu, it made a change to be served by an adult. 
The standard fayre was listed, for Hector: Mutton Rogan Josh (€9.90), for Marg: Mutton Dansak (€9.90). Just in case, an Alu Gobi (€5.50) was added. A Roti (€1.50), Jeera Pilau (€3.90) a 0.75l bottle of Frizzante (€2.00), and a glass of Mango Lassi (€2.50) completed the Order.
Seven days in Italia and we have not paid more than €3.00 anywhere for a large bottle of Sparkling Water. We are being ripped off in the UK!
It was I, the perpendicular pronoun, who suggested Marg have the Lassi, at this price, not to be missed.
Good, yeh – was Marg’s verdict.
We watched the passers by, many of whom looked at us. Doris hit a particularly high note, this is music? This is what the Mainstream still believe they have to offer.
The food was brought on a tray. The Roti, a bit thicker than the standard, was halved. Risen, and with burnt blisters, Marg reported it to be crispy in parts. Success. The Jeera Pilau proved to be White Rice with Cumin. Pilau? I think not. The quantity was deceptive, enough to share given Marg’s Bread preference, more than the Hector required.
Mutton Rogan Josh
Soupy Curry! This is why the Hector is usually found outwith the Mainstream. I counted nine below average sized pieces of Mutton as I decanted, as ever, I left half of the Masala in the karahi for later. Not a lot of Meat.
Alu Gobi
Proper Curry! Served – Dry – in a minimal Masala Mash, this was more like it. As I appear to have been doing recently, I arranged half of the Potato and Cauliflower on the opposite side of the plate of Meat and Rice.
I started with the Aloo Gobi, the Texture of both Potato and Cauliflower were perfect, no mush here. A single Curry Leaf was uncovered, no other Whole Spice. Tepid, the food could have been warmer. The Seasoning impressed, the Spice Level was hardly challenging. Despite the Potato not having had time to absorb the Masala, this was an impressive Aloo Gobi. The Texture and Flavours were worthy of praise.
The brown Masala puzzled. The description said – Tomato based – why so dark? I had chosen this Rogan Josh because it was not the – creamy – interpretation which may soon prevail. Thicker than a Shorva, the Masala gave off a tangy Flavour. I note their Vindaloo is described thus. I wonder? Again we had Seasoning! The Spice Level was moderate, maybe that is being generous. Spice Level was highlighted on the menu, we had chosen – zero Chilli. An oversight on our part.
The Meat was soft, I have not previously had Lamb/Mutton of this quality on this trip. The Mainstream has its plusses. The Flavour of – Lamb – came over strongly, there was a sense of the Meat having absorbed the Spice.
Alternating between the Rogan Josh and the Aloo Gobi gave the Diversity which is sought. There was nothing here not to like. Competent Curry, not demanding, an enjoyable experience. The plate was wiped clean.
Mutton Dansak
Here we had a suitably thick Daal containing only six pieces of Meat. The extra solids from the Aloo Gobi would complement this Curry. Without the Aloo Gobi, I don’t think either of us would have had – enough.
Marg was quick to comment on the Seasoning, it must have been right up there.
I found the dish salty but flavoursome. I enjoyed the Aloo Gobi textures which combined well with the Roti. No extra Rice required, an enjoyable meal.
With everything wiped clean a couple of spoonfuls of Rice was the only leftover.
Pisa Curry, what more does a Hector need? A point against Espana would have been welcomed. Offside my…
We’re not finished. A Cappuccino (€2.00) for Marg. Served – hot – as coffee should be.
The Bill
€39.90 (£33.95) No inflated prices for Soft Drinks!
The Aftermath
With the waiter becoming busier by the minute, there was a brief introduction. The Calling Card was received with a warm sense of appreciation, especially when I said the review would be positive.
Menu extracts
