With only a handful of Pakistani food outlets in Bologna, Hector was determined not to miss out on anything special which might be available. Before crossing to the north side of the railways station to reach today’s intended venue: Gujranwala Restaurant (Via Alessandro Tiarini, 19f, 40129 Bologna Italia), there was a brief stop-off at Punjab Food (Via Giovanni Amendola, 15a, 40128 Bologna Italia) on the south side.
Punjab Food had a modest array of ready Dishes, Beans and Chicken did not entice the Hector to enquire about anything else. Further research online confirms that this is a Fast Food outlet, Curry as such is not on the menu.
News that – The Famous – had confirmed the appointment of their latest manager had reached the ears. More managers than trophies is the fundamental problem. Still, we reached Gujranwala at 13.30 with an air of optimism this fine Sunday afternoon.
The modern premises appeared to promote Pizza more than Curry. The waiter was quick to tell us that Pizza was not available yet today. Boo-hoo. The population of Bologna is fewer than 400,000, I believe in the last two days we have seen them all, and the vast majority seemingly eat nothing but Pizza. Of course, when Hector and Marg were in Agra, we famously went for Pizza as a respite…
Having had Curry yesterday at the impressive Mirch Masala, Marg was happy to have a Starter only today. Samosa (€1.50) was her initial choice. I suggested the Samosa Chat (€6.00) would be more of a meal.
Muttan Curry (€14.00) did not sound that exciting, I decided to try Fish Masala (€14.00) with Riso Zeera (€4.50). Two things to note here: Fish was being charged at the same price as Meat, in the UK, how often does one find this? The Jeera Rice seemed a bit steep. Maybe I should have gone the whole way and had Sabzi Biryani (€7.00). A Vegetable Biryani at this reasonable price would add Diversity.
A 1.5l bottle of Frizzante (€2.50) completed the Order.
Marg’s snack came a few minutes before the Curry, eat whilst hot.
Samosa Chat
Raw Onions, lettuce and Chickpeas topped the pair of Vegetable Samosas. Served halved, the Potato was visible in the Samosa, no more. There was little more than a threat of Raita as a dressing. Sometimes this creation can be served as a soggy mass, this was way more acceptable.
This was quite a plateful.
Are there three? – Marg posed after she had eaten quite a volume of Samosa.
A full dish of steaming opened Samosa with salad and Chickpeas on top creating a meal. A sweet, red sauce on the bottom added flavour to the pastry and mainly potato dish.
The waiter then brought the Curry and Rice pots, of course there would be more Rice than Curry, the European way. I took what I thought I might manage.
Fish Masala
The lid was removed, OK, this was by all possible definitions, a Fish Masala. Did it have to look so disappointing from the off? Orange, what sort of Masala was this?
Multiple strips of a white Fish sat in the orange, blended Masala. Once all the Fish had been arranged on the Rice, the Masala proved to be sufficient, not in excess.
There was a definite lack of Seasoning in the Masala, the Spice Level was moderate. The Flavour of the Fish was not powerful. Here we go again, Hector has been at this movie too often. A Fish Curry that lacks Seasoning and a Fish that may never have seen the ocean.
The Fish was well cooked, soft, next to no chewing was required, and – rubbery – this was not. On adding the remaining Masala the situation improved in terms of Flavour, despite a slight sweetness.
Fish, Masala, Rice, not particularly creative, I should have ordered the Sabzi Biryani also. Marg offered some of the Onion from her Chat, this added some crunch. Her Potato leftovers also crossed the table, distraction, variation, further improvement.
Overall, this Fish Masala was otherwise lacking in depth of Flavour.
All very Mainstream. At the foot of the Grill section I did spot – Muttan karahi €32.00 al kg.
Maybe this restaurant has more to offer? Fette di agnello, a kilo of Lamb Chops was similarly priced, I reckon I could have a go at that myself.
The Bill
€27.00 (£23.43) It seems a long time since Athena Curry prices.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to our waiter, Curry-Heute explained.
Amazing!
I don’t always get a response such as this.
With a gut feeling of unfinished business, I made a return visit to Tikka Point (Desi Nashta) (Via Federico Venturini, 8a, 40126 Bologna Italia). Mid afternoon on a Sunday was evidently quieter than the same time yesterday. The three small tables to the right and the single table to the left of the door were all free.
*
Photos of the ready Dishes were secured, the tray of Kofta being prominent.
The chap identified one pot as Beef Curry. On asking about Kofta Anda, this was confirmed. He was all set to prepare a Takeaway. I explained that I had just eaten, I could return tomorrow.
Closed on Mondays.
Hector is out of time.
I shall never definitely establish if Tikka Point is – the place – to source Curry in Bologna, instinct, and the information gathered, suggest it must be.