A whole week without Curry! Time to make up for it. Today is a day to celebrate, it’s Hector’s birthday. Traditionally, Marg takes Hector out for a big meal, Curry of course. Today was somewhat different.
New Zealand is no more, welcome to the first Curry-Heute review in Hawaii, USA. Having crossed the International Dateline, we relived April 28 and some of 29 for that matter. Why not choose to have one’s birthday twice? I had to get here in time to ensure we could mark the day by visiting Pearl Harbor. Everything in this trip has gone to plan, so far. That’s tempting fate.
Research suggests that Hector is not going to find Desi/Apna style Curry in Honolulu. Desi’s Indian Curry (2239 Waikolu Way, Honolulu, HI 96815 United States of America) was therefore chosen for its name, I knew in advance there was no Lamb on the menu, I wasn’t expecting the venue to be … well read on.
The early rise for the trip to Pearl Harbor, Marg’s birthday present to Hector, meant there was a siesta thereafter. It was late afternoon when we set off for Waikiki, a half hour walk from Ala Moana. We located Desi’s Indian Curry in a backstreet eatery, Kiosk 2 in the Royal Hawaiian Dining Plaza. It’s just as well this was not Marg’s birthday treat.
Hector was still taking photos of the menu and surroundings as Marg approached the window in Kiosk 2. She ordered: Butter Chicken (£18.00) (medium), the national beverage ($2.00), and Chai ($4.00). Rice is included with Mains.
The Hector presented and added: Goa Fish Curry ($18.00) a Naan ($3.00) and another can of cola.
The Bill
$49.21 (£39.50) This could well be our only US dinner without tipping.
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Ash, Mein Host, advised it would take ten minutes, he would call us when ready.
At this point, the surroundings are generally described. Utilitarian may be apposite.
In due course, we were summoned to Kiosk 2. Paper plates, plastic cutlery, way better than the wood in The Antipodes. Hector’s big night out.
The Rice was exactly the right amount. No wastage.
The Naan was half Flatbread, half Naan. A buttery sheen and a decent Texture. Little did we realise how big a part the Bread would play in the meal overall.
Goa Fish Curry
At first glance, I assumed Marg’s Curry was mine. Nope, the Hector had ordered the yellow one. This was as Soupy as Curry can be, remote from the favoured Desi Karahi. The Yellow Sauce, fortunately I was saved from the curse of the Big Onions. The sense of humour was being tested.
Tilapia, at least I knew this was a worthy Fish, and there was plenty of it. Well cooked, the integrity was maintained then easily cut with the plastic spoon. Flecks of red were strewn through the Masala, Chilli of some description. Consequently, there was a good – kick – but the Curry lacked Seasoning. There was no hiding the Coconut, but this was far from a – Sweet Korma. I was about to accept this Curry for what it was, then I realised the means for bringing out all the Flavours.
The Buttery Naan had the Seasoning, by dipping this in the Masala, there was a dramatic resonance on the pleasure sensors. A Curry of two halves, once the excess Masala had been taken care of, so there was something resembling a – Dry Fish Curry, way better. I cut the Tilapia into flaky pieces, apart from the colour, this was approaching the Fish Curry the Hector seeks. Now there was nothing not to like. A decent Fish Curry.
Butter Chicken
Marg is the expert here, Hector abhors this creation. Orange, Soupy, this is what those who like this style of Curry enjoy. Four big pieces of Capsicum were unearthed from the Soupy mass, Marg set these aside. In time she restored one, Chicken and Masala was proving to be not that exciting. This is when we miss the option of sharing a Vegetable Biryani ($18.00). When Rice is included, there’s no point buying more.
Marg’s words for the day:
Having starved myself for most of the day, I was ready for a Curry with Rice. The Butter Chicken sauce had a good kick, with a creamy tomato sauce. The chicken was bland, as expected, as no lamb was available. I did not enjoy the large pieces of Capsicums, and would rather other Vegetables. I never read the description.
I agree, the buttery bread made the sauce.
Hot sweet Chai, enjoyable with the meal.
There was a moment of relief/celebration: Hector’s white polo-shirt had not one splash from the Yellow Sauce!
The Aftermath
We stacked the empty plates/bowls and returned them to Kiosk 2. Time for introductions. Ash received the Calling Card, hopefully he will come to appreciate being Curry-Heute’s first choice for Hawaii.
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Ash, it was a pleasure to meet you.
2024 Menu
