In the spirit of why does a birthday have to last one day only, another Curry felt justified. There was a Curry House minutes from our hotel in Ala Moana, a lunchtime visit was agreed upon. Somewhat peculiarly, Bombay Palace Restaurant (1778 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI, 96815 United States of America) finish their two hour, midday session at 13.30.
Hector rarely eats Curry before this time, but with sleep patterns still awry, one could be squeezed in. There was a determination to visit Bombay Palace, research had narrowed down the array of Curry Houses in Honolulu to here and yesterday’s Desi’s Indian Curry.
Having found the mini-mall in which Bombay Palace is situated, we entered at 12.55. Apart from Mein Host and Chef, there was nobody else there. We were shown to a small window table. This may have happened before.
Marg was not having Curry, House Salad ($7.95) and Chai ($5.95) would suffice. For Hector, the bell peppers meant no Kadhai/Karahi. If the Lamb Vindaloo ($19.95) was indeed – Super Hot – then what Flavours would it give off? Despite the – yoghurt based creamy sauce – in the Lamb Rogan Josh ($19.95), this was Hector’s choice. Forty years ago, Rogan Josh was a Tomato-rich Curry, whose guiding hand transformed it towards – Creamy?
It’s a while since I had to pay for Basmati, here a two Dollar charge, fair enough. Perhaps it was this that put me off ordering a Naan ($3.95), or more likely the time of day.
Iced tap water was provided, so need for further drinks.
I’m a Curry tourist – I informed Mein Host who had spotted the note-taking and ongoing photography. He brought me the Bombay Palace brochure, good touch.
With full view of the otherwise empty restaurant, there was no need to move from my seat to capture the setting. The open kitchen was partially obscured, one chap appeared to be doing all.
House Salad
I’m hardly going to spend much time reviewing a Salad, but I’ve had more impressive Complimentary offerings back home. For eight Bucks, this was decidedly – modest.
The quantity of Rice matched the Hector appetite. There are those who understand what a Rice portion should be, and those who get it wildly wrong. Every grain would be consumed.
Lamb Rogan Josh
The Masala clearly had a good dollop of Dairy in there. Thankfully, this was not what the Hector would consider to be a Creamy Curry.
Decanting the Meat, I reached a count of seven, so I was not about to be overwhelmed with food. What happened to American portion sizes?
The Spice Level impressed from the start, – Hot – had been asked for, this was well judged, enough, no need to go too far. The Seasoning was within acceptable parameters, maybe more would not have suited this Masala. One Flavour was making me think Euro-Curry, then things became more complex. A few Cumin Seeds had been mixed through the Rice, I waited for these to kick in, nope, but there something going here. Earthy but aromatic – was noted next. How does all this come together?
The Tender Meat gave off a pronounced Lamb Flavour, not Spice. I suspect the Meat and Masala had only recently been introduced.
The Masala had flecks, Herbs, but there had only been a threat of Fresh Coriander on top at the point of serving. There was a candidate to explain why I was warming to this Curry the more I ate. Methi, not pronounced in any way, but a level of familiarity was making me think thus.
So, a slightly more Creamy Curry than I would prefer, but by just a tad. An Earthy Flavour with the likely addition of my favourite Herb, this was proving to be a worthy Curry.
When Mein Host came to clear the table I asked the big question:
Was there Methi in there? – blank – Fenugreek?
Yes, and Saffron.
QED.
My first known intake of Methi in a while. An aside, why am I craving Olives?
The Bill
$37.54 (£30.01) Or $44.19 after the completion of the US ritual.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was received with grace, but no particular sense of enthusiasm.
It’s not every day Curry-Heute comes to town and leaves with so many positives
There’s more
Our fellow diner had ordered a Naan.
This was the best Naan I’ve seen on this trip. Served whole, round, a sensible size, the puffy blisters were gigantic. This is what the Hector seeks, authentic Tandoori Naan!
2024 Menu
