If it’s Monday, it must be Antwerpen. Actually, Hector is still resident in Brussel, but Monday is a good day to make the day trip, places are open, unlike Tuesdays.
By chance, two years ago, Hector found himself in a cluster of Afghan restaurants in Antwerpen. Today’s choice of venue was the eponymously entitled Afghan Restaurant (Diepestraat 129, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgien). The online menu looked remarkably similar to Afghan Darbar where a kilo of Lams Karahi was shared and thoroughly enjoyed last year. The same business, the same printer? One thing became certain very quickly, there would be no answers.
It was a still an early 13.25 when the Hector entered Afghan Restaurant. Young staff members were the only people inside. I took a table at the rear in front of the dais. A chap brought the menu then disappeared. I had hoped Dr. Stan would be here to share the kilo of Lams Karahi (€38.00), alas not. This left the Hector contemplating the half kilo at a mere €25.00. A substantial looking portion at €15.50 was also illustrated. Fearing I might not do the half kilo justice, the portion felt like a get out of gaol card. However, Hector has seen many a menu, the proper Desi Karahi is typically more expensive, the cheaper option and not in the same league. I could have tried using the camera’s translate function on the trusty Oppo, else a member of staff might have been on hand to clarify. I had to go up to the counter to order. The serving chap had just enough English to advise me that a glass for my can of Fanta (€1.50) was behind where I was sitting. I’ll fetch it then.
Finally, on this trip, the Hector gets to see his Belgian Fanta in all its glory. No sooner had I got myself sorted when the food was brought to the table. We’re talking seconds here. If one is taking Karahi seriously, this should not be so.
Included in the price, enough Bread to last me a week, a modest Salad and a Raita. A Flatbread, not a Naan, it was still light, puffy, impressive. The major drawback, it was cold, as in this is how it comes, cold. I don’t know if anyone has ever tried eating cold Bread with hot food, it might catch on.
Lams Karahi
In what way was this – Karahi?
Minimal Masala shrouding the Meat has oft been used to describe a Karahi in these pages. This looked like a corner cut, too far.
The Oil was difficult to ignore, heart attack on a plate, and yes it had been served as such. Was that really meant to be a Masala or was it just hurriedly pulped Tomato? I have encountered this before at Kulba Kabul (Gent), despite appearances, that turned out to be an enjoyable meal. So, let’s cast aside what it could have been and review what was here.
Ten pieces of Meat, each substantial in size, some on-the-bone. I’ve had way less Meat in a half kilo. The Lamb had been beautifully cooked. It fell apart with a fork, and was giving back a gentle level of Spice.
Even at the time of writing, I’m still finding it difficult to use the term Masala, and not Tomato-pulp. The Seasoning was subtle but seemed to grow in the background, this was surprising in some ways. The food was only lukewarm so the temperature disparity with the Bread mattered less. There was Flavour here, and with only Tomato as the possible vehicle, it was from there that anything that could be described as – rich – was coming. Tasty Tomatoes, like what I never seem to find in the UK. One takes for granted how poor our Tomatoes at home are, these were what made this meal memorable, apart from the Oil slick.
Most of the Bread was left. After this, I feel I don’t want to see Lamb again for a month.
The Bill
€17.00 (£14.39)
The Aftermath
No Calling Card, no conversation, it was the Hector who was in the minority here.
2024 Menu
