Hector and Marg are in Athena for a few days, Greek cuisine, Craft Beer being two of the attractions, the third, of course, is Curry. Having learned years ago to dismiss the pukka mainstream establishments, today it was back to Punjabi Tikka (Nikiforou 1, Athina 104 37 Hellas).
En route we passed more untried venues, who knows, I might get round them all, if I live long enough. The Hector does not have to apologise for returning to Punjabi Tikka, it has become the – go-to – Curry Cafe in Athena.
Arriving at 13.20, we took a table inside for a change, but still in the doorway. One day we’ll be recognised, and maybe walk boldly to the upstairs seating. Mein Host approached, not quite a greeting, and had the only other chap we recognised, bring the menu. The waiter seemed to be distracted, always in conversation with people at the counter. He did bring us a table covering, only one other table would be royally treated.
Unbelievably, prices had not gone up since last year. How they can continue to provide the quantity at the prices charged, remains a mystery. Look at the price of Bread.
Clearly, they cannot be using top quality Meat, but if cooked properly, does that really matter?
For Hector, the choice was simple, either boneless Beef Karahi (€5.00) or on-the-bone Mutton Karahi (€5.00). With this trip looming, the Hector has avoided Mutton since Antwerpen, it was time.
Marg had declared her intention to have Curry at lunchtime, changed her mind to Greek Salad (€5.00) then changed it back to Keema (€5.00). Salad was going to come anyway, and with more Raita than she would manage. Chilled bottles of water come as a matter of course. Sparkling is not available, though two litre bottles of branded soft drinks are available.
Marg tore into the Salad, apart from Feta, all was here that she would have had in a Greek Salad. Everything was fresh, no limp Vegetables.
There was a steady flow of customers, some dining in, some for Takeaway. Three female beggars were chased. This has been a feature of our visits to Punjabi Tikka, only here.
When the two karahi were brought to the table, the near absurdity of the laden table made me wonder – who cannot afford to eat here? There was a momentary wait for the Bread – Pakistani Roti (€0.50), a pair, light, fluffy, glorious Bread. The Roti beneath would crisp on one side, this suited Marg. The Hector would have his fill of beautiful fresh Bread. Only a scrap would be left over.
Mutton Karahi
The brown Masala had a decent viscosity, this was not Shorva, and no sign of Oil, excess or otherwise. There was plenty Masala for dipping. The Meat count was bewildering, this much for so little. OK, the majority of pieces were on-the-bone, and not recognisable cuts of Meat. Some chewy bits, fatty also, no offal. We were not just here because it’s cheap, it’s the quality of the Curry.
The Masala was gorgeous. With the Seasoning to the fore, the Flavours were intense, Earthy, this was authentic Punjabi fayre. No Whole Spices, so no clues as to what was in there, I assume, the lot: Cinnamon, Clove etc. Why I would have so much Bread was all down to the Masala.
The Mutton, chewy at times, the boneless pieces were otherwise. So few venues have Meat which truly emits both the Flavours from the Spices and the Meat itself.
Having celebrated the contents of the karahi, it was time to introduce some of the Salad elements. The Tomatoes, dipped in the Masala, wonderful. The Cucumber remained, as Cucumber. Olives, the dry, bitterness, complemented the Masala, a new avenue of Flavour. The solitary Pickled Chilli was Hector’s, no dispute there. Salt, Vinegar, heat, more sensations on the palate. Diversity rules.
Back to the Mutton. As the Flavours flooded, so a particular sense of meatiness dawned, I have travelled far this year, why had it taken me so long to recognise what I was eating. This Mutton had to be Goat.
Keema
Well Keema Mutter actually. The Oil had separated, a wet Keema. Again, the quantity defied belief. The Hector had his Soupçon, the depth of Flavour here was nothing like that of the Karahi.
Marg has taken to sending me her observations by text, written as she waits for me to finish.
A lovely Salad arrived with the usual Raita sauce. Enjoyed this mix.
The Keema looked very oily and usually this does not matter. Today, I though the meat was fairly fatty and I started to pick out better mince with peas., trying to avoid the fatty pieces.
Overall, good flavour, but I did not finish my dish. Thoroughly enjoyed the Salad and the soft, warm bread.
The Bill
€11.00 (£9.21) Where can you buy a single main course for this amount?
The Aftermath
I bided my time, determined to engage Mein Host, and show him the dedicated page for Punjabi Tikka. As I presented the Calling Card, so his phone rang, business, ah well, next time.