Since my last visit to Crawley three months ago, two new Curry Houses have opened, both on the High Street. Hector had been installed at Schloss Clive and Maggie less than hour when the menu for Balti BLVD (36 High Street, Crawley RH10 1BW England) was presented. Clive had recently fetched this and had advised that – my friend who does a Curry Blog is coming next week.
Advance notice then.
Suddenly, the three of us were heading into town, arriving at the empty Balti BLVD at 15.25. A young chap, I shall henceforth refer to as – Son – let us choose our table. The now familiar menu was presented. We were here because Lamb Karahi (£23.99 / £38.99) was being served by the kilo, a first for Crawley and a major departure from all recent additions to the Crawley Curry scene which have tended towards South Indian / Sri Lankan. It is thirteen years since the beginning and end of Desi Grill & Karahi House, a Punjabi Curry House to rival the still excellent Downsman. The latter is in Southgate, Clive and Maggie have relocated to Northgate, this makes the High Street all the more attractive.
The kilo a given, accompaniments were agreed between us: Butter Naan (£1.49) for Hector, Garlic Naan (£1.99) for Clive, White Rice (£3.99) for Maggie. Sensible Bread pricing, disproportionate compared to the Rice, but then we hadn’t seen the portion size. Who has Rice with Karahi?
Son came to take the Order and then informed us that it was Chef’s day off, no Karahi, no Naan. Roti, despite not being on the menu, he could do. We were directed towards the Biryani section of the menu, not why we were here.
The menu at Balti BLVD is not extensive, three Lamb options, today, possibly two. The description for Lamb Qorma (£11.99) suggested the possibility of the much sought after Desi Korma, no Cream or Coconut here. Son was on board with my deduction. Clive was considering Achari Lamb (£12.99) when Son suggested that maybe his Mother would cook for us.
After a few minutes he returned to announce that Mother would cook the Lamb Karahi. Medium Spice was agreed. Maggie always worries that it could be too much despite my repeated assurances – nobody is going to serve a kilo at a Spice Level that people cannot eat.
Lamb Karahi would take twenty minutes. I assured Son that if it took any less, I would not be impressed. Two Roti and one White Rice would accompany. A jug of non-chilled tap water was provided. We settled down for the wait.
A young lady appeared. No, Clive, that is most certainly not – Mother.
Charming Daughter engaged us in conversation. Balti BLVD has only been opened for some three weeks. The family originate from Kashmir, it is food from that region they are focusing on. For the record, Balti is not on the menu at Balti BLVD.
Once more I mentioned the Lamb Qorma, Daughter confirmed it would be as the Hector seeks, a Desi Korma, no Coconut. Daughter related how she had to question the veracity of a Butter Chicken she recently ordered, it was in the now accepted British style, not how this Curry began life in the Indian subcontinent. Her dismissal of the excessive use of Onions – too sweet – did intrigue.
Daughter brought us another jug of tap water, this time with much appreciated ice. It’s quite warm outside today, a moderate 29ºC. This was followed by a Salad and a Spicy Dip.
The board outside advertises an 09.00 opening to serve Coffee & Croissant (£4.99). The window also had a sign advertising for more staff. I hope they are successful in their recruitment. I have seen in Glasgow what happens when a family tries to run a shop with such extensive hours. Something has to give.
Why no Desi Nashta? Maybe Crawley isn’t ready.
Daughter brought the food. The Roti had been made from Wholemeal Flour, something the Hector is currently trying to avoid. Fortunately, they were thin and so would not dominate the Flavours from the Karahi. Maggie tends to avoid Bread but only requires a small amount of Rice. Rather than see two thirds wasted, we all took some.
Karahi with Rice, who does that?
Lamb Karahi
A sprinkling of Coriander lay atop the Meat and Masala, no Ginger Strips or sliced Bullet Chilies. Tomato stood out, so minimal, if any, Onion had been employed in its creation. Thin, Shorva-esque, once the Meat was removed, there was quite an Oily residue on the base of the karahi. This was markedly different from the Punjabi Masala I was hoping for, this Karahi was in the – Charsi – style.
Maggie divvied out the Meat, easily enough for three. With Salad and some Rice on the plate, quite a departure from the norm.
The lack of Seasoning was apparent from the start. There was no sense of anything Chilli-like, and so the Spice Level was also not demanding. This Karahi took me back a couple of years to Kulba Kabul (Gent) in terms of appearance, but that Afghani Karahi was well Seasoned.
The Lamb was Tasty and Tender, latterly, Clive and Maggie would give conflicting reports. It was Maggie who first encountered Kidney. The occasional fatty pieces gave off a powerful Mutton Flavour. Both Sucky Bones and Ribs were encountered, so a familiar cut of Lamb.
The final pieces of Meat at the base of the karahi had sat a bit longer in the Oily Shorva, way more Flavour down here. There was even a wee tingle on Hector’s lips.
Maggie – The lamb was tender, fell off the bone. The food was completely non-processed, only the ingredients that were required. Friendly staff. Definitely worth a look, they are in the end of the town where people do not congregate, quiet, and one can park outside.
Clive – It wasn’t the tenderest of lamb, but forgiven. It was cooked at short notice, especially for us.
The karahi was empty, wiped clean. Only but a scrap of Roti remained.
As Daughter cleared the table, so Maggie admitted that next time she would ask for more Spice. I had to mention the Seasoning, or lack thereof. I asked Daughter if she was familiar with the term – Karrah – the Salt brings out the Flavour of everything else, apparently not.
We were not finished. Three small portions of Zarda, Sweet Rice with Nuts, were presented. Clive and Maggie devoured theirs, the Hector had half. After all, if there was room for Dessert, there was room for more Curry.
The Bill
£48.40 The price of the Roti (£1.00) was now established. We were also charged for the Salad (£2.50) and Dip (£1.00) even though these had been presented at the table.
The Aftermath
We had to meet Mother-the-Chef. We also needed a name, and so Shaheen was summoned from the kitchen. The Curry-Heute website was revealed, and our collective travels to India and Sri Lanka mentioned.
The Desi Korma had to be mentioned once more. If they truly serve this in the classic style, then the Hector will be making a beeline to Balti BLVD on every visit to Crawley. But then, Clive and Maggie wasted no time in getting me here today.
Update : August 15, three days later
Dr. Stan managed a visit to Balti BLVD, and as per my suggestion, ordered the Lamb Qorma.
That Dr. Stan told me is a start, photographing his own dinner was, for him, quite an abberration.
The Masala looks to be authentic Desi Korma, Lamb on-the-bone, as it should be. Dr, Stan did not register – Citrus – but did offer:
Very tasty, tender lamb that fell off the bone and well spiced.
Hector will be back, soonest.