It has been two years since the Hector last ate at Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House (Sapfous 5, Athina Hellas105 53), the Karahi Gosht on that day reached – wow! – status. Allowing for the Dishes I am never going to try, Beef Karahi (€7.00) remained a glaring omission in my coverage of this house. But then, I was somewhat obsessing on securing Kofta Anda on previous visits. Beef Curry does not appear often in these pages, one memorable version was served around the corner from here five years ago. I miss Taste of India (see below).
Marg and Hector arrived at 13.45 this afternoon, a good time to find the place empty. It soon filled up as people returned from Friday Prayers. Prices for main courses have increased by €1.00 since my last visit. On asking for one Naan, our waiter, who spoke excellent English, reminded me that each main comes with two Naan. Apparently I was having two, regardless.
I have long campaigned for honourable pricing of Bread, particularly in UK Curry Houses. How many charge the equivalent of €7.00 for two Naan, never mind the Curry?
On the five minute walk up from Iroon Square (Psyri), Marg said she would not be having Curry, or anything at all. On taking her seat, this changed to – I’ll have a Samosa (€1.00). This quickly became two, and then there’s the matter of the Raita and Salad which always appears along with bottles of chilled water.
The three chaps working hard in the open kitchen, soon had the Order ready. Fast food. With the mains on display, it’s just a matter of a reheat.
The pair of Naan looked so inviting. Served whole, pale but risen with big blisters, this hot Bread is a delight. Soft, fluffy, I wish I could accommodate more, that just ain’t going to happen.
I managed less than one.
*
Beef Karahi
Two things immediately stood out: the Meat was boneless, and there was a lot of it. Eighteen pieces of meat, no tiddlers, this was probably more Meat than I would tackle when sharing a kilo of Karahi Gosht, on-the-bone.
Tomato Seeds shrouded the Meat. The thin, dark Masala was spectacularly – sharp. It is not often that a Masala hits the back of the throat so quickly. Oily, Shorva-esque, there was a decidedly big – kick. This was unexpected, Pak Tikka Shop distinguish themselves from nearby Pak Taka Tak by not serving such Spicy Curry. Next year back to the sister shop.
The Beef was Tender in parts, chewy in others. Two pieces had to be abandoned, I would still be chewing them next Friday lunchtime. At these prices, nobody is going to say anything negative, one cannot expect Sirloin.
There were no pronounced Spices that I could detect, though Marg’s Soupçon had her announce – Cinnamon. The Beef was giving off its Spicy Flavours initially, but as one chewed, so these dissipated. With its dark appearance this Beef Karahi may have resembled a Beef Stew, this was way more.
Vegetable Samosa
Marg has been known to have one only, not today. Hot – was an early declaration, satisfying after her disappointment of two days back at Shinwari Grill. By the time the Salad and Raita were added to her plate, Marg had a voluminous lunch. Marg could eat Salad for Scotland, especially a Greek Salad. Should she eat Salad for Hellas? Marg:
I decided on two Vegetable Samosas. The Salad had already arrived with the Raita. I added the Salad to my plate. The Samosa was hot and was full of flavoured potato with turmeric. A herb was also present. I thoroughly enjoyed the hot Samosa and it combined well with the fresh salad of large chunks of tomato, cucumber with onion and lettuce.
An enjoyable lunch.
The Bill
€10.00 (£8.73) Doug, you had better believe it!
The Aftermath
Our waiter was busy as we departed, there was no point engaging with the sullen chap who deals with payment, I have tried. A chap in all his finery was greeting other – dignitaries – as they arrived. I must remember his face.
At the top of the street, the rear of the building on Menandrou was covered in scaffolding. The north side houses Pak Taka Tak and the former Taste of India. Something big may be happening here. Excavations have revealed another piece of history. Time will tell if the powers that be make a feature of this.
Taste of India, anyone who has watched the Israeli TV series – Tehran – should look out for this restaurant back in its heyday.