The Hector has been back to Blighty since Sunday’s post in Brussel, if only to fetch Marg. We find ourselves in Den Haag, Nederland, at the start of a three nation sojourn following our favourite Norwegian band – Gazpacho – discovered on last year’s – Cruise To The Edge – out of Miami FL. We shall see Gazpacho thrice: Nederland on Sunday, Monday in België, then Thursday in Deutschland. One is never to old to be a groupie, however, standing at gigs for lengthy spells has long been difficult.
It is twelve years since the last Curry-Heute review in Nederland. Having passed through Schipol a couple of times in that period, there has never been time for Curry. Two nights in Den Haag, time for one Curry. Research took me to Delhi Darbar (Paul Krugerlein 278, 2571 HS Den Haag, Nederland) to the south-west of the Centrum, well actually, it was Tram #6.
We arrived at 15.30, a fine time to eat. For the record, we put our clocks forward yesterday on arriving at Schipol, we get to do it all over again tonight. Summertime may be imminent, the weather forecast for the next week is horrible.
Two staff were in the kitchen, it took a few moments for our waitress to appear. We were invited to sit at the window table. Thereafter, the only customers were for Takeaway. Our enthusiasm for Curry was confirmed as the menu was presented. Why else would we be here?
Lamb Karahi (€15.00) is what the Hector had in mind, with the usual caveat. Marg found the Keema section of the menu, and so Keema Matter (€12.50) with a Roti (€2.00) would be her choice.
The waitress confirmed that Paprika could be withheld from the Karahi, all was well. A Nan (€2.00) would accompany.
Two cans of fizz (€1.50) were ordered, no sign of Sparkling Water. For the record, Dutch Fanta looks as pale as its Belgian counterpart, but ain’t as good.
With time to take in the surroundings, the Sweets on display at the doorway were certainly eye catching.
On the wall beside me, a photo of Taj Mahal, Agra, not Delhi. Marg and Hector always find it strange that the Taj Mahal is shown without scaffolding on three of the four towers, as it was ten years ago this week when we visited.
A Salad, Poppadom and four Dips were presented – because it will take some time. I expressed my pleasure on hearing this – I hate when my Curry arrives in two minutes. We were then informed that – we make everything fresh.
Marg had the Salad and more than one half of the Euro-toasted Poppadom. Marg:
Salad to start: lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot, red onion. I added the green Yoghurt with mint to the toasted Poppadom, tasty.
The Hector was busy dealing with a dubious communiqué re a hotel booking later this year. Phishing thwarted. My allocated bit of Poppadom was duly treated with the Red Dip and some Mango Chutney. The Pickle was avoided. As much as I like it, it has been proven oft, this can saturate the palate to the detriment of the Curry thereafter. Unless, of course one is having Achari.
The Red Dip, wtf! Artificially – Red – it looked harmless enough. Beware, this was the Spiciest thing I have put in my mouth, well since the last time I was caught off guard.
The food was wheeled out, amazing how first impressions can set the tone. Critical as I am of most mainland, European Curry Houses, they usually get the Bread right. Too often I miss out on a wonderful looking Tandoori Naan because Rice is inclusive. Not at Delhi Darbar.
The Naan, served whole, was scored in half. This I can cope with. Risen puffy, blisters, a fine Naan indeed. The Roti, similarly risen, was made from Wholemeal Flour. Marg likes this, the Hector does not.
Lamb Karahi
Lamb Karahi is not – Soup. In what way was this Karahi Gosht? This was as Soupy a Curry as the Hector tries to avoid. Not a Punjabi Shorva, but a thin, blended Masala.
Eating directly from the small karahi, I counted the Meat, eight probably. A standard portion.
It’s Karahi, Hector, but not as recognised in Curry-Heute.
The first dip of Naan into the Masala brought a reaction. Another shock!
The Spice reacted with that already on the tongue, the Red Dip was resurrected. Some, idiots, would dive for a cooling liquid at this point. The worst thing man can do. Let it subside. And so it took another five minutes before I could fully taste this Curry. A Curry of two halves.
Initially, I was at least aware that this was not a bog standaard Euro Curry. There was pedigree here, despite there being no Whole Spice. The Seasoning felt a tad low.
The Tender Meat was giving off its own Meatiness, no more.
As the shock diminished, so I could taste the food. The blend of Spice here was commendable, a tasty Curry. Even the Seasoning seemed to be more.
Nothing distinctive, yet the Hector was not for giving in. Closer examination suggested flecks of Garlic in the Masala. Something was giving it a bit of body.
Dipping may be fun, yet, one has to consider that with a Curry this Soupy, Rice might have been the better option. That takes us back to Curry and Rice, and without an Interesting Vegetable, maybe not that exciting. Sharing a Vegetarische Birjani (€12.50) could have greatly enhanced the overall experience.
The waitress came to ask the customary question.
That is dangerous – I informed her, pointing to the evil Red Dip.
Yes, very dangerous – she concurred.
The karahi was wiped clean, but a scrap of Naan was left. For a Mainstream, mainland, European Curry House, this was way better than many an encounter.
Meanwhile, across the table…
Keema Matter
A bit wet, was the simple observation. A bigger plateful, more Curry than the Karahi, the next. Bread had to be the accompaniment. For once, no Soupçon for the Hector whose palate was dealing with other matters. Marg:
The quantity was good. A rich, oily Keema dish, full of flavour with flakes of red chilli throughout. Coriander, onion, peas, and meat worked well with the brown Roti. Freshly served, I managed to finish it all.
Indeed, the plates were empty. Coffee, Dessert, were offered, however, a Patisserie across the street awaited. Marg’s turn to play.
The Bill
€34.50 (£30.02)
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented and graciously received. However, the lady was busy dealing with a lengthy and complex Takeaway order, no time to chat. A pity, she was fun.
2026 Menu
