Anderlecht, the happy hunting ground for Desi Curry in Brussel, managed to hide itself for some years, Hector Holmes is on the case. Today, the return to Mithu da Dhaba (Rue Brogniez 78, 1070 Anderlecht, Brussel, België), first visited last year when there was no reply from Chilli Grill.
After two days dining in the company of Dr. Stan, the Hector was back to eating on his tod. Arriving at 13.20, there were more diners outside than in.
Approaching the counter, the pret a manger was on display. Two trays stood out, I asked.
Mutton Qorma (€10.00) and Chicken Qorma (€8.00) were the two trays containing Masala which looked like – Curry. The avoidance of Lamb in recent times may have been in the build up to this week/month.
Plain Rice (€4.00) completed the Order. There was no immediate need for rehydration today.
I took a seat at a table in full view of the room. One diner sat at the other window side, he was tearing in already. A stream of people arrived for Takeaway, one chap gave me the nod as he departed. The only standout face in the place, and with the bib in situ to avoid the seemingly compulsory Turmeric stain on the white t-shirt, the Hector may have come across as Caspar Milquetoast. Who cares, the washing lady will thank me when I get home.
A thriving business, after all Mithu da Dhaba was not serving Restaurant Curry.
My food was brought to the table: a plate of Raita with a modest Salad on the edge, another with the Curry, Rice and cutlery already in situ
Mutton Qorma
Last year, having ordered Chicken Pulao (€8.00) as the accompaniment, the Curry and Rice were presented separately. I was then able to control the arrangement of the Masala on the Rice. Today, much of the Masala had already been absorbed. The outcome was a given, there wouldn’t be enough for the quantity of Rice.
That aside, look at the sheer quantity of Curry served. I already wished it was later in the day, this was going to be a big breakfast.
Starting with the Masala-infused Basmati, quite a kick, nothing to worry the masses. There was neither the aroma of Citrus or sense of its Flavour. With the Seasoning decidedly middle of the road, maybe it needed more.
Ten pieces of Meat, served on-the-bone, ribs, no Sucky Bones today. Soft Mutton, giving off it Pepperiness, I could see the black flecks. Green Cardamom, another tick to confirm the – Desi – nomenclature.
Hector stop!
This was no place to let the Esophageal Dysphagia become an issue. Ten minutes, the time taken for gravity to be switched on again. This did the temperature of the food no favours.
On the resumption of eating, the conclusion: if any of the Flavours of a Desi Qorma were present, it was in the Rice. The Meat taken care of, the final mouthfuls of Rice, as much as could be managed. To prolong the moment, I added some Raita to the Rice. Mint, not a favourite, bad idea, Hector.
An Observation
In the sixteen years of writing Curry-Heute, I have witnessed many a venue listing Karahi on their menu, when one could challenge the efficacy of what arrives. Is the same thing now happening with Desi Qorma? What has triggered the increasing availability, of what I have come to regard as my favourite Curry, over here in Continental Europe?
If it’s on the menu, I’ll have to try it. Venues are not getting it spot on as say Desi Dhaba (Aachen) and Punjabi Zaiqa (Berlin). As a Curryspondent once wrote: it is good that you try all these places so that we don’t have to.
Mithu da Dhaba is a fine Curry Cafe, accept what they have.
The Bill
€10.00 (£8.60) The Plain Rice was inclusive then. Outstanding value.
The Aftermath
To capture the menu board, thought I should ask permission. The issuing of the Calling Card followed on. Suddenly, Sikander, Mein Host, was summoned from the preparation area. Possibly the youngest person in the room, hasn’t he done well?
