Two nights in Milano, there had to be one Curry-Heute.
I appear to have used those very words last time in this city. Apart from Hector, who could forget our first Curry in Milano? Quality, Desi Fayre, in less than glamorous surroundings. Marg likes ambience, so this time, hopefully the best of both worlds.
Research brought up Kashmir Grill Restaurant (Via Domenico Scarlatti, 11, 20124 Milano MI, Lombardia, Italia), a block away from Taj Mahal Ristorante in the area to the south-east of Milano Centrale. A Qorma, albeit in Chicken, and spelled otherwise, appeared to be on offer. Hector’s confidence levels were raised by the presence of an alternative Korma – Badami Korma Di Agnello (€13.50) – which was decidedly a Creamy Yellow, and definitely not what was desired.
Down with that sort of thing.
In the reverse of last time in Milano, we took the Metro to Caiazzo. The Hector has learned that whilst in Milano, Navigli is the area in which to reside, not near Centrale.
Arriving at 14.000, there was a display of Curry, Rice, etc., on display. So far so good. The young serving chap was keen for us to take a seat and read the menu. The Hector was keen to have the contents of the three main trays identified. The Chicken Curry was described as – Korma – and – Spicy.
Desi Qorma – drew a blank.
We took a small table in the main room. A smaller room to the rear was less attractive. A young lady brought the menu.
Chicken Korma (€8.00) and Veg Pilau (€5.50) should satisfy the Hector. The availability of Veg Biryani (€6.50) was missed.
Marg was considering a Vegetable Curry (€6.00), but having revealed her hand, was persuaded to have something more grand. The Hector was also keen to establish what Chef at Kashmir Grill was capable of.
Mutton Karahi (€13.50) and a Naan Normale (€1.50) became Marg’s – choice.
Medium Spice – was relayed by Marg, I though I had better up my level to – Spicy.
Super Spicy – was offered, declined.
Marg announced that she would be having Masala Tè (€2.00) later.
A litre bottle of Aqua Frizzante completed the Order.
The waitress presented a small bowl of Raita.
Chutney.
It was Raita, and having established thus, neither of us would touch it again.
The wait was appropriate. Whilst my Curry would have been a simple reheat, the Karahi, if being prepared properly, would take some time.
Meanwhile, a couple departed and expressed their appreciation. Two chaps arrived separately, both ordering Rice, and their food came before ours. The first, a mass of Vegetable Rice, more than a single portion, surely. The second chap was not happy with his sensible portion of White Rice (€4.00), he wanted more. A different style of eating to our of course, correct, British way, comparable to ordering one Curry and four Naan.
Everything arrived at once.
The Naan, needlessly quartered, was risen, puffy towards the edges, but still a bit peely wally. Without burnt blisters, one deduced Tawa-cooked, not in a Tandoor.
The Vegetable Pilao was certainly enough for Marg and Hector to share given her preference for Bread. Featuring: Peas, Carrots, Potatoes and Beans, enough to add some Diversity.
The blast of Cloves, once sampled, was another plus.
Chicken Korma
Five pieces of Chicken, served on-the-bone, sat in a thin, Shorva-esque, Oily Masala. A Masala, quite the antithesis of what the Hector sought for many years. Tastes change, the knowledge base develops, this was how a Desi Qorma should appear, but sadly, there was no Citrus aroma.
Having hacked apart many a Chicken, partial thighs was my best interpretation of the cut. A solitary bone protruded from each piece of Meat. Once separated from the Bone, I effectively had Meat into double figures. 
The discoloured exterior of the Chicken confirmed the maximum absorption of Spice that this poultry is capable of. Cutting into the Chicken confirmed the self-fulfilling prophecy. That was it, forever more, the interior would simply taste of Chicken.
Actually, the Flavour of this Chicken was way more – Chickeny – than one might expect.
The Masala was well Seasoned, in time the Spice Level built. No Citrus, a split Green Cardamom was revealed, or was it just a small piece of Bone?
Spooning on the reserve Masala, the realisation that I could have done with more … but, Hector, you do not want a Soupy Curry!
Every morsel of Curry was consumed, every grain of Rice, sensible portions, well managed.
Within the accepted limitations of any Chicken Curry, this was certainly a fine example of the genre. But was it really a Qorma?
As I ate, so Marg was celebrating her Curry. Determined not to miss out, there was a bit of Dipping going on. It was clear from the outset that Marg had ordered something very special.
Mutton Karahi
Beneath the Ginger Strips, the Sucky Bone stood out, prominently, proudly. The Masala oozed quality. One could tell just by appearance, that this was a genuine Desi Karahi.
I dipped some Naan into the Masala. With Seasoning to the fore, the intensity of Flavour was marked, a different league of Curry from the Chicken. Hector knew he had taken one for the team. And to think Marg was thinking about a Vegetable Curry.
Marg – We waited twenty minutes for the food to arrive. On my first taste of my Mutton Karahi, I had a real blast of cinnamon and a – wow – sensation. There was a good spicy kick with sharp lemon and ginger bursts throughout the dish.
The oil added a depth of flavour and I enjoyed the Vegetable Rice. A real meal The freshly cooked Naan was round and small, but perfect to go the small amount of Rice I had stolen from Hector. I had already asked for a Masala Tea and when it arrived it completed my delicious meal.
One piece of Meat had crossed the table, I had left this to the very end.
Tender, giving of Spice, the efficacy of this Mutton Karahi was defined here. Who knows, had I ordered this, Curry-Heute might have been in raptures. Interesting that Marg experience the Citrus from the Yoghurt in her Karahi, whist the Korma was lacking this.
Did you enjoy the food? – asked the waitress as she began clearing the table.
I gestured to the empty dinner and sundry plates.
You did.
Marg reminded her about the Chai.
All was well.
The Bill
€33.00 (£28.29)
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented to the young chap front of house. He promised to have a look at Curry-Heute. Chef was taking a break outside as we departed. I let my pleasure be known to him. Acknowledged.
2026 Menu
