It was in Brescia, back in 2017, where Hector found his first true, and outstanding, Desi Curry in Italia at Bombay Tandoory Ristorante Indiano (Via Solferino, 1, 25122 Brescia BS Lombardia, Italia). Steve joined Hector in Brescia in 2018 for the Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) gig, all was well: great show, still great Curry. In the interim years there was an apparent 
closure then a re-opening at another location – Via dei Mille 9, 25122, Brescia BS.
With a Ryanair flight back from Bergamo on Monday, there was the opperchancity to investigate all things Curry once more in Brescia. This called for Hector Holmes.
Arriving from Roma late afternoon, our hotel just happened to be metres from the original Bombay Tandoory on Via Solferino, branded as Donar Kebab Hallal as it was back in 2017-8, but Onar Kebab Hallal on Google Maps. We walked up the ring road to the reportedly new locus, arriving around 17.00. Bombay Tandoory had gone, replaced by a Sri Lankan restaurant – Caio Broo, who it seems have moved here from the other side of the station.
Next door lies Punjabi Dhaba / Bhopal Palace (Via dei Mille 15/A, 2512 Brescia BS, Italia) which I had already planned to visit on Sunday. Their online menu shows a mean looking Fish Curry. I reckoned – Fish for dinner – should be safe the day before I flew.
As I took the external photo at Punjabi Dhaba, so one of two chaps sitting in the doorway expressed his annoyance. Tough. Walking into this maze of a venue, there was more than a sense of this not being the normal Curry House. Noise, laughter, hysteria, three women having Prosecco through the back.
Between us and them, the counter with Curry on display a la typical Curry Cafe, and a line of others having a Bier, or two.
In the space at the rear, two other ladies sat quietly having Pasta. Another room off, had two diners and the sound of disco music. Here too was a derelict looking bar, and some teenagers, the source of the noise, take your pick. We decided to associate ourselves with the Pasta Ladies and hope the Prosecco Trio would rein it in. Many a Curry House across Europe tries to promote itself as a bar and also a restaurant, I have never seen so many people in an Indian restaurant and not have Curry.
A chap, Mein Host, brought the menu. This bore little/no resemblance to what I had seen online, no Fish Curry. The cover of the menu said – Bhopal Palace. It didn’t take Hector Holmes too much research to establish that this menu is identical to that of the much grander Bhopal Palace, 32km away in Borgo San Giacomo. They must be (Via) Don Francesco’s brother. Punjabi Dhaba, with Mainstream Chicken Curry dominating, there wasn’t much evidence that this Curry House was serving food associated with the banner over their door.
2025 Bhopal Palace Menu
Marg was hoping for meal #2 later, after Aperitivo, what chance? Vegetable Pakora (€4.00) and a Mango Lassi (€3.00) would do her for the moment. With only one Lamb Curry on the menu, the choice was simple: Lamb Curry (€10.00). Jera Rice (€3.00) could add a bit more to the overall enjoyment.
Marg asked that all food could come simultaneously.
The menu gave options for Spice Level, I decided to take the chance – Vindaloo. Surely this scale is way out of date, who orders – Madras? Principiante – translates as – Beginner. Try using that in a Glasgow Curry House.
During the wait, I secured some photos, the Prosecco Trio ordered more, and to temper their screechy hysteria, some Pasta; the quiet ladies departed. Were we at the right movie? Zam Zam (Roma) was quite an experience earlier in the week, this was something else. I know which atmosphere I prefer.
The arrival of the Mango Lassi was a hoot. A 0.3l Erdinger glass, visually deceptive as a Weizen glass is, but seemingly loads. The Bayerische table covers almost had me asking for Festbier!
Inevitably, the Vegetable Pakora arrived moments later.
Vegetable Pakora
Ten good sized pieces of Pakora, plus a tiddler, these definitely did not come from the Cumbernauld (Scotland) Pakora factory. Their irregular shapes and light appearance made me think that this Pakora might have been once cooked only. Marg thought otherwise. Hector’s Soupçon revealed fresh tasting Pakora with a decent Spice Level and not doughy. Pakora abroad is hit and miss, I would call this a – hit. Marg:
We walked into a very noisy eating establishment, sat in the quieter area, although surrounded by women with fizzy wine. My plate had a generous amount of Vegetable Pakora on a bed of shredded lettuce, it was hot. I enjoyed the crispy pieces of onion, potato and batter. I needed the sweet chilli sauce to dip the larger pieces into It was too dry without it.
I had ordered Mango Lassi as well. It arrived in a large Erdinger glass with ice cubes. Unfortunately, it was quite watery as a result.
Enjoyable food, in a very unusual atmosphere.
Unusual – says Marg, after Zam Zam (Roma)?
In time, Hector’s Curry arrived.
The Jeera Rice was an ample portion, more than I could eat, but not at the usual level of Euro-wastage. Lukewarm, the Rice could have been served a lot hotter.
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Lamb Curry
Lamb on-the-bone, always the preferred way. Ten pieces of Meat sat in a Soupy Masala. A thinly textured Masala displaying no sign of either Onion or Tomato, or Whole Spice. A Masala such as this disappoints, one that could easily have come from a packet of Laziza, or similar, Spice Mix. A big Spice Level but moderately Seasoned, the obvious lack of depth of Flavour left little to enthuse about. In time, two Green Cardamom were encountered, I know that these can appear in Packet Curry mixes.
This Curry proved to be all about the Meat. Super-soft, the Lamb was certainly packing Flavour, the Seasoning was to the fore here also. Meat which gives, always a plus. How this Curry had been cooked, I can only imagine, the Meat and Masala had little in common. Meat 1v0 Masala.
The Bill
€23.00 (£20.04)
The Aftermath
The Calling Card presented and Curry-Heute outlined, Mein Host asked what I though of his Curry.
The Meat was excellent, the Masala was lacking: Cinnamon, Clove…
And so we departed, leaving the locals to enjoy their party.
Normally, in Curry-Heute, this would be the end of a post, not in Brescia.
Later, as we crossed the road to Hotel Igea, I decided to give Donar Kebab Hallal a closer look, albeit in the dark.
The Bombay Tandoory menu boards were still hanging on the wall outside. I couldn’t let it lie.
Sunday, 12.30, we walked into Donar Kebab Hallal.
Do you sell Indian food?
The young lady behind the counter confirmed they did. Options were few. As on visit #2, I took the Chicken Hearts on display to be Liver, and so chose the alternative: Polo Curry (€7.00), with separate Rice. The Vegetable Rice on display looked to be just the job.
The wonderful Lamb Curry which brought me back to Brescia, and Bombay Tandoory in particular, is no longer on the menu.
For Marg, Desi Nashta! Anda Bhurji (€5.00) makes its first appearance in Curry-Heute. Marg was swithering between this and an omelette. That I was able to confirm that – Anda – is Egg, definitely swung it.
For drinks, Fanta for Hector, a bottle of water for Marg.
At this point I decided to go for it and establish what was going on. Bombay Tandoory, I was told, has been ever-present at this locus, the Via dei Mille shop was theirs, but as established yesterday, is now a Sri Lankan restaurant.
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The only diner present on our arrival soon departed. He was soon replaced by two mature ladies who I thought were just here for the wine They did order Fish, which of course, came with chips. I was amused to hear the discussion about how chilled they wanted their red wine, not – if. Red Wine at room temperature, there’s another myth that needs debunked.
A glass each, and they were well on their way. Every restaurant, bar and coffee shop I have been to in Brescia in the last twenty hours or so, has been full of a loud women, for some reason, screeching away in Italian. 
Anda Bhurji
Scrambled Eggs in Onion and Tomato, something different. No complaints from Marg, she soon devoured this:
Nearly chose an omelette, but decided to try Anda Bhurji. When it arrived it was lovely and hot, full of flavour. The scrambled egg had onion, tomato, cheese and coriander. It was very salty and very tasty.
Karrah!
Vegetable Rice
Peas and diced Carrots were the Vegetables mixed through the Rice which had been suitably Spiced. Well Seasoned, this was a highly flavoured Rice. As ever the quantity would defeat me, just.
Polo Curry
Seven small-ish pieces of Chicken, served on-the-bone, sat in an Oily Shorva. After yesterday’s dubious Masala at Punjabi Dhaba, the Hector was back on more familiar ground. This was a proper Shorva, but sadly, having ordered the Rice, it soon disappeared.
The alternative, dipping Bread would have overcome this, too late. The positive outcome: the Tasty Rice became even tastier.
Marg took a Soupçon and pronounced – Cloves!
That I was not getting, Cumin perhaps.
As for the Chicken, it did all it could.
The Bill
€20.00 (£17.37)
The Aftermath
I showed photos of the staff from previous visits, these chaps were known but nothing more was being given away.
Google’s pathetic – Onar Kebab Hallal – was acknowledged, they seemed unaware that this could be fixed. I think I may have managed it, however, Google have now relocated Bombay Tandoory from its Via dei Mille locus to metres from here, and have declared it closed.
It’s just as well there’s a well known and reliable Curry Blog with a determined author.
After an afternoon at Lago d’Iseo, we retired to watch The Famous draw at Falkirk. It was clear there would be repercussions, just how quickly matters developed was not really a surprise, it had been coming for 123 days.
Zam Zam Restaurant (Via Casilina, 493, 00177 Roma RM, Italia) 
There is a cluster of Curry Cafes around Zam Zam, the motherlode of Desi Curry in 
We did stand out somewhat, 
When the food was brought on a large tray, we were taken aback by the array. Two ample portions of Curry, two plates of what we assumed were – Dips, and four Naan. 
Round, ample, and served whole, these were heading towards the perfect Naan. A bit pale perhaps, but they had risen, displayed the start of blisters, light and fluffy, a given. Still, we would abandon two. 
I didn’t count the Meat, this seemed incidental, it was the initial appearance that had me won already. A Thick, Minimal Masala, Tomato Seeds visible, this was a Desi Karahi. 
Five days without Curry, five days of trying to survive on traditional Greek Cuisine and Italian Pasta, the taste-buds have been well looked after, but here, now, this Karahi, was a shock to the system.
Yet, it was time to experiment. I too added a couple of spoons of the Dahi Bhalla to the side of my Curry plate. This added further Creaminess, a varied Texture. 
The Hector was in the zone, fun in the extreme. And unlike an American sitcom, I have not telegraphed the joke. The bib had to be wiped. Today’s shirt may be blue, The Famous play later, but Marg has had enough of removing Turmeric stains from my light coloured t-shirts. The illusion of collar & tie may well become a constant feature in
Mince so dark, it was surely not Chicken. The quantity of Chickpeas was sufficient to have their presence known: this was not a Vegetable Curry. The Mince was moist, not to excess, an Oily residue was collecting around the periphery of the platter. 
A small cafe that was busy. We both squeezed in a table next to the door to join a single customer already eating. (
My own dish had plenty flavour with a good spice level. I noticed very small pieces of red chillies, coriander and peppercorns within the sauce. A rich, oily base, also present.
Hector then poured the Lassi into two glasses, and I enjoyed this after I had eaten all of the Keema. An interesting meal, very enjoyable.
Whether 
The Calling Card issued, I trawled through all the photos in the 
Shoabib was very compliant, he stood back such that I could secure an even better photo of the Fayre. I went out back and managed not to disturb the other diners as I captured the setting of the outside seating area.
And so The Famous lost again 
It has been two years since the Hector last ate at 
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.
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 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. 
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. 
There were no pronounced Spices that I could detect, though Marg’s Soupçon had her announce – Cinnamon. The Beef was giving of
Marg has been known to have one only, not today. Hot – was an early declaration, satisfying after her disappointment of two days back at
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 
When in 
Shinwari Grill (Voulgari 3, Athina 104 37, Hellas), 
Marg and Hector arrived at Shinwari Grill just on 14.00. With the body clock two hours behind, this was ambitious, but if we are going to enjoy Greek Cuisine also, it has to be. We walked through the outside seating area to investigate what was on offer. With an extensive array of Dishes on display, the Hector was right at home, especially when the Karahi Gosht, on-the-bone of course, sat proudly in the centre. We took seats outside, a chap brought the menu and two chilled bottles of water. 
A waitress brought the plates etc. and took the Order. By now Marg had decla
Marg studied the Marilyn Monroe clippings which formed the table top décor whilst I tried to sort out Shinawari v Efcharis. The latter means – the one who has a lot of fun – in Greek, whilst Shinwari refers to the nomadic tribe occupying the land on the Afghan-Pakistan border, the Khyber Pass. 
The waitress brought a substantial Salad and a bowl of Raita to the table. The Raita had quite a wee kick. Having ordered the Pakora Salad, how much could we eat? The main event was presented moments later, Rice too.
The Naan was served halved. Lightly fired, but well risen and puffy, the Bread served in this area is always outstanding. Sadly, with Rice now part of the equation, I would not do the Naan justice
Six large pieces of Meat on-the-bone plus various tiddlers, formed the bulk of what sat in the karahi. The photo appears to accentuate the presence of Oil, with the Mutton decanted and the Masala stirred, this was a classic Desi Masala. The Rice quickly absorbed some of the Masala, I retained some in the karahi for dipping. What is this with the dipping, Hector? 
There was a b
The Hector was eating, and so were the latest arrivals who had a mountain of Naan between them. 
Eight large pieces of Pakora, not Bhaji because we known –
Arriving at a new curry place, we sat outside at tables with newspaper clippings of Marilyn Monroe’s death. The waitress came and took the order for Pakora Salad then went indoors with Hector.
The Calling Card was given, in turn, Ahmed gave me his. Ahmed was clearly impressed by the number of Curry Houses visited as I scrolled down. At the suggestion of a photo together, Ahmed appeared to be keen but then disappeared into the kitchen. He returned momentarily, with his – plus one.
Our waiter today, Ali, was front of house. He suggested Poppadoms (£1.00) as we took our seats. As ever, the Hector was not playing this game. As we studied the menu, Ali asked if we needed help with Pakistani food.
The availability of Fish Karahi (£14.99) had already drawn my attention. Fish Karahi is a rarity in these lands, potentially the ultimate Curry, but there have been a number of disappointments over the years. The description on the menu mentioned the dreaded 
Our choice of m
Ali brought the food, all pots were covered, sustaining the suspense for a few moments longer. As we began arranging our food on the metal plates, so Mein Host entered. He greeted us and established that we were being looked after. 
White Fish, later confirmed by Ali as – Tilapia, sat in a Thick Masala. My close up of the Masala would suggest Tomato Seeds, but these were so large they were Daal-like.
India
Light pieces of something solid, Marg took these to be Potato: to her great surprise, Prawns! The menu 
A new pl
I took some of the aniseed sweets to finish the whole experience. I am sure we will return. 
And so the Calling Card was issued. This was in turn passed to Mein Host, whose name I did not catch – he is the father of young Mustafa after whom these premises are named.
With business to attend to this afternoon in the West End, what better opperchancity to pop into 
Taking my usual spot, all the tables were set out with cutlery. 
I watched people pass by the door, plus those who stopped to read the menu posted in the window. 
As is written oft, and as recent as last Friday when I served up 
Thick, dark, moist, mysterious, the powerful Spinach-rich Mash was well Seasoned and the Spice built rapidly on the palate. Despite – dairy – being mentioned on the 
Almost a year since 
The Tandoori Naan was served in four pieces. As I was sharing, this time I was not so bothered with it not being served – whole. A 
This makes its first appearance in 
A smaller dish than the Lamb Karahi, but full of hot vegetables in a dry sauce with coriander sprinkled on top. A medium spice was asked for and it ticked all the right boxes. A good flavour from the vegetables and I enjoyed the bread which had sesame seeds and a pattern throughout the top. The dish was filling and very enjoyable. 
Ginger Strips and a threat of Coriander, plus more Seeds, topped the Meat and Masala. The Meat count reached double figures, on-the-bone, of course. One Sucky Bone. The Tomato-red Masala was taking me towards Charsi Karahi, not my favourite currently, this Curry, however, very much had its own personality. 
A sliver of Bullet Chilli was the only clue as to the source of the heat. An ideal Spice Level, Chef should be congratulated for this and the level of Seasoning. The latter related directly to the intensity of Flavour, the combination of Ginger and Tomato being the standout. 
The Tea had to be summoned, time was against us, Hector’s 15.00 rendezvous was looming. Marg:
Marg dropped me along the road at 
Late morning, Marg and Hector headed to KRK 
Mutton means either slow cooking, or the pressure cooker. Two kilos of Mutton on-the-bone were ther
As a final touch, the table was adorned with – 
Dry, thick, loads of Meat, a veritable plateful. Having served four portions there was not much left in the pot, so two kilos and all that Spinach/Methi was required. The slight Sweetness I had noted prior to serving had been wiped out by the late addition of that important ingredient – Salt. This is how the Hector likes his Palak Gosht, and this is why it was cooked this way. In my book, a success. However, three critics sat nearby.
The Aftermath
Today, Curry on the east bank of the Brussel-Charleroi Canal, at 
The saga of getting to/from Tubize belongs in 
I arrived at Zik-Zak mid-afternoon, Rog 
In the queue for the official opening of the doors at 19.30, the Hector was the only person sporting both a 
Pendragon took to the stage bang on 20.00 and tore into Back in the Spotlight, the opening track of The World (1991). This album was re-recorded in 2019, and all of it would be played in order this evening. Nick would tell us that this is the album that really got the band going. It sold way more than its predecessors, had it not, the band could have called it a day. 
Stools were brought on stage so that Pete could abandon his bass and accompany Nick on acoustic guitar for King of The Castle (Not of This World, 
Love Over Fear remains Pendragon’s most recent album. The saga of seeing them perform this album in its release in 2020 at 
With my accommodation a mere five hundred metres away, there was no rush to depart after the gig. Another chat with Rachel who let slip that Nick has started writing for the next album What about the book? That’s ongoing. There will be no Pendragon gigs in 2026, to allow the writing and recording. 
Seeing Pendragon again was an unexpected bonus, and having failed to have Curry at 
I looked at the Dishes on display, mostly Vegetable Curry of one sort or another? 
The 
I took two cans of cola from the fridge, no Fanta. 
The food arrived after an appropriate wait. As is ever the case, more Rice than a Hector could ever eat, but wastage would be minimal.
Topped with sliced Green Chillies and Coriander, the aroma was powerful, triggering the flow of the juices already. Seven pieces of Potato, and even more of Meat sat in a Shorva-esque Masala. The biggest Sucky Bone ever seen, with Meat attached too, stood out. I would have fun photographing this. 
Super-soft Beef, this would require minimal chewing. The texture of the Potato was spot on I wonder if the 
Dr. Stan has returned to Blighty, the Hector has extended his stay in 
On my previous two visits to Iman Hallal, I have had Lamb Korma. Having had this for the last two days in 
I arrived at Iman Hallal at 16.30, the same chap as before was behind the counter, not that he would recognise me, my visits have been years apart. I pointed to the rear of the restaurant thus conveying I was here to sit in. 
Being