A few days in Lisboa, an opperchancity to enjoy quality Curry in the country which Hector believes must have been a huge influence in the development of this style of food. It was announced last night that Marg and Hector would be at Tasty Hut Halal food (Rua do Benformoso 151, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) at 13.00 this afternoon. Steve explicitly declared that he would not be having Curry-Heute. There was no surprise therefore in finding him in situ, his first experience of Rua do Benformoso.
Steve had already ordered. Had he read a well known and reliable Curry Blog more carefully, he may not have ordered the – quarter – of Red-Mutton Karahi (€5.50) but gone for the – half – which the Hector was back for – €10.50. In addition, he ordered a Plain Naan (€1.50) and Plain Rice (€2.50).
With the menu housed under the glass table-top, there was still the temptation to instinctively try to lift it. Having had Bread as the accompaniment last year, it was time for Hector to try Rice. The waiter came over with Steve’s invoice, Plain Rice was not available, he would give the Rice from the Biryani. Better still.
Marg took a notion for Masala Fish (€6.00). This was not available and so it was back to a Kebab Roll (€4.00) in Chicken, same as last visit.
Two small bottles of Sparkling Water (€1.50) were ordered, plus a can of Fanta (€1.00) for Steve. Cans are better value.
Tasty Hut was stowed. We were sat at table 4 in the corner, sharing with three other chaps. They ordered a veritable mountain of food, no surprise then when some of it became Takeaway. Despite being finished first, they sat patiently until we had finished before taking their leave. Respect.
Kebab Roll
Marg had asked for Salad in particular when ordering. What came was a Chicken Seekh Kebab wrapped in a Naan with Onion, Cucumber and Lettuce inside.
Instead of eating it by hand, I decided to open it up and use a fork and knife. The Seekh Kebab was spicy and the lettuce, onion and cucumber salad helped to moisten the meal. I used the extra Bread to mop up Hector’s dish which was full of flavour.
The doughy Naan was a good size, Steve would eat it all. I still don’t know how he can manage Bread and Rice. The Baryani (sic) Rice came as a classic Euro-portion, twice as much as Hector would manage. Steve nearly got there. Lightly Spiced, this had true Flavour in its own right. Although certainty cannot be established, I’m pretty sure it was from here the Star Anise, Black Cardamom and Cumin Seeds originated. Tasty Rice.
Red – Mutton Karahi on-the-bone
Steve considered his – quarter – portion to be enough. Hector was here for Curry, not Bread. Twelve large pieces of Meat were arranged on the Rice. This left relatively little Masala. As ever, some was retained to top up after the first drizzle had been absorbed.
The Masalas were markedly different. Steve’s shows a Thickness that was distinctly missing from mine. My watery Masala, decidedly – red – had specks of Herb and a hint of Onion Seeds. The Masalas were clearly from different depths of the pot, this has happened before. In effect, we would have two markedly different experiences. Steve was making all the right noises, and was thoroughly enjoying his Curry. Hector was not in the same place.
Such was the size of some of the Mutton pieces, a knife had to be employed, most unusual. Whilst the Mutton had been properly cooked and was Tender, it was not of the same quality as one may secure in the UK. At these prices, to be expected.
The Masala was Peppery, a positive. Unfortunately, there was a dominant Flavour, that which I have experienced most often in Europe, and have only recently come to identify specifically – Cabbage. Steve reckoned he could smell it, the Hector could certainly taste it, and it was spoiling the day. This is not what I was served last year. This was not why I came to Tasty Hut. With plenty of venues to choose from on Rua do Benformoso, maybe it’s time for the Hector to try elsewhere.
The Bill
€21.00 (£17.95) Prices have not increased since last time.
The Aftermath
Walking back down Rua do Benformoso, I spotted a tempting Lahori venue which somehow I had missed previously. Next time.
2024 Menu
There was almost no Curry-Heute, after the indulgences of the past week, even the Hector considered a break. Marg, declaring herself free for lunch – on a Saturday – was the motivation to try a new 
opperchancities. A young lady brought the menu, Chicken on one side and thankfully Fish and Lamb on the other. Desi Lamb (£11.95) available on-the-bone had to be tried. Strangely, Marg ignored the Methi Keema Peas (£11.95) in favour of Lamb Bhuna (£11.95). She did stick to her customary Chapatti (£1.50), whilst Hector would finally secure a Mushroom Rice (£3.80). 
How long since Hector last had Karahi Gosht? The description of the Lamb Karahi (£11.95) at Chimes of India was everything the Hector deplores, 
Marg made short work of it. So much so, some of the Mushroom Rice crossed the table. The fresh mushrooms were marvellous. I would later watch the super-mario brothers deliver a box of lovely white and robust, fresh Mushrooms in addition to a sack of Onions etc. Lightly Spiced, I took enough Rice to match the quantity of Curry leaving some for the appreciative lady.
Three Ginger Strips and a threat of Coriander, topped the plateful of Curry, Meat protruding through the somewhat – red – Masala. Glasgow (sic) favourite hot curry – was printed on the – Lamb – side of the menu. A flavoursome thick sauce – was written on the other. Dry & Minimal – are the terms Hector hopes to see in any Curry. This Masala had an abundance such that Marg realised she needed Rice. I have seen Thicker Masalas. 
Hector was already having a more intense experience. A whole Green Cardamom was revealed, Whole Spice, always a plus. Marg devoured the lot in no time at all:
The large, split, Finger Chilli added a bit of menace to the presentation. Showing respect to the diner, there was the choice: cut it up, or set it aside. No prizes for guessing the outcome today. A prominent bone differentiated this Curry from the Bhuna. Otherwise, the Masala seemed similar to the Bhuna, darker perhaps, but with a similar consistency. The Meat count reached double figures as the Curry was arranged over the Mushroom Rice, two bones. In Hector’s mind, – Mainstream – was still competing with – Desi – and – on-the-bone.
The quality of the Meat immediately impressed, this was out of the top drawer. The most Tender of Lamb, and as progress was made, full of Flavour, beautiful. 
This is damn good – was declared, whilst Marg responded with a – lovely – with regards to her Bhuna. 
Curry-Heute is about exploring new venues in addition to celebrating the wonders already discovered. In time, Chimes of India may well progress up the column on the right to – 
The third visit to 
Is that your table upstairs – asked Moiz as he joined me and took the order for a bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.50).
Today, the Hector was going to try the Lamb Platter (£18.99) which features: Lamb Tikka, Lamb Chops, (both plural), Lamb Handi, a choice of Roti or Naan, plus Dessert of the day. My perception of this was a Thali with minimal Curry, maybe I needed a break. A couple of weeks back, after a period of intense Curry eating, I had considered going – Tandoori. That didn’t happen. 
The modest Salad, with Raita and Chilli Dip was provided once more, hot plates too. 
The Vegetable Rice was a mini version of Monday’s 
Having had the Lamb Korma Handi twice in recent days, I was paying less attention here. Saturday’s –
It was very well seasoned and spicy. (A) rich, smooth, creamy taste to it, and the Veg Rice did complement it very well. 
I was not expecting this. Two pieces of Lamb Tikka and two Lamb Chops sat on an iron sizzler plate. Abundant Onions were being cremated, some were already. Had I known this was coming, I would have asked for the Curry to be served thereafter. The precedent set, we all now know!
Lamb Chops, I could eat these all day. With burnt edges, cooked a la Marg & Hector, succulent, tasty, and here the Raita came into its own. The Tikka pieces were regarded as Boneless Chops, perfection. As for the Onions, a Moizzy Marvel. 
The Naan was served halved, I must remind him, Bread served whole is so much better. Light in colour and Texture, a bit puffy, there were no burnt blisters. The Naan would act as a conveyor, little more. I would manage just over half. Without Coriander & Chillies, not so interesting. Again, maybe there’s room for negotiation here. 
Featuring the standard Toppings at 
Some Tomato Seeds were visible in what I have come to recognise as a Desi Masala. Blending, as done in Mainstream venues, does not create this smooth, Oily Texture. How does one achieve this without blending? 
As Moiz cleared the table so he noted the unfinished Naan. He concurred with my observation that Europeans have – Curry with Bread – whilst Asians have – Bread with Curry. Indeed, Moiz remarked upon Europeans ordering multiple Mains then sharing Rice and Bread. Marg and Hector in company. 
The Bill
After this series of visits, to get 
OK, so this week, Hector is unashamedly promoting 
Whilst I waited for Stewart, Moiz was showing a chap the transformed upstairs with a view to adding wall decorations. I suggested a poster print of Moiz, Qadeer, his father (
The kilo of competitively priced Lamb Korma Handi (£32.00) was ordered, along with a Vegetable Biryani (£7.95).
Green Beans, Peas, Carrots and Sweetcorn were mixed through the Spiced Rice, the standard Vegetables which feature in this Dish. No Mushrooms. A bowlful of Raita accompanied, we had an abundance. 
Lamb Korma Handi
Beneath the Toppings: sliced Bullet Chillies, Ginger Strips and Coriander, lay a somewhat – shiny/wet – looking Curry. Once the big spoon was applied, so the Masala took on its true nature. This was suitably – Thick – approaching – Dry. 
The Seasoning registered first. Get this right and Hector is always a happy hound. Finding a whole Clove in my mouth took me straight towards a Manchester Curry. The Spice Level was decidedly – medium – this Curry is all about Flavour, not heat. 
Having topped up, Stewart spied the remnants sticking to the karahi. He was not for leaving anything. A Chapatti (£1.50) was duly ordered. 
Moiz took the polished karahi away as the Hector finished the final mouthfuls. Maybe Moiz didn’t believe we could do it. 
The Bill
The renovation and transformation of 
Moiz and Hector have been in contact throughout the period of transformation, it took way longer than planned. The result is spanking new décor on the ground-floor, and perhaps more importantly upstairs also. The upstairs at this venue has been grossly underutilised for years. Now is the time to encourage diners to use the space. Will a new TV appear up there soon? 
With one ground-floor table relocated to accommodate the new bench for those awaiting Takeaway, the Hector still managed to squeeze into what has been – his spot. The 
Hector was here for what is the most difficult Curry to find in this city – Desi Korma. Lamb Korma Handi (£12.00) is how this identifies itself. I like how the prices have portions, half-kilos and kilos. A half-kilo in the – Handi – section may not be an attractive proposition, unless one is determined and disregards the extra cost. Sharing a kilo is always better value.
Yes, Hector was having Rice today, not the customary Chapatti (£1.50) or even a Coriander Naan (£2.50). Rice still feels the better accompaniment when having a Desi Korma. The Vegetable/Biryani Rice (£7.95) will surely be shared at the first opperchancity. 
Coriander, Ginger Strips and sliced Bullet Chillies sat atop the Curry which still has to be explained to the masses. The Rich Masala may have been blended, Tomato Seeds stood out. The Meat count reached double figures, Lamb on-the-bone – one – Sucky. The arrangement was a vision only imagined whilst the shutters were down. 
Oh yes! – right from the start we had a winner.
More! Soon!
This was a serious piece of Cheesecake.
The Bill
The final day of The Crawley Trip saw Hector & co in nearby Horsham. So many places are closed on a Monday, fortunately, Dosa Plazza (8 The Boulevard, Crawley RH10 1XX West Sussex, England), which impressed on 
Arriving at 20.45, seventy five minutes before closing, we secured a draughty table near the door. In time, the charming waitress invited us to relocate to the table outside the kitchen. 
Hector was back for the Mutton Chukka (£10.99), and this time – not for sharing. As with the recently rediscovered 
As happens oft, the Hector having noted the Order, found it easier to relay it back to the waitress. I started with – can we have everything together?
Our empty table was filled with food – simultaneously. Mission accomplished.
The Plain Parotta was the most fired Malabar Parotta seen to date. Usually whiter than white, this was a change. The characteristics were otherwise retained, soft, stretchy, buttery an absolute joy to eat.
A wet Chukka? Not since 
Fortunately, that would be Hector’s last criticism. The famed Dried Red Chillies were abundant. Never eaten – who knows what might happen? – their mere presence is the yardstick by which the Hector judges South Indian Cuisine. The Meat count was into double figures, I’ve had smaller – main courses. Curry Leaves were in there too.
Dipping the Parotta in the Shorva, such pleasure. 
A Mushroom Curry, what a good idea! The orange Masala looked a tad more viscous than in the Chukka. When Maggie emptied the contents of the karahi to her plate, the number of chunky Mushrooms appeared to be sufficient to consider this to be a meal. 
Like Marg, Maggie is always quick to announce – this is Spicy! 
How different is this from every other Aloo Gobi which has appeared previously in these pages? Chefs are usually congratulated for the Minimal Masala, a shrouding of the Potato and Cauliflower. This Masala was even thinner than –Shorva. Boy did it pack some – kick. 
Clive later offered a few words:
Today was visit #5 to 
The Pilau was mostly white, not as one would expect. Presented on a plate there was way more than a Hector could manage. Diced Carrots and Peas were mixed in, but just a threat, nowhere near enough to consider the word – Biryani. After helping myself, I passed the plate on. Both Clive and Maggie’s Rice requirements were sated. 
The Keema at 
The – soupy – orange Masala with strips of large, sliced Onions, was a replica of that which did not please 
Having reminded Maggie, again, that neither of us were particularly taken by the Fish Curry in 
As
Tender Meat – was an initial note, but this was revised downwards as progress was made. Most of the Lamb/Mutton was quite chewy, 
This was visit #4 to Curry Leaf Cafe – Brighton Lanes (60 Ship St., Brighton BN1 1AE England), they must be doing something right. The prices, however, have become a bit off-putting. The 
Not the biggest portion of Ribs ever seen, four bones. The cremated edges were a plus, hot food, also appreciated. The accompanying Salad and Dip offered distraction.
Potatoes encrusted with Spices, such a simple Dish. Potatoes make a meal, so by decanting to the plate of Ribs, lunch suddenly looked more substantial. An earthy Flavour with a hint of Citrus came across. Combined with the Salad and Dip the Hector had a plateful of Diversity. 
Aubergine Bhajis
Behold, six slices of Eggplant in a batter. What a rip-off! How the price of these was justified only – they – know. Maybe the Tamarind Dip justified the price? 
This was the – large – portion? The Seekh Kebap were made from a mixture of Chicken and Lamb. Crumbly, finger food, however, Clive did employ a fork to tackle the Salad. Yet more Tamarind meant there was a lot to dip. 
The Bill
Today, Hector finds himself in that London. The 08.40 from Glasgow arrived at Euston bang on schedule. Did the driver slow down in the last five hundred metres to arrive at exactly 13.12? Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of 
We arrived at Drummond Villa at 13.30. The mirrors on the back wall created the illusion of vast premises. The place is actually tiny, but is there is an overflow downstairs adjacent to the kitchen. 
We were given the window table. From there I could see the line of Curry Houses across the street. There were many to choose from, I had chosen this one. 
Drinks were sorted, 330ml bottles of both Still and Sparkling Water (£3.50) suited Maggie and Hector. Clive was not playing, but a glass of tap water eventually came his way. Why is the same sized quantity of Fanta only £2.50?
Whilst Maggie inspected downstairs, I advised Clive that Dansak was on the menu, his usual fallback. Chicken Dansak (£10.20) it would be, with a Keema Naan (£2.95). Nothing in the – Chef’s Specials – seemed so. I liked the grid showing the Standards, and also the description of the Roghan Josh. Tomato, not the Creamy version which keeps appearing currently. Lamb Roghan Josh (£11.75) and Pilau Rice (£3.30) for the Hector. Maggie, who said she was starving, chose Lamb Korahi (£11.20) with a Chapatti (£2.10). £2.10 for a Chapatti?
Here was a classic example of why I never order Karahi in a Mainstream Curry House. Just how many pieces of 
Maggie lined up all the pieces of the 
The size of portion was right for me. The onion and the 
The Daal looked a bit reddish rather than the expected orange. The consistency of the Masala was viscous. 
Is that the best Dansak you’ve ever had?
Tomatoes! Lots of Tomatoes! Initially I thought there was hardly any meat in the handi, however double figures was reached. The Lamb was well buried under the half-cooked Tomatoes. Tomatoes, so much better than 
Where was the Spice? There was absolutely no – kick – here. Was this Curry – the blandest thing on the menu?
The Seasoning fared a bit better, however, this only highlighted the underlying Flavour. In 
The Bill
I pointed to the box outside still sitting at the top of the stairs.
Two days after
Oh, Curry was also part of the plan. Arriving at 13.10, there was not a familiar face in the kitchen or front of house. Ah well. 
We were given a window table as were those who came after. Being in the basement, this was less of an issue. The bottle of chilled tap water once again appeared when the 
Being more aware of the 
Today, a Fish Curry for Hector – Chappali Pulusu (£9.00), whilst Marg chose Lamb Aatu Erachi (£9.00), both have a – one Chilli – rating. 
Marg returned – you missed Mein Host. 
This is the antithesis of the other – Curry – served at 
Hector was on home ground. 
The Spice Level was spot on, as was the Seasoning. Spicy, Smoky, with the thickest of Minimal Masala shrouding the Lamb, this was Hector Heaven. Soft Meat, every bite giving off Spice and Flavour, this was an intense eating experience. Yes, two portions would make an excellent meal. Whilst savouring the final pieces of Meat, Suren brought the mains. Fortunately, at 
Pieces of white Fish were floating near the top of the bowl. Behold the – Soupy Curry! 
Once decanted, the Fish was partly in flakes, the majority still managing to retain its integrity. The quantity was just enough to consider this – a meal. The orange Masala was decidedly runny, if this was a Euro Curry there would be questions. However, this is how South Indian Curry is typically served*. Curry Leaves were in the mix as were seeds, Onion Seeds? 
It was difficult to tell the Dishes apart, actually Suren had them the wrong way round as those who appreciate photographic perspectives may have spotted. The Masala here appears to be slightly less runny.
Smoky but sweet – was Marg’s first comment. Not too Spicy then, but she too had the Chukka infused palate. For a lady who usually has Chapattis she made quick work of her Curry and Rice.
A smooth, smokey and slightly sweet sauce, full of flavour. Small bite size pieces of Lamb completed the dish with a large portion of Rice. 
That Marg and Hector had been to 
Things are looking good at 
Here at