The Curry-Heute Test – you impressed me once, prove you can do it again. Having written up yesterday’s wonderful experience at Tasty Hut Halal food (Rua do Benformoso 151, 1100-084 Lisboa Portugal) it was back as soon as I could get there.
14.30, an ideal time to eat, Tasty Hut was even busier than yesterday. Marg spotted one chap at the table we had previously occupied, also back for more. We had to squeeze on to the middle of a table for six, no formalities here, we were all here – to eat.
Red Mutton Karahi (€10.50), the half portion is why Hector was back. The Chersi Karahi yesterday, would have had me in raptures had I not tasted Maggie’s left over Red Masala.
Today I understood how the portion sizes worked. Quarter is Tapas, half is a decent portion, whole is to share. To accompany, a Garlic Naan (€2.00), something I usually avoid, however, the Naans here ain’t that clever.
For Marg, a Kebab Roll (€4.00). There was the choice of Meats, Marg chose Chicken. A litre and half bottle of Still Water (€1.50) completed the Order.
The unused Tandoor sitting in front of the counter had me question whether they cooked the Bread on the premises. Today, I saw the dough being rolled out and presumably cooked in one of the the two Tandoors in operation at Tasty Hut. I never did see Bread come out of a Tandoor. The Tandoori Meat Chef was certainly being kept busy.
Chaps beside us had Biryani, filling, but why eschew the wonderful Masalas on offer here?
Chicken Kebab Roll
Marg’s Roll was a Seekh Kebab wrapped in a Naan with Salad. No Raita was forthcoming, maybe one has to order this separately. A dry snack one would surmise.
The meat was quite spicy – was the verdict. Consistency maintained.
The Garlic Naan was served whole, again not risen very much, and would turn crispy. Are they turning them out too quickly? The Garlic would prove not to be intrusive. As a means of conveying the Karahi from plate to mouth, well, I know what’s coming.
*
*
Red Mutton Karahi
Too oily – would be many people’s take on this creation. Without the Oil, the full intensity of Flavour could never be attained. The Meat count was into double figures, each piece was substantial. With no rib bones today, I may have been given better cuts of Meat.
Cough! – the Spice hit hard, yes, even Hector is falling into this trap. The Seasoning was there, all was set.
Red Karahi, I’ll take this to be – Lahori, this is what was coming across, strongly.
Here was a big, oily plate of heavenly delight. Super-soft Mutton, each piece giving off way more Flavour than any Mainstream venue. Why does one have to visit a Curry Cafe to achieve this?
The Masala was abundant, but this was far from being considered a – Soupy Curry. So much Flavour, one can only speculate as to which Spices were included, and maybe those omitted. Rice would certainly have worked with this Karahi, or better still, a Vegetable Biryani. Sadly the latter is not on the menu.
Comfort eating, Hector was in the zone. Marg had to watch as the surplus Oil dripped down the chin. This is a sight I choose to share with the World. Getting down and dirty in a bowl of Curry, bring it on!
The Bill
€16.50 (£14.50) €3.00 for the Chicken Kebab Roll then.
The Aftermath
The chap at the till asked where we are from. A bit of engagement, this place is too busy to hang around and chat.
The Flavours lingered long on the palate. The photo at Belém was taken a couple of hours later with still a satisfying taste in the mouth. I hope to have one at this time tomorrow.
It was midway through last year’s trip to 
Marg and Hector met Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley at Martim Moniz Metro, a few metres from Benformoso, at 13.15. They admitted to having had Samosas whilst they waited for us. No comment.
Just the three Karahi styles to choose from: Red (Lahori?), White (Namkeen) and Chersi (Afghani). Each Curry was available in three sizes: Quarter, Half, Full. I had to assume that this meant – kilo. I could have asked for verification, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Composing this Blog hopefully provides clarity for future diners.
Sharing a full portion of Chersi Karahi (€22.00) between three seemed a logical order. On asking for Desi/Apna, the waiter assured me that the Chersi was – Spicy. Marg had already declared a quarter of Mutton White Karahi (€5.50). Maggie wanted Chicken. Seeking something – less Spicy – with advice from the waiter, she was led to Red Karahi (€4.50), again a quarter. This left Hector sharing with Clive, a half of Chersi Karahi (€11.00). Maybe I had Athena Curry Cafe prices in my head at the time of ordering. 
Bread, there was no Paratha available today. Clive wanted Keema Nana, not on the menu. The Plain Naan (€1.50) and a Garlic Naan (€2.00) were ordered. No more Garlic Naan, Clive took the Cheese Naan (€2.75) option. How can they run out of Bread? Maybe Tasty Hut do not prepare their own. In my favourite Athena venues, one sees piles of Naan being taken out the door to who knows where?
On seeing the half – Chersi Karahi, I took this to be Maggie’s quarter of Red Karahi. Nope, this was for Clive and Hector to share. On seeing her White Karahi, Marg remarked – Tapas. The portions suited The Ladies, the Chaps, well we just had to get on with it. 
A threat of Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the Masala. The – redness – and consistency suggested a Tomato base. Ribs stood out as I shared the contents of the plate with Clive. We had enough Meat, just, not be too disappointed with our choice of portion size. I had previously concluded that given the – Handi – was advertised as – boneless – all other Karahi were – on-the-bone. 
Wow! – the first dip of Naan into the Masala, that so important moment, this Karahi was something else. The Spice Level was right on, then it kept growing. Not for – The Ladies. The Seasoning was spectacular, perfection, and so the Flavours flooded out. Tomatoey, Peppery, there were no Whole Spices in the Masala, but Chef had chosen well. The Flavours here were immense. And to think that back in 
The quality of the Meat was being praised around the table. Mutton, cooked to perfection, super-soft and giving of Flavour. I did spot a stray piece of – Offal. 
The White Masala looked as though Yoghurt had been added, more than one might expect. Even the Meat looked – white! That Marg has taken to the simplicity of Namkeen Karahi over the years is comforting. We can share one whenever it’s on offer. Marg was keen for me to sample her Curry, I had to decline, no way was I interrupting the flow of pleasure from the Chersi. 
Despite the Oil collecting on the side of the karahi, this looked less Oily overall than the Charsi. The Masala was different, – red – if they like. Maggie held up a bone. It was not one either us recognised. Had they brought Lamb? The Hector was not for being distracted whilst he ate, so did not see the pile of of bones accrue on Maggie’s plate. Definitely – Chicken. 
I do not recall Marg making her customary – Spicy – outburst today Maggie didn’t let me down. Maggie was getting tore in, in the way that someone else wouldn’t. Her pink fingernails were turning orange, Turmeric! – I was informed that Maggie and I both had the telltale signs of enjoyment circling our mouths. 
Having finished the Meat, there was a decent layer of Masala left on the bottom of her karahi. This crossed the table.
Hector and Marg are in 
Marg and Hector set out on the Metro in the direction of the Airport. Alighting at Sete Bicas, it was a short walk to the Norte Shopping Mall. Somewhere within was Chutnify Canteen. No mall map was spotted, logically, food is served upstairs in such venues. Never have I seen so much choice, there must have been dozens of food outlets. It was just after 13.00 when we took our seats at Chutnify Canteen. 
Here there was table service, Sona gave a warm greeting. The menu was provided. The Pork Curry had been scored out already. It is Hector’s belief that Pork Curry could well have been the first ever Curry, and cooked by the Portuguese. Hector was hoping for 
Chicken Kadhai (€12.00) for Hector, with a Butter Naan (€2.50). I asked if 
The Friends of Hector – are already celebrating this Curry as reported on a certain social medium. I suppose if I don’t have a Chicken Curry once in a while, then I cannot justify my considered opinion that – there is no such thing as Chicken Curry. 
There was a decent – kick – from the Masala. We had – Spice. I waited for the Flavours to emerge, Tomato was all I could taste. Freshly Ground Spices – I would like to know which, how many and how much? Seasoning? None. Apart from the Spice, what else was I meant to be experiencing here? 
One has to accept that this Curry is going to be Soupy. Maybe it’s just as well we had the Basmati. Eating this with Bread alone could have been – splashy. 
Chicken in a Tomato Soup, well Marg orders this often when Keema is not on offer. The Soupçon which came my way did nothing for the Hector. Marg’s Curry, Marg’s verdict:
I do not blame Sona or the Chef. I blame Sona, the Chef at Chutnify Canteen and every Chef in every Curry House, plus managers who compile a menu, for including this needless
My words as we emerged into the sunlight:
The plan today was to confirm the continuing efficacy of 
Ramadan is over, consequently , or otherwise, 
We settled down for the wait. Thirty five minutes, more, proper preparation, unlike the nonsensical experience at the start of this week at 
Who are you? – asked the manager who appeared from nowhere. He was aware that I had not been to 
I have previously described the Rice portions here as minimal. Today’s Mushroom Rice, once decanted, covered the dinner plate. Enough Rice, though maybe not to share. Better this than the European mountain of waste. With fresh Mushrooms, a worthy accompaniment. As I know what is about to be written below, I’ll permit a moment of nostalgia. The Mixed Vegetable Rice as served at 
This looked the part. Topped with Coriander and Ginger Strips, the Masala had the anticipated viscosity. I counted the Meat into double figures as I decanted, large pieces of Lamb, a few bones, one – sucky. The quantity of Curry and Rice sitting before me looked a sensible portion. This I knew I would finish, but how can others have Starters too?
The food was hot, something one cannot take for granted, even at 
Apart from being served in a proper, i.e. black karahi, there was little to distinguish this from the above. The lady who has watched Hector consume many a Karahi Gosht seemed to be on a journey to Damascus. The Meat, the Flavours were all praised as Mags ate. I have oft wondered why she perseveres with Aloo Gosht when authentic Desi Karahi is on offer. 
Lamb (was) melt in the mouth. First time with this dish: spicy and peppery, will definitely have it again. 
We headed back along Nelson Street to take the bus across the river. Outside 
A Friday night Takeaway, another opperchancity to sample the Fayre at the local: Spice India (133 Riddle Street, Clydebank G81 2DH). Last time, 
Lamb Achari Balti (£8.95) and Mushroom Rice (£3.00) was duly ordered. Last time I played the – 
The Mushroom Rice filled the plate, and Hector’s dinner plate is large. Somehow, I knew I would manage every grain this evening. Tasty Rice, fresh Mushrooms. 
The Meat count was well into double figures, large pieces too. The blended Masala had a decent viscosity. Hector was eating Mainstream Curry. As I decanted, I saw – shiny red. Tomato I hoped, nope. I picked out the first of many pieces of the dreaded
On the Spice India menu, the following list – 
The Meat was suitably Tender, but was not giving much more than – meatiness – back. Still, significantly better than so called – Chicken Curry. 
Last night, Riverside played in Glasgow for the first time in four years. A much welcomed return, however, in March 2019 on the – 
Six of the seven songs on I.D. Entity were spread throughout the set. Much of the older material was selected due to the – vocables – which allow a sing-along for those who like that sort of thing. When you’re a Polish band with English lyrics, touring Europe, I suppose this helps break down language barriers. 
Give Riverside a listen, these days one does not have to commit to buying albums. And spot, Marg, Hector, and Colin front-right.
At the end of 2019, 
Arriving just on 14.10, the restaurant was empty, apart from Vijay who greeted and led me to a window table. Both the three course Lunch Menu (£11.95) and the Main Menu were provided. The Lunch Menu was perused, an extra £1.95 for – Lamb – then. 
The juxtaposition of pukka glass and plastic bottle amused. Still, I was having my preferred beverage, not always available in the local Curry Cafes. 
The Coriander Nan (£3.50) was actually a Plain Nan with Coriander sprinkled on top. One assumed that Chef would have rolled in this wonderful Herb and cooked it thus in the Tandoor, or on the Tawa, not so. At least the Naan, served whole, was light, fluffy and ticked Hector’s other boxes. Anyway, that was the case for a while. 
In terms of appearance, this was a classic Afghan Karahi, suitably pale, i.e. nothing – red – here. A whole Bullet Chilli and whole cloves of Garlic were mixed in the Thick Masala. Tomato-based, one believes, this looked the job. Having been given a warmish dinner plate, I decided to decant from the long dish. Had the Namkeen been presented in a karahi, there it would have remained. 
How had Chef produced this Namkeen in such a short time? The Meat may give a clue. The Boneless Lamb was suitably Tender, well cooked but was giving nothing back in terms of Salt or Pepper. How long had this Meat and Masala been in each others company before serving? Not very long is an obvious answer, however, Hector has another theory. 
A second waiter had appeared, Shafiq. 
The Bill
Chapatti John observed a few weeks back that we were well overdue a return visit to 
A table was booked for this evening at 17.00, just in case. As we entered, people were already sat at window tables. I confirmed the opening time with the waiter, now 16.30 apparently. If 
Four Lamb Chops, possibly still the best value in this city. I didn’t ask for them to be cremated, I took my chances. Only one of the Chops had a big bone and was therefore recognisable. I know not what precise cut the remaining three were. 
What a platter, John loves this. Chicken Liver is what he identified as sat before him. Thoroughly enjoyed, full of Vitamin A, but for Hector, hideous. 
Poor Dr. Stan, this looked sadly lacking in comparison to the above. Two tiny Kebap, but this is what he likes. At least this should not have ruined his appetite. 
This Curry never disappoints. If one knows the Methi-rich killer Bradford Curry taste, then this is the one to order. With the Meat cut so small, in the Bradford tradition, it means that one can have Bread, Meat and Masala, simultaneously. This is also a filling way to eat. In time, the Bread has to be abandoned, mustn’t leave any Curry. 
The first mouthful gave the Bradford Blast, superb. The Chilli on the Naan no doubt upped the overall Spice Level, the Seasoning was sound. The Masala showed a hint of creaminess, presumably the late addition of Yoghurt. What a range of Flavours from the gorgeous, Herb-rich Masala, why am I not having this every week? 
I must try this Curry. With even more Herbs than the Roshan Lal, it must be a delight. Today’s version had visibly less Oil than the Roshan Lal, however, the base Masala looked the same. A classic Bradford – Dry – Curry. 
The Bill
On Saturday, Hector arrived at 
I placed the Order, today a Naan (£1.50) instead of the customary Chapatti (£1.00), was this a moment of intuition? On taking my favourite spot in the empty dining area, I was asked – Spicy?
A Modest Salad and Raita soon arrived, the jug of Tap Water soon after. The Water had no taste, yay, the Raita did. The Salad was a momentary distraction until the main event.
The – killer aroma – defined the moment. With sliced Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Coriander atop the thickest of Masalas seen here in a while, all was set. The copious Meat was on-the-bone as all Lamb is served at 
The Naan and Masala combination was a step above my usual Chapatti accompaniment. What a Masala, and only a trace of Oil collecting at the base of the karahi. Given what follows below, this may be a crucial marking of the expected standard of Karahi Gosht served at
The quantity of Karahi was manageable, only three quarters of the Naan was consumed. The bone count = one, unusual.
Meet the new boss, Ali, I have seen him here previously. Ali recognised me both on Saturday and today, he has acknowledged seeing me and my dining companions, but only here? Ali must be associated with other venues.
Hector now has a dilemma. Is this still
Adnan recognised me as I approached the counter to order, no sign of Kaka today. I had already decided, well actually months ago, that my next Curry at 
Helping oneself to a drink from the fridge is expected, I took something that was clearly – gassy – but turned out to be a sweet Turkish Lemonade, not Sparkling Water. 
On seeing the huge pieces of Meat with pointy bones protruding, the heart sank – Chicken? Thankfully, these were not Chicken Thighs but simply huge pieces of Lamb on-the-bone. The bones I didn’t recognise, possibly from the cheaper cuts which more Pukka venues wouldn’t use? There was loads of Meat and not so many bones as it turned out, this was easily the – half kilo. 
Wow! – instant gratification. Nowhere else in 
Wow! – yes, this deserved a second exclamation. The Flavour was astonishing, whilst the Spice Level would never reach overwhelming, it did grow steadily as I ate. Sliced Green Chillies had been cooked in. The Seasoning, well this Curry could not have attained this level of satisfaction without this being well pitched. The blended Masala simply oozed pleasure, for once I accepted that more would have been even better. Soupy Curry – is not what the Hector seeks, however, today, to manage the Rice, more Masala required. Bread next time, unless there is someone to share a more complex Rice a la 
Spicy Desi Korma, a Curry which has nothing in common with that served in Mainstream Curry Houses, no Coconut here, not for beginners. This Lamm Korma was just sublime, and totally justified the horrible price of tomorrow’s flight home. 
Day #5 of this trip and Curry #3, anything to avoid Deutsche Essen. The Hector will admit to having had Wiener Schnitzel, but surely that’s Austrian? 
The Fisch Madras impressed on 
Fisch Madras (€13.90) comes with inclusive Rice and a Naan. The Euro norm is the choice of either, serving both may be regarded as a bonus, however, given what is served at Ganesha, I wonder which mortals can manage both?
A Complimentary Poppadom and three Dips were presented. The Poppadom was well toasted and contained Cumin Seeds which always ups the impact of the experience. Of the three Dips, the Oily one was seriously – Scharf, achtung!
The Rice portion was almost obscene, this was enough Basmati for three. Quality Rice, but quite simply a waste of food. I took what I thought I might manage, well if it was 15.00, it wasn’t.
The presentation could not be faulted. Abundant Curry sat atop the tea light stand. I decanted seven large pieces of Fish, each would be cut into three or more pieces. Fresh Mushrooms were once again present, a welcome bonus. An Interesting Vegetable always adds Diversity. The blended, Creamy Masala was as experienced previously. With a decent viscosity, the Masala was far from being – Soupy. There was enough Masala to match the quantity of Fish, perhaps, this was only element of the meal which was not to excess. 
The Fish was particularly soft, spongy even. On risking being wide of the mark, possibly Monkfish (tails). I will admit to preferring a more firm Fish. The Flavour from the Fish took a while to emerge, however, the Spice Level struck immediately. This Fish was giving back a serious – kick. 
The Manager, Naveen, came to make the customary check. 
