The Favourite Newcomer for 2018 in the Greenwich Curry Club Awards, sponsored by the Spice Card, is the King of Punjab (Isle of Dogs). Pictured: Restaurant owner and head chef Tony Chahal.
Author: Daniel Ford
Daniel Ford is a media entrepreneur, writer, editor and publisher who specialises in launches and re-launches. He is the Publishing Director of media company Chase My Snail. He was previously Editor-in-Chief of GQ (South Africa), Editor-in-Chief of Sunday Life magazine (Independent News & Media) and CEO of the African design magazine Ogojii. He has consulted on digital media, magazines and books in England, India, the USA and South Africa, including creating a glossy print edition of the SABC's TV show Top Billing and branding for the Laureus World Sports Awards. He has written a number of books on fitness, sport and travel, which have been published all over the world, from China to Africa and from Russia to Australia. He loves carefully crafted words, digital and print publications produced with passion. And curry.
Favourite Curry Restaurant 2018: Gurkha’s Inn
The Favourite Restaurant for 2018 in the Greenwich Curry Club Awards, sponsored by the Spice Card is Gurkha’s Inn (Greenwich). Pictured from left: restaurant owners Usha and Giri Devendra.
Greenwich Curry Club Awards 2018
We are delighted to announce the winners of the Greenwich Curry Club Awards 2018 sponsored by the Spice Card and supported by the Greenwich Visitor.
Favourite Restaurant: Gurkha’s Inn (Greenwich)
Favourite Dedicated Takeaway: Mogul Home Kitchen (Greenwich)
Outstanding Service: Kesar (Charlton)
Outstanding Value: Pathiri (Greenwich)
Favourite Newcomer: King of Punjab (Isle of Dogs)
Special Award (for Oustanding Vegetarian and Vegan Food): Panas Gurkha (Lewisham)
Md Afizur Rahman Award (for Contribution to the Curry Community): Karri Twist (New Cross)
This article appeared in the December 2018 issue of the Greenwich Visitor newspaper.
Normal lagers please
Surya, New York, USA
(Review by the New York Curry Club)
Truly an All Saints Day for the books! If the Appleton sisters were alive today, they would surely be nodding their heads with pride at our wondrous celebration. After Malt House witnessed one of our more aggressive pre-games, Surya was definitely ill-prepared for its esteemed guests. Our waiter Leo (@pereiraleo308), blessed with chutzpah as large as his mullet, unwisely tried to force us into the Bira 91 promotional beer (disgusting). After berating him for a while, normal lagers magically appeared.
The food was remarkably good for an establishment offering a $12 lunch menu. A very tender mixed grill was followed by some perfectly acceptable curries, albeit lacking in spice for a more experienced palate.
As beer levels depleted (an all too common occurrence on the NYC Indian restaurant scene), excitement levels escalated. The banter was flowing, glasses were smashed, and an invasion of Oreo-selling rapscallions delivered a fitting end to a fine meal.
The Garrett was kind enough to host us post-dinner, and a selection of brave CC-ers found themselves at the Jane in the early hours. Better decisions have been made.
Surya score = 6 curry leaves
Food – 1.5/2 (Surprised on the upside)
Beers – 0.5/2 (The initial cheek to force us into their sponsors’ offering, and then a complete underestimation of the necessary volume for a CC sitting. Leo picks up half a point for going on a shopping mission for some extras.)
Décor/Ambience – 1.5/2 (Pleasant graffiti backdrop, and some seasoned curry veterans dotted throughout the restaurant)
Popadoms – 1.5/2 (Reasonable structure and prompt service. As ever in NYC, the accoutrements were very lacking in quality)
Je ne sais quoi – 1/2 (For some reason, I will probably consider a return visit).
Surya, 154 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012, USA. Tel: 212 875 1405.
Open: Monday to Thursday noon – 3pm and 5pm – 10:30pm, Friday noon – 3pm and 5pm – 11pm, Saturday to Sunday noon – 11pm.
Old Monk, New York
The Old Monk, New York, USA
(Review by the New York Curry Club)
A surprisingly quiet Mozambique Day of Peace and Reconciliation. We even managed to secure a large table for aperitifs on what is typically the most rambunctious celebration of the year.
Wheels suitably greased and blessed with a sprinkle of new faces, we ventured to Babu Ji’s old stomping ground. Now under new ownership, Old Monk aims for the same ‘contemporary Indian soul food’ vibe as its predecessor, but underwhelms. Using the Club’s traditional goalkeeper analogy, the tasting menu was a Petr Cech – solid, bland and probably used to be rated quite highly. You wouldn’t necessarily complain if the chairman secured him on a free in the January transfer window, but you’re not going to be thrilled when the ball’s at his feet.
For the price paid, you’d expect something a little sexier, a Jordan Pickford perhaps, offering an additional element of excitement to the build-up play and a more obvious passion for the game (curry). Indeed, many diners were unable to tell the difference between the chicken and salmon dishes and the only notable shift in flavours came with the dessert course. Nevertheless, the staff were welcoming, enthusiastic and nice enough that we will not curse them with a sub-5 leaves review.
Post-dinner drinks were somewhat scuppered by the heavy digestive requirements of the aforementioned cuisine.
Old Monk Score = 6 curry leaves
Food – 1/2 (disappointing for what was supposedly a ‘tasting menu’)
Beers – 2/2 (solid choice and service)
Décor/Ambience – 1/2 (lovely pachmina awnings, but could do with other diners for atmosphere)
Popadoms – 1.5/2 (reasonable structure but waiters again failed to understand the importance of a prompt race)
Je ne sais quoi – 0.5/2 (a hint of je ne sais quoi, needs work)
The Old Monk, 175 Avenue B, (Corner of 11th Street), New York, NY 10009, USA.
Tel: 646 559-2922. oldmonk175@gmail.com
Open: Sunday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm – 11pm. Brunch: 11:30pm – 3pm
How much do people spend on a curry?
In a recent survey we asked: “How much do you expect to spend when you visit an Indian restaurant per person, including drinks?”
More than half of people (58%) said they’d be looking at over £25, while 24% were settling for a nice £21-24 and 16% just £16-£20. Some 2% reckon they can get out for a curry in a restaurant for under £15. Must be a fun night that one!
The Spice Card offers savings on curries, including on takeaways at many venues. You can get your Spice Card here.
Charlton (Kasturi)
10 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD
Tel: 020 8319 3439 or 020 8319 3436
E-mail: info@ kasturi-restaurant.com
www: kasturi-restaurant.com
Open:
Sunday–Saturday 5.30pm to 11.30pm
Monday closed
Where is it? In Charlton Village near the historic Charlton House.
How do I get there?
Buses: 53, 54, 422, 380 and 466 all stop nearby.
Train: Charlton train station is a stiff 10-minutes walk up/down the hill of Charlton Church Lane.
Parking: The smallish Village car park is in Torrance Close, a couple of hundred metres away.
What’s their story? Kasturi opened in the City of London in 2002 and was part of the Kohinoor Group os restaurants. It relocated to Charlton a couple of years ago and was named “Best Newcomer” in the Greenwich Curry Club’s Awards 2017.
What’s the menu like? You’ll find all the curry favourites but Kasturi specialises in Pakthoon cuisine from the North-West Frontier state of India. Think influences of North India, Afghanistan and Pakistan around the famous Khyber Pass area so hearty meats, breads and dairy products cooked in style.
Oh, please tell me more…
Popadoms: 60p each and 60p per person for chutneys.
Starters: Lamb Adraki Chops (£5.95), Onion Bhaji (3.50)
Mains: Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani (£10.95), Chicken Tikka, Shahi Gosht (£9.95), Butter Chicken (£8.95), Chilli Pudina Murgh, Keema Mator, Chicken Korma (£7.95)
Sides: Bombay Aloo, Saag Aloo, Mushroom Bhaji (£3.95)
Rice: Pilau Rice (£2.95), Mushroom Pilau (£3.95)
Bread: Peshwari Nan, Keema Nan (£3)
* You will enjoy a 20% off these prices with your Spice Card
Tell me something about one of the dishes… Shahi (meaning Royal) and Gosht (meat) would traditionally be cooked with mutton (sometimes on the bone) but chunks of boneless lamb are now commonly used. The lamb is cooked in a rich, thick gravy and is delicious when eaten with a buttery nan bread. A dish like this was made popular by Bhupinder Singh, who was the Maharaja of Patiala at the turn of the 20th century.
What about drinks? The rather snazzy bar in the middle of the restaurant has a good selection of wines and spirits as well as the popular Cobra in the 660ml bottles
What they say… “Kasturi will accommodate the popular palette with its own Kasturian interpretations as well as providing dishes for the culinary purist.” – Bashir Ahmed, Director and Manager.
What we say… “This restaurant has brought a touch of the class to South East London that is usually only found in the top Indian restaurants in the centre of the capital. We love the food in this stylish restaurant.” – Greenwich Curry Club
What can I enjoy at Kasturi with my Spice Card?
YES 20% Discount • Sunday to Thursday • Eat-in, Delivery & Collection • 12 diners per Spice Card • Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day
NO Friday and Saturday, 20 Dec to New Year’s Day
Minimum for delivery: £25 (after discount)
Isle of Dogs (King of Punjab)
26 Ferry Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3DT
Tel: 020 7537 7813 or 07902 389870 if landline is busy
E-mail: king-of-punjab@hotmail.com
www: kingofpunjab.com
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 5pm to 11pm
Where is it? At the tip of the Isle of Dogs, a short distance from Canary Wharf and central Greenwich (via the foot tunnel).
How do I get there?
Walk: Coming from south London the best way to get there is to walk through the foot tunnel near the Cutty Sark
DLR: Island Gardens DLR station is a short walk away.
Buses: they generally loop round the Isle of Dogs and the 135, 550, N550, 277, N277 and D7 all stop near the bottom of Ferry Street.
Parking: There is some street parking and Zipcar bays are right outside for car sharers. Taxis: There are plenty of taxis outside Canary Wharf and Heron Quay stations for the short hop to the tip of the Isle of Dogs where the restaurant is situated.
What’s their story? Owner and chef Tony opened King of Punjab in 2017 and he is passionate about providing authentic Punjabi cuisine. Apart from the odd old-school favourite like Chicken Tikka Masala this is a Punjabi menu, with many of he recipes he uses handed down through his family for generations. The restaurant is above the Ferry House pub and you access it through the pub. You can eat your curry downstairs in the pub if you choose.
What’s the menu like? Punjabi! It’s meaty, hearty, rich and tasty but there is also a decent selection of vegetarian options.
Oh, please tell me more…
Popadoms: Two plain popadoms with chutneys (£1)
Starters: Keema Samosa x2 (£2.95), Jeera Chicken Wings (£4.95), Punjabi Lamb Chops x4 (£7.95)
Mains: Methi Chicken (£6.95), Muttar Keema, Karahi Lamb (£7.95)
Sides: Chaana Aloo Masala, Daal Makhani (£4,95)
Rice: Pulao Rice (£2.50)
Bread: Tandoori Roti, Plain Nan (£1.50)
* You will enjoy a 20% off these prices with your Spice Card
Tell me something about one of the dishes… “The Lamb Chop Curry has been enjoyed in the Punjab for many years, and was made popular when the Sikh Empire ruled India.” – Tony Chahal, Owner.
What about drinks? The restaurant offers various beers and Orchard Pig Cider on draught, plus a good bottled beer range, including the Indian favourites. There is also a a selection of wines, including sparkling options, as well many of the popular spirits. Tony is pretty relaxed, so if you were enjoying a drink in the pub downstairs before coming up to restaurant you are welcome to finish it off while you are looking at the menu.
What they say… “Too many Indian restaurants in London serve up the same old dishes. I want to provide an authentic Punjabi exprience when it comes to cuisine.” – Tony Chahal, Owner.
What we say… “This is a fantastic addition to the local curry scene. Great food and great views looking across the Thames too. We love strolling through the foot tunnel from Greenwich, enjoying a pint in the pub then going upstairs for some of Tony’s delicious Punjabi food.” – Greenwich Curry Club.
What can I enjoy at the King of Punjab with my Spice Card?
YES 20% Discount • Tuesday to Thursday • Eat-in & Collection • 2 diners per Spice Card.
NO Mother’s Day • Father’s Day • Valentine’s Day • 20 Dec to New Year’s Day
Please note: discount only applies when diners order three courses each (ie. a starter, a main and a desert or side dish)
Where do curry fans like to eat?
In a recent survey we asked: “Where do you get your curries?”
Eating out is still the number one when it comes to getting the spice fix it seems, with 72% of people saying they go to a restaurant for their curry. Some 21% of home birds like to order a takeaway for delivery, although no-one said they’d pick up a takeaway themselves. Lazy, lazy, now. A few (just 7%) said they’d cook their own.
The Spice Card is a discount card that offers savings on curries, including on takeaways at many venues. Get your Spice Card here…
What do curry lovers really like to eat?
In a recent survey we asked: “What’s your choice of protein when you order a curry?”
Baaaa. Good old lamb proved to be popular with 48% of people, with chicken, somewhat surprisingly, trailing with 26%. Vegetables or lentils options – and there are certainly some good ones on Indian menus – were the choice of 20%, while fish or prawns mustered just 6% of the vote. Price was no doubt a factor here, with king prawns outstripping most menu items by a fair whack.
The Spice Card is a discount card offers savings of curries, including on takeaways in many venues. Get your Spice Card here…
The Royal Curry Club 