Tamarind (Lisbon) -
Summary
Creative Indian Cuisine by Chef Hardev Walia
Rua da Gloria43, junto a Av. Da Liberdade, 1250-
Tel: 21 346 6080
Lisbon, DAY 3
Nine members go abroad (o-
Having spent an uneventful couple of days in Lisbon already where the only dull entertainment had been the local site seeing, the usual women having babies in the middle of the street and completely ruining a day trip, a castle that – quite frankly – was in ruins and a boring evening out in a small bar where we were constantly hassled by hat, watch, bracelet and umbrella salesmen (the latter who really were quite rude in not taking the advice offered to them by the patrons) it was on to the main event – The Tamarind Indian Restaurant on the Rua de Glória.
This restaurant had been recommended to the MKCC by the son of the owner during what is believed to be a particularly seedy exchange of used rupees. As ever, a majority of the members managed to make the event in a timely fashion whilst 3 of them (who shall remain nameless, Dave, Steve and Ian) clearly “got lost” on their way as they negotiated a myriad of local establishments in search of an outer mind experience.
Eventually, when all were seated/propped up the poppadums arrived with a dashing display of six chutneys. Hemal – the manager – looked after us well and informed us of the style of Indian food that the restaurant offered, which was based (if I remember rightly) on a balance of flavours and harmony with the body. He suggested we start off with a Indian traditional dish called Papri Chaat which was a crispy snack with chick peas, yoghurt and mint sauce. We also had some onion bhajees, because we could. It was about this time that Steve started a relationship with a tamarind seed which, frankly, was quite embarrassing for the rest of us (eventually, after his main course, Ian got up and left – fed up with the whole thing…probably).
Hemel explained that the style of cooking didn’t include “heat spice” A.K.A. chilli, so we all asked if chilli could be added to our meals and also a bit of fresh chilli on the side. Possibly not necessarily a wise decision as I think we probably ended up with the meals being to hot, but nevertheless the food was of ample quantity and very tasty.
The restaurants itself was very nicely decorated and was warm and friendly (and dry – unlike some of the other restaurants we visited).
A good time was had by all. Although we didn’t try many Indian restaurants in Lisbon, I could well imagine that this is or is close to being the best. The only “downer” was the price: it was by far the most expensive Indian meal that we have ever had anywhere, which would almost certainly knock the value for money rating down.
So, roll on next year and wherever…
Summary
Above average, expensive price.
Web site -
Using our scoring system this is what the Tamarind was awarded -
3.4 Starter
4.1 Main Course
3.4 Bread / Rice / Veggies
4.4 Service
4.1 Cleanliness
3.3 Location / Ambience
22.7 TOTAL
Other Comments
Positive:
- Very attentive and helpful staff
- Fresh ingredients and hot
- Well written and welcoming menu
- Several took the recommended starter (Indian street dish), different, as it was cold, but tasty
- Onion bhaji cooked nicely and soft inside
- Excellent Papri Chat
- Bhindi had a real kick
- Karhai Murg, superb chicken
- Rajma (red nean) main course, very 'tingly'
- Fantastic lamb, very tender, with chillies
- Good service, explained the dishes and ordering
Negative:
- No vegatable side dishes, which we missed
- Rogan Josh, asked for medium but it was hot
- Limited rice options, plain or pilau only
- The nan was not 'fluffy'