Pupatella was deluged, so Haandi it was.
Except for the previous time (when it was just awful), I’ve always enjoyed Haandi’s Palak Paneer ($11.95) – not because it’s great, but because it’s been consistently good over the years. Plus, it gives you that wonderful illusion of eating healthy when you’re not. Thursday night, the spicing was just right, but the paneer (which surely must be purchased) was dense and rubbery.
Baigan Bharta ($10.95) seemed different this time than when I’ve had it before, with more of a canned-tomato, ketchup-like demeanor. That said, I don’t remember the last time I’ve had this here (but I know I have) – it’s possible that years have gone by.
I’ve always been pretty fond of Haandi’s breads, and my Pudina Roti, despite it shedding pudina all over the place, was right in line with my expectations of good, reliable roti.
And, as always, Raita ($2.95), tamarind and coriander chutneys, and pickle (all three free) rounded out the meal. This time the pickle was carrot-based which I found slightly unusual. And props galore to the coriander chutney which seemed to me to be spanking fresh – if this was bottled chutney, I want to know their supplier because I want some.