1947
Bheja fry, says Sahil Patel, is the “street food of India”. “It cooks very fast,” he says. “It’s very traditional. We’re going to make a slider out of it.”
For those who don’t know, and Weekend certainly didn’t, bheja fry is made out of brains — usually lamb or goat. Today it’s goat brains on the menu, and it’s the dish we’re most nervous about trying.
Patel, one of the founders of 1947’s Federal St restaurant, says we shouldn’t be. “It’s like a burger, but Indian. It’s everywhere in India — but not in restaurants. It’s a fast dish, you get it in little stalls, a hand cart.”
As he brings the dish to the table, Patel says: “The rich people would come and eat on the streets because you can’t find it in the restaurants.”
It’s served as a medium-sized slider, and we realise there’s nothing to worry about. The brains are silky and soft, the texture of cottage cheese, and with plenty of spices added, it’s moreish.
But there’s another dish on the table that Weekend has an eye on.
With three activated charcoal paneer balls nestled in a potent tomato sauce, we’re keen to try it.
Patel warns not to eat the second dish
too fast: you want to experience the flavours, he says.
Take your time, let them hit you at the back of the mouth, and then in the chest.
He’s right: it’s a delightful combination, the smooth texture of the paneer playing off against the spicy sauce that packs in so much flavour that Weekend is still licking our lips half an hour after leaving.
At the Curious Food Festival, they’ll be serving two bheja fry sliders for $10, and two charred paneer for the same price. They won’t adjust the heat, and
1947’s dishes don’t come with rice. But if you’re willing to listen, Patel says they’ll happily tell you the story about where their food came from, and what it means to them.
“We wanted to bring change,” he says. “We want to create awareness about Indian food.”
1947, 60 Federal St,
1947eatery.co.nz