A Memorable Night at Haveli: Home-Style Feasts and Laughter

The 11th of January, 2024 – a night destined to be etched in the annals of our dining escapades. Kamal, Shakir, Noz, Ahmed Khan, and I decided to break the monotony of our routine and head out for a culinary adventure at Haveli Indian Restaurant in Great Lumley. With our appetites roaring like tigers, we were ready to feast.

The Journey Begins

We set off from Shields with Ahmed Khan at the wheel, navigating through the crisp January air in his trusty 'A-Team van.' The van, a character in itself, has seen many an adventure and is as much a part of our group as any of us. The conversation was lively, filled with banter and laughter, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.

The Warm Welcome

Upon arriving at Haveli, we were greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of Indian spices wafting through the air. The restaurant, a small establishment with modern decor, was buzzing with diners. The owner, Babu Miah and his son, greeted us with a smile. Babu Miah and Amir were distantly related, and although Amir couldn’t join us that night (he was busy holding down the fort at his fast food joint, SFC on Ocean Road), he had made sure to call ahead and arrange a special meal for us.

The Feast Begins

We kicked things off with an abundance of popadoms, a staple in our dining routine. Piled high with chutneys and pickles, they were the perfect start to our meal. We can never get enough of these crispy delights (especially me). Shakir, in particular, loves his popadoms with copious amounts of onion chutney. He always insists on an extra bowl or two, and this night was no exception.

Then came the starters – lamb chops, sheek kebabs, and spicy king prawns. Each bite was a symphony of flavours, setting the stage for what was to come.

The main event followed – home-cooked style beef curry, chicken curry, dhal, naan breads, and chapatis. The aromas alone were enough to make us drool, and the taste? Absolutely divine. We dug in with the enthusiasm of a group of lads who've been promised fasting for a day.

The Friendly Banter

As we were tucking into our meal, Babu Miah, ever the gracious host, came over to check on us. Now, Babu Miah has become somewhat of a mate over the years, thanks to Amir, who seems to have half of Syedpur as his relatives. So, naturally, we were expecting the usual overabundance of food.

However, this night was different. When Babu Miah noticed our plates looked as if they had been licked clean and there was barely any food left in the curry dishes, he asked, "Is everything alright, Khan Saab?"

Now, Ahmed Khan, being the straight shooter he is, didn’t miss a beat. He looked Babu Miah square in the eye and said, "The food was lovely, brother, but there wasn’t enough of it." The rest of us silently cringed, wishing we could disappear under the table. Ahmed, ever the pragmatist, shrugged and said, "Well, he did ask, and you've got to be honest with people."

Babu, bless him, apologised profusely and offered to have the chefs cook some more for us. However, we firmly declined, not wanting to put them to any trouble. After all, we had enjoyed the meal, and it was the company that mattered the most.

The Generous Gesture

Despite the minor hiccup, Babu insisted on not taking any money from us that night. "It’s on the house, I can’t take any money. Please, I insist." he said with a grin. We were touched by his generosity and assured him that we’d be back soon to enjoy our usual meals and make sure to pay him properly next time.

The Aftermath

On the drive home in Ahmed’s 'A-Team van,' Ahmed stuck to his guns. "Honesty is the best policy," he insisted. While we appreciated his candour, we weren’t too keen on adopting his approach in the future.

The Usual Suspects

Usually, in most restaurants, especially those where Amir’s clan from Syedpur ran the show, we ended up with heaps of leftover food to take home, because they are so generous. But this night at Haveli was a rare exception. Perhaps the miscommunication stemmed from Amir not being there to work his magic – he was busy holding down the fort at SFC on Ocean Road.

Final Thoughts

Despite the minor hiccup, it was a night filled with good food, great company, and plenty of laughs. We’ll chalk it up to a memorable experience, one that we’ll undoubtedly reminisce about in the years to come.

So, if you ever find yourself in Great Lumley, pop into Haveli and give Babu Miah our regards. Just maybe don’t bring Ahmed along if you’re hoping for a subtle dining experience!

As we walked out into the crisp January night, we couldn’t help but feel a warm glow – partly from the spices and partly from the joy of spending time together. Here’s to many more nights out in 2024, filled with good food, great friends, and unforgettable moments.