2024's First Curry Night: A Feast of Friendship at Shampan
Join me, Yusuf, for a recap of 2024's first curry night at Shampan, where friendship and a mixed grill of Tandoori delights warm the heart. It's an evening of spice-infused stories and laughter, all in support of a good cause.
Happy New Year to you all! I'm excited to bring you the lowdown on our first curry night of 2024 at the much-loved Shampan in Whitley Bay. It was an evening of delightful tastes, heartwarming stories, and a bit of badminton banter. The gang – Amir, Noz, Shakir, and I – were in for a culinary treat.
The Venue
Shampan is a staple of Whitley Bay, known for its exquisite Indian cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the tantalising aromas of spices and the friendly smile of Kamrul, the genius behind Shampan's delicious dishes.
The Company
Joining us at the table was Kamrul himself, fresh from a recent charity badminton tournament he and Naz participated in. Their energy and dedication to supporting the people of Gaza were as inspiring as the flavours coming from the kitchen. Kamrul was equally enthusiastic about the upcoming badminton tournament sponsored by his restaurant. It's not every day you see a chef trade his kitchen for the badminton court, but Kamrul is full of surprises!
The Starters
Our evening started with a popadom party – a mountain of these crispy delights, perfect for whetting our appetites. Then came the showstopper: a mixed grill starter featuring succulent Tandoori king prawns, spicy grilled lamb, and mouth-watering chicken tikka. Each bite was a melody of spices and smoky goodness.
The Main Event
For the main course, we indulged in:
King Prawn Saag: A delightful blend of prawns and spinach, bursting with flavour.
Tarka Dal: Rich and creamy lentils, seasoned to perfection.
Bhuna Eggs: Spicy and tangy, a unique twist to the traditional egg dish.
Lamb Curry with Aloo: Tender lamb pieces and potatoes in a rich, spicy gravy.
All paired with fluffy Basmati rice, making for a feast that was as satisfying as it was delicious. The drinks? Diet Cola for most of us, and a refreshing pineapple and lemonade for Naz.
The Banter
In between bites, Amir shared news about his new job as a partnership and engagement officer at the Bangladeshi Centre in Sunderland, which he started just last week. His animated tales of adapting to the new role had us all in stitches – it's a whirlwind of paperwork and excitement for him.
The Experience
As we wrapped up the night, full of good food and laughter, I realised these evenings are about more than just satisfying our curry cravings. They're about strengthening bonds, sharing experiences, and making memories that linger long after the last bite.
Final Thoughts
So, here's to more nights like this in 2024 – a blend of delectable food, great company, and shared stories. Keep an eye out for more from Yusuf's Journey, and remember, the best meals are those shared with friends. Until our next culinary escapade, keep relishing the good times!
Yusuf