Glad you acknowledge the value of a decent curry paste, though the process of making one from scratch is very rewarding. Can't say as Pataks really delivers for me - would recommend Ferns curry pastes, have only tried the Biryani but oh goodness. Most Indian specialist food shops would have it. Memories of Auckland before real food was available? I remember going into a large dairy on Mt Eden Rd in 1990, not expecting to track down the mysterious spice known as cumin. Not on the shelves, but the owner seemed so happy at my request he went out back to the family kitchen and brought back a bagfull. Free. He knew I'd be back....