Bamberg – Swarg – 5 Years Later, Hector Returns

Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (2)Hector’s first (and last) Curry in Bamberg was in the early months of Curry-Heute. What was presented that day at Swarg (Frauenstraße 2, 96047 Bamberg, Deutschland) was so Poor it set the standard for everything that is wrong with serving Soup as Curry. Swarg deserved a second chance.
Entering at 11.40, ten minutes after opening time, Hector was the First Diner of the day. Only one other customer accompanied during my visit. This Lady was taking advantage of the MittagsmSwarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (3)enu which has replaced the Buffet of five years ago.
Having studied the Online Menu there was a Duck Dish which stood out, this was not so apparent on the provided Menu. Lamm Karahi (€13.90) it would be. An asterisk drew the Diner to the inclusion of Seasonal Vegetables, hopefully this would be a departure from the usual obsession with large pieces of Onion and Capsicum. I asked for the Lamm Karahi ohne Paprika. This was repeated by Mein Host as he recorded the order. A half litre Bottle of sparkling Water was provided at €3.50, the same price as five years ago.
Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (4)Spicy, not Spicy? – asked Mein Host. This was accompanied by a smile, the first of the day.

Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (5)Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (6)

Lamm Karahi at the Swarg
Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (7)A Young Chap brought the Curry and Rice about ten minutes after ordering. First impressions are important, the Masala was copious but clearly there was a mass of Solids contained within the Karahi. The Masala was not as Thick as served in the best UK establishments, however, unlike that served yesterday in Erlangen this was Onion-based.

Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (8)Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (12)This was a Masala. The Vegetable Content was impressive. As I noted the List of Vegetables I began to wonder about the Meat Content. Eight good sized pieces of Tender Lamb were uncovered as I decanted to the Base of Rice, then more. Once again, Hector had been given enough Rice for Two. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Green Beans, Peas, Courgette, Potatoes and Carrot were present. This was a Healthy List of – Interesting Vegetables.
When served Meat and Sauce only, there is always the sense of what might have been. This interpretation of Lamb Karahi had Great Diversity. There was still no great Depth of Flavour – Hector noted, then the Green Cardamom was bitten into followed by a Clove. Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (11)The Kick and Seasoning were Fine. The Lamb had a sense of – Spice too, some thought and effort had gone into the preparation of this Lamm Karahi.
So many positives, this was so different from the previous experience. Had it changed hands, a new Chef? I had to find out.

The Bill
€17.40. Same as yesterday in Erlangen, but so much better Curry.

The Aftermath
The Young Chap who brought the Curry dealt with the Cash. On receiving the Calling Card he called Mein Host. Now came – The Casablanca Moment.
Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (14)Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (13)

I related how I had been here five years ago and found the Curry to be wanting. He assured me that every year they have tried to improve what they offer. He expressed his frustration that the Locals will not accept Curry served at the Spice Levels which the British expect.Swarg Bamberg Curry-Heute (15)
The range of countries reviewed by Curry-Heute seemed to impress. Canada was mentioned twice. Not yet. Southall? Still on my – to do list.
That Glasgow has mostly Punjabi Restaurants was greeted with – We are Punjabi.
Finally the quote of the day – Swarg has an S!
Hector has written Zwarg and referred to it as such for five years.
Time for a Photo or two.
I never did establish if the premises had changed hands since my first visit, what is clear, this is as good a Mainstream Curry House as one can expect to find in Deutschland.

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