Erlangen – Sangam – Kismet

Today The Company had plans involving a trip off the edge of the planet, Wiesenttal and beyond. They alighted from the Bamberg Train at Forchheim, Hector continued on to Erlangen. Once again Hector is exploring the disproportionate number of Curry Houses located in this town. So far the Erlangen Curry has ranged from Pretty Poor to Impressive. Discovery of say an Indian Mango (Munchen), Yadgar (Glasgow) or Dera (Manchester) will always be the overall objective, but then this is the objective every time Hector visits a new Curry House, anywhere.
I had to pass the Bombay Haus where I had my head blown off in September, good to  see it in daylight. Sangam (Martinsbühler Str. 1, 91054 Erlangen, Deutschland) was today’s port of call, about a ten minute walk parallel to the railway line. Arriving just before Noon, Hector was the first customer of the day. The Drinks Waiter had to call The Waiter from the Kitchen, I was shown to a small table in the middle of the large room on the higher level.

There is a lower level where I entered. With two entrances it is difficult to say if I came in the front or the back, whichever.

The courtyard area impressed as did the canopy entrance. I can see people sitting out here of a summer evening.

Fish Curry for Lunch?

Fish is usually the objective when Hector dines this early. Once more the Fish List was studied, and as happened two days ago, the eye was drawn to Achari Lamm. One thing, the Eagle Eyed Hector had seen the Achari Lamm on the Mittagskarte, not the Main Menu. After the disappointment that was Delhi, I thought I would give Erlangen Achari another chance. It has been a week of second chances.

The Waiter took the order – Achari Lamm – then asked if I desired – Soup or Salad. This was part of the Lunchtime Deal which cost, I noted €6.10. Huge Portions not expected then. Hopefully I would be able to tell the difference between the Soup as the Starter from the Masala in the Curry.
A Young Couple sat two tables away, they were on a Romantic Lunch, Hector never had a Romantic Curry at that age, I had Neil as a fellow Curry Enthusiast, somehow not the same. The place slowly had more customers arrive, by the time I departed some half dozen tables were occupied. There was plenty of space, I estimated about one hundred people could be comfortably sat inside these premises, more outside. The Rooms were Bright and Airy, with the unseasonal warmth brought by the mid-November Sun. I was glad when the Sparkling Water arrived. I had asked for a half litre bottle, the Waiter had suggested a Glass. The Large Giraffe went down well.
The Soup arrived, blink and you’ll miss it. The smallest of Bowls and only half-filled. Oh, well, look how little I am paying.
The Soup was Stunning! A Tomato Soup, and not from a tin. This was Homemade. It had a Kick, was Seasoned to Perfection and was Piping Hot. The Taste was Magnificent. Hopefully, I have now impressed upon the Reader that I enjoyed the Soup! I wanted more!
It has been noted for decades that whenever a Starter impresses to this extent, the Main Course tends to disappoint. The Spiced Haddock at Yadgar being the exception that proves the rule, whatever that means. Just how small would the Curry Portion be to follow the Dribble of Liquid?

Achari What?
I was taken aback when yet another ridiculously Large Portion of Basmati was presented. How much Rice is being wasted everyday in this country? Nobody can eat this amount of Rice. The Small Karahi was anticipated. The Masala looked Thick, Creamy, what lay beneath? How many Pieces of Meat? About Eight, not bad at all. There was only one problem, quite a Major Problem, one that Hector has had premonitions about for the last few months. This was Achari Chicken!
Hector does not purchase Chicken Curry, it may be Home-cooked when entertaining. The Chicken Korma Recipe above works. But, Chicken does not Curry, everyone knows this! What to do?

Kismet!
I had to eat this Chicken Curry. Swallow. It was fate. I have seen it coming in my Dreams.
The Curry was Excellent!, well for a Chicken Curry. The Masala was delightfully Thick, the Menu said – Pikant – this was indeed – Tangy. There was Spice, Seasoning, Genuine Flavour, the occasional Peppercorn added bite. The Best Curry of the Week! A pity it wasn’t Lamb. How far was this from a Glasgow Lamb Achari? Many Miles. It makes me wonder why nobody is willing to take the chance and create the Driest of Curry Dishes that await me in München at Mango. Perhaps the Curry House, which I passed en route back to the Station is best set up for this, it is a Curry Cafe, the rest of the premises I have visited in Erlangen are all Posh. Tablecloths everywhere.
Mein Host appeared whilst I ate and acknowledged everyone in the room. I wondered if I would get a chance to engage him.
The Waiter approached to clear the table. I asked for Achari Lamm, this is Chicken.
Hector had deliberately left the last Piece of Chicken as evidence. The Waiter prodded it with the fork.

Oh.… he disappeared, no apology.

The Bill
€9.10. The Waiter brought the smallest of Cups and Saucers – Chai. It already had the Milk and Sugar in.  I was reminded why I take my tea – Straight.

The Aftermath
Mein Host was upon me as I handed over the Calling Card. I told him I had received Chicken instead of Lamb. Only on reading this will he discover how much of a Tragedy this was for Hector!
We chatted about the usual Curry-Heute coverage. I mentioned the Punjabi Curry served in Glasgow, he is a Punjabi. He was trained in the UK, so should know what is expected. The Curry served here could be Outstanding, had I ordered a la Carte, and been given Lamb, well who knows?
I had to ask the question that has brought me to Erlangen so often in recent times – Why are there so many Curry Houses in Erlangen?
We have a large Indian population, people are here to work at Siemens, the University and the Hospital.
Finally!
I’ll be back sometime.
Always welcome.