Severinstrasse, Köln-Sud, should be a few stops on the U Bahn south of the Hauptbahnhof. Alas the new line, which necessitated huge holes in the ground in recent years, is still not complete. The missing link between Heumarkt and Severinstrasse maintains.
Steve and Hector took the long way around to Chlodwigplatz, the southern extremity of Severinstrasse. The planned rendezvous with Dr. Stan at Früh am Weddel was thwarted, they are closed on a Monday (and a Sunday?). Without a further word, we walked the few metres north to my favourite place in Köln, – Altes Brauhaus – beside which lies Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstrasse 53, 50678, Köln, Deutschland).
By 17.30, even Dr. Stan was ready for Curry-Heute. What happened to Lunch? Hector currently has no interest in Food before the evening. We walked out of one door and immediately into the next on the left. Indian Curry Basmati House used to be across the pedestrianised street, now it is even more convenient.
On display was a tray of Lamb marinating in Spice, a perfect welcome.
I enquired about the Lamb at the counter, Mein Host allocated a Young Waiter, Farhad, who was charged with catering for our demands.
The last time Steve and Hector were here was the weekend when Hector announced his retiral. Steve too has now retired, hence his presence in Köln on a Monday afternoon. As before, Steve thoughts turned to Lamb Madras, I suggested we up the ante.
Farhad was shown a photo of the Bespoke Curry given to Hector last time. He took it to the counter, no problem. Then there was the Methi discussion. Farhad was initially unsure what Methi is. Fenugreek? He went to ask. Methi was available. We were ready to order.
Dr. Stan was attracted to Lamm Labra (€9.50) which featured Vegetables. We both appreciate the need for Interesting Vegetables along with our Meat and Masala. I thought Steve would wait for me to order, however, Lamm Vindaloo (€9.00) it would be.
In the mood for Potatoes, Hector decided to establish Lamb Vindaloo as the base.
Minimal Sos and Methi on top – were the refinements. Dr. Stan then asked for Methi on top of his Lamm Labra, Steve followed suit. Now for the Bread.
Rice is inclusive in most Deutsche Curry Hausen, here is no exception. Steve asked for a Garlik Naan (€2.50). I suggested he would be better with Paratha.
I asked for Paratha, again Farhad was unsure, not on the Menu. He offered Roti (€2.00), the offer was declined. Farhad took the Replacement Samsung to the counter once again. They can do it. Of course they can, and they did it Perfectly last time. Two Parathas please.
Three Bottles of Sparkling Water (€2.00) completed the Order.
Hector 008
Whilst we waited, Mein Host, his Lady and Son took time out to eat. Hector showed great restraint by not going over to inspect what The Staff were eating. The Hector needs a License to Thrill.
Both Dr. Stan and Steve’s Dishes were served on a plate with Basmati, Hector’s came in a different plate, without Rice. The Vindaloo was decidedly Red, what happened to the lovely colour on display at the doorway? Dr. Stan’s Lamm Labra looked more Natural.
Lamm Labra
Most of the Veg is Chickpea, with Spinach, of course – remarked Dr. Stan.
Not over spicy, very tasty, most enjoyable.
It tasted as good as it looked, so far ahead of the other two (previous Deutsche Curry).
This is the most Dr. Stan has ever said about a Curry. He most certainly enjoyed it.
Rice apart, there was no other obvious difference between my Vindaloo and Steve’s.
Lamm Vindaloo
The Potatoes are a bit on the large side – said Steve. This was his only criticism. Fancy having to cut a Potato?
Steve’s Garlik Naan looked Dry to me which is also what photos from my previous visits show. He had eschewed the advice for Paratha. I had ordered two knowing I could hardly eat a whole. They were for sharing. Dr. Stan was impressed by the Softness and Flakiness. Charged at €2.00, these were very well prepared and good value. Paratha should be on the Menu.
*
Lamb Vindaloo – Variant
The top of Hector’s Lamm Vindaloo had Fresh Coriander and Dry Methi, exactly how I like to see my Curry presented. The Redness was a disappointment, there is no need for this. The Masala was also Thinner and more Plentiful than hoped for. There was a Big Kick, the Seasoning seemed Appropriate. Light Masses protruded through the Puréed Masala, Chicken? For the briefest of moments I wondered. It was the Potato, Large Pieces as Steve had noted. The number of Solids on my plate was well into double figures, I did not note the ratio of Meat to Potato, I was too busy enjoying the Flavours.
That the Tender Lamb had not been introduced to the Spice in the last few moments was clear, this was Tasty Meat.
The Kick is Excellent – I declared to my Fellow Diners.
Just right – said Steve.
Dr. Stan nodded.
I prefer Koblenz (NOT! – understood).
It’s night and day.
Mmmmmm.
How is yours? – asked Steve.
For German Curry, it’s streets ahead. That’s also the most I have eaten since Düsseldorf.
The Bill
€40.00. (£34.18) There was no extra charge for the Refinements.
The Aftermath
This was when Farhad introduced formally himself. You have a Blog? – he asked rhetorically. He too has plans for a Blog, presumably not about Curry since he has much to learn. He is from Bangladesh, Farhad means – Happiness. Don’t they have Curry in Bangladesh?
Having agreed to the photo, I am left to wonder about the fingers…
Hector has no plans to return to Köln until this weekend next year, unless Mr. O’Leary or Stelios make it so. There are other decent Curry Houses here I am keen to return to, however, with only a one day stopover, Indian Curry Basmati House it has to be.