Why all the travelling? – asked Curryspondent Raymond a couple of weeks back.
It’s in the blood, and because I can.
For the last decade, possibly longer, Hector has been making timeous visits to the Weinachtsmarkt in Köln. Being able to visit midweek has certainly simplified matters. And yes, I was here four weeks ago to see Anthema.
Before a day on Glühwein and Kölsch, there has to be bunkers. Last month I was surprised to note how many Curry Houses have sprung up in recent years, today was an Opperchancity to expand the Köln coverage on Curry-Heute.
Indischer Curry Hut (Aachener Str. 16, 50674 Köln, Deutschland) is located near Rudolfplatz, which with nearby Friesenplatz, is the Curry Core of Köln. Royal Punjab impressed last time, the plan is to return there tomorrow.
With Dr. Stan waylaid somewhere between his Eurostar and Köln, it was up to Steve to accompany Hector for Curry-Heute. Arriving at Indischer Curry Hut around 15.00, the place was empty. The long and narrow Restaurant is far from the Curry Cafe the name had planted in the mind of Hector. Having been to the Chit Chat Restaurant in Jaipur which really is a – Hut – today’s venue was well upmarket in comparison.
Having studied the Online Menu I was surprisingly drawn towards the Lamm Sagwala (€11.90). The photo suggested a suitably Dark Curry without the Cream that is a common feature of Spinach Curry in Europe. I then remembered the next page had a list of Keema Dishes, Keema Saag (€9.90) it would be with inclusive Rice accompanying. Steve took the Lamm Sagwala option with a Naan. Once more, the Naan was included in the price of the meal, something more British Restaurants should consider.
Steve fancied a Bier, the first (bottled) Kölsch of this Trip – Früh. (€2.60 for 330ml) As established last month, Water can be more expensive than Bier in this city. For Hector, a much needed 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.20) felt like good value.
The wait was appropriate, two Karahi were placed on the table, which was which?
The Waiter knew, the Ginger Strips may have been the code. Steve touched his plate, found it was cold, and so decided to eat directly from the Karahi. I had no choice but to decant. A near sensible Portion of Rice was provided, I scooped the Keema across.
Creamy – was Steve’s next remark. Indeed, both Dishes were.
Lamm Sagwala
The Masala was suitably Thick and Rich in appearance. There was more Cream than this Dish would appear with, even on the Continent.
The Quantity was fine – confirmed Steve – Spicy – he continued – The kick is one you get when adding Nandos Chilli Sauce, not Fresh Chillies. Most of the Meat was chewy, not the way I expect Lamb Curry.
The Naan was a decent size for one person and decidedly – Plain.
It’s alright – was Steve’s verdict.
Keema Saag
There was plenty of it, a too Wet and too Creamy Mass. Rice was the correct accompaniment for this Curry, at least it soaked up the excess moisture. The Spice Level impressed, sadly the Curry was Under-seasoned and so the hoped for full on Herb Flavours did not come across. The Keema Saag was – Pleasant – but there was nothing to become excited about.
*
The Bill
€26.00 (£23.00) A fair price given the Drinks.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waiter and the Curry-Heute Website shown.
How was it? – the Waiter asked.
OK, nothing special – was my reply.
I showed him the Slider on the Homepage – This is how I like my Curry.
Should I ever return to Indischer Curry Hut it will be to see if their Keema Matter can be served – Dry – and with Extra Methi.
And so to other things…
