Köln – Indian Curry Basmati House – Unsere Neue Anschrift – & Excellent Curry!

Having indulged in a Curry-Heute already there was no great plans for another. However, Steve mentioned The Words, he knows The Rule. Sitting in Reissdorf in Köln-Süd I still managed to play it down. If the Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstrasse 53,  50678, Köln)  is still open when we leave here then OK. There was a good chance as Reissdorf closes early on a Sunday.
Walking down Severinstrasse last night we passed the Masala Hut where Hector had Lunch earlier today. On approaching Reissdorf – Zum Alten Bräuhaus there was an obvious lack of light from the Curry House across the street. Ah, they’ve moved, to immediately next door to Reissdorf. With the entrance set back slightly from the street it was difficult to see in, presumably the premises were larger. Entering just after 22.30 this evening this was confirmed. The new premises are maybe Three Times larger, no more queueing for tables. The Chef was on the customer side of the counter, were they still open? He nodded in acknowledgement, Mein Hostess was sitting with the Family at the first table, she also confirmed our welcome. A few Tail End Diners were finishing off, we would be the Final Customers of this shift.
The Young Boy who we have watched having to amuse himself in days gone by whist his Parents were working brought the Menus. He is now old enough to participate in the proceedings. Gone are the Laminated Sheet menus, we now have more formal bound versions. New Dishes were highlighted, what to have?
Mein Hostess came to take the order, this made me decide to set The Challenge. The Curry as served here has always been Most Satisfying hence the frequency of the visits. There is a House Flavour. Steve ordered Lamm Madras, his Fall-back Dish. In a mixture of English and Deutsch the Hector Curry was set out – Lamb, Potato, Methi. I was interrupted to be advised that they cook with Methi. Extra Methi! We agreed the Extra Methi could be added in at the end or at the discretion of The Chef. Minimal Sos, Trocken. This list was memorised, not written. I heard it being relayed moments later to The Chef who also memorised the order. Lamm, Potato, Extra Methi, Minimal Sos, Trocken. It is now written. (Note to Self: what happened to Extra Seasoning and Scharf?) The Joy of being here when the place is quiet. During the day I might not have got away with this.
Boiled Rice comes as Standard across Europe. Steve asked if he could have a Naan instead, this wish was granted. A Plain Paratha for Hector then. If the Curry was up to Specification, Rice would not be appropriate.
Two reasonable-sized Bottles of Sparkling Water kept the Palates moist whist we waited.

By the time the Food arrived we were the Only Customers. A Young Waitress brought the order. Steve’s Curry was Red and Soup-like. Was I glad I had taken my approach. The Hector Curry looked Stunning. This is a Curry served in Deutschland, it is possible to secure The Outstanding in this Land. A Basket with Two Pieces of Bread, was set down, to share. Not quite Paratha, Thin for a Naan. Then another Basket came with Two Very Flaky Parathas, Success. This is exactly how I want a Paratha, I had just been presented with Two. Hog Heaven.

Very good – said Steve – Mmmm. He was clearly enjoying his Red Lamb Soup. I did not not feel the urge to sample it. The Mainstream Curry here is worth trying, I know. However, The Hector Curry had my full attention.

The Masala was indeed Minimal thus as Dry as I desire. Dried Green Herbs had been sprinkled on top at the point of serving. This gave the required confirmation of Extra Methi. The Seasoning was Perfect, The Kick was there too. Having questioned the veracity of the Lamb served across the street earlier today, there was no doubting that this was Tender Lamb. The Ratio of Lamb to Potato was Ideal, Chef had not skimped on the Meat. He passed the table en route to the rear of the room, I gave him the Thumbs-up. Had he in fact remembered me from previous visits?
This was an Outstanding Deutsche Curry, the Best by far I have ever been served outside of the Indian Mango in München. Steve scraped a sample from my plate. Of his own Curry he stated – A Serious Taste although it’s a bit runny. Very Tomatoey. Yours is….
Indeed it was. This is a Curry I shall not forget.

The Bill
€23.40. That’s under a (£) Tenner a Head. Great Value.

The Aftermath
By now Mein Hostess had acknowledged that she remembered me from past times. The Calling Card was issued again so as remind them of the details. I had to inform them that tonight’s was the Best Curry they have ever served me. The Young Waitress had better English and so did some syncing.

There had to be a Photo. Behold, the entire Staff wanted in on the act. The Chef was congratulated. Is he The Husband, The Father, The Wife is Mein Hostess? That’s how I have deduced it.
Hector may well pass through Köln sometime next year. Hopefully I shall be recognised. Whatever happens, the Photo of this Curry will be The Model for all future orders here.