Hector’s Two previous visits to the Taj Mahal (Oststrasse 143 14, 40210, Düsseldorf, Deutschland) were late night affairs, the staff made it clear they were closing and were doing me/us a favour. No Lamb Chops on Visit #1. Half an Hour on Visit #2.
Steve and Hector left Dr. Stan at nearby Schumacher in the company of Erhardt, a Chap from Wuppertal, who was celebrating his retiral today- alone. We entered Taj Mahal just after 13.30, no time pressure. Fourteen fellow diners were in situ, all in pairs. Another couple arrived soon after. This was quite an assembly and still we only occupied the front end of the ornate restaurant. The décor is the Full Bhuna, one knows this is an Indian Restaurant.
A Lunch Menu and the Main were brought. The Main Dishes are what we were after. At some €15 a pop not the cheapest of Curry Houses, hence Hector’s preference for The Café Scene. I have tried the Minimal Sos and Trocken routines here previously to no avail. Priority #1 today was to avoid the Capsicum.
Lamm Karahi Goscht ohne Paprika, Zweimal.
Steve attempted to have the Inclusive Rice replaced by Bread, however The Waiter was having none of this. There was no point ordering Bread then.
A Basket of Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were brought. As is the norm in these parts, the Poppadoms had embedded Cumin Seeds, this adds the extra dimension. Why not in the UK? The Dips were Mint Raita, Tamarind and a Chilli Paste. I grabbed the Tamarind, Steve the Chilli. We both covered the Poppadoms in similar amounts of our respective choice, Steve soon discovered the error of his ways. As I am slowly establishing, Deutsche Curry may not always be Spicy Hot, however, when a Spicy Dip is provided, Achtung! I tried a bit, QED.
A hot steel plate warmer was set in the middle of the table. The arrival of the Curry was announced thus. That the Curry came in a karahi with supporting candle warmers made the steel redundant. I suppose this is their ritual, else the waiters forget the order until Chef declares the state of readiness.
More than enough Rice for Two accompanied the Karahi. The Masala was of a Decent Texture, not Runny. Indeed Cream/Yoghurt had been stirred into the Masala. Pasanda – came to mind. The Texture was Fine.
Pieces of Onion were visible mixed through the Masala, The Chef had not committed the ultimate crime of overdosing on the Onion when the Capsicum Ballast Option was removed. The Lamb was up to Standard, a Sufficiency. Some pieces were Large and had to be halved, this helped eke out the Meat Content. The Creaminess and Onion Presence meant I did not miss an Interesting Vegetable Side.
Lamm Karahi Goscht
Marg would love this – was a mid-meal observation. Indeed, it is her style of Curry exactly.
Black Seeds were mixed through the Curry. Steve suggested Fennel. Onion Seeds remain a possibility also. Overall, there was sufficient Flavour and Kick to make this an enjoyable Curry. It wouldn’t win any Awards, but then who does?
The Bill
€34.48. Given the restaurant ambience, not a bad price in the end.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was offered with the cash. The Waiter looked puzzled. Given the Deutsch on the Card – why?
Meanwhile back at Schumacher, Dr. Stan was still be entertained by Erhardt. Cue the Rescue Party.
