Hector’s last Curry in Koblenz was a decade or so ago sitting in a Curry House next door to Bei Bernd when Deutschand took the lead over England. By the time we had finished our meal a certain Liverpool striker was scoring for fun, we had to convince the Locals that Scots were suffering as much as them.
That Venue has gone, Koblenz currently has two Curry houses, the Taj Mahal and the India Palace (Casino Strasse 1A, 56068 Koblenz, Deutschland), the latter looked more promising based on Other Sources. Hector was surprised when Dr. Stan and Lord Clive of Crawley both agreed to join me for a Lunchtime Curry. At 13.10, we were the first customers of the day.
A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water would be shared, the Menu and the Lunchtime Menu were perused. €8.50 for the Fisch Curry off the latter, or go a la carte? Machi Masala drew the attention, however, when Dr. Stan declared Karahi Gosht, that was it. Clive chose the Fisch.
Many of the Dishes mentioned Peppers in the English Translation, I attempted to make it clear to Mein Host that no Capsicum should be included. Minimal Sauce was also declared, there was the feeling that he was not in tune, or even listening.
All Curry have sauce -was his reply to – Which Curry Dishes have least Sauce?
Was this the only Turban-wearing Waiter without English or German?
As ever on the continent, all dishes come with Boiled Rice. Spicy please.
Shorba
German Menus have Shorba as the heading for the Soup section, this is good, a suggestion that the Curry will not be Soup. Clive was given a Bowl of Soup as part of his Lunchtime Menu. Dr. Stan and Hector were supplied with Cumin laden Poppadoms and Dips. No Tamarind today, back to the runny Mango Chutney.
A very salty potato soup – was Clive’s description, Hector should have had the Lunchtime Menu.
Karahi Gosht
One has to accept that Karahi Gosht can be anything The Chef wishes it to be. That what is served is up to the standard of The Hector Curry is usually in hope, rather than expectation, when visiting a new venue. What came was Light, Thin, Peely Wally. The Masala looked as if was from the South of India, Coconut would not have been a surprise. Coconut was not mentioned in the description for the Karahi Gosht, nor was Capsicum, Hector was presented with a Capsicum Curry accompanied by some Lamb. Six Pieces of Lamb, eight pieces of Assorted Capsicum. As our dog did when presented with something suspicious, each of the pieces was carefully removed from the Curry and a circle of Capsicum was created around the edge of the dinner plate. Dr. Stan ate on regardless, yet he had ordered the same as Hector. Not a single – Mmmmm.
The Thinnest of Masalas was woefully under-seasoned. The Spice Level did not even register on the Scale of Spiciness. Having removed the Capsicum, there was not a lot left, the Ginger Strips were the only source of Real Flavour. Disappointed? This was a very poor Curry.
Dr. Stan was asked for his verdict – The lamb is tender. He would later refer to the Lamb Stew he had for lunch.
Fisch Curry
Meanwhile Clive was thoroughly enjoying his Midday Special – Fisch Curry. The Masala looked to be the same as served in the Karahi Gosht yet Clive was able to praise the Spice Level. Potently spiced, the fish is extremely good, the creamy masala has a good consistency, far from being soup. Hector should have ordered the Fisch Curry.
At no time did the Waiter come to check on our progress. Two other Diners had arrived, he was hardly run off his feet.
The Bill
€37.50. We should all have had the Two Courses for €8.50.
The Aftermath
The Waiter was shown the Ring of Capsicum. There was little more than shrug when I pointed to the Offending Vegetable and reminded him I wished no Peppers.
The Calling Card was given, the Website shown. The term – Curry-Heute needs no explanation in The Fatherland.
Stewart texted later, try – Ohne Paprika. We shall see.
Time to take Dr. Stan to Deutches Eck.
