Düsseldorf’s Taj Mahal (Oststrasse 143, 40210 Düsseldorf, Deutschland) has proved to be both diverse in attitude but appealing in the quality of Curry served, else there would be no Fourth Visit. That it is located a five minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof gives a convenient locus. The Schumacher Brauhaus is fifty metres away, well, it would be rude not to.
Today would be the second daytime visit, Dining at leisure would never be a problem. The two late night visits have revealed a limited choice from the Menu and clear instructions as to how little time there would be to eat and sod off. (A special mention to anyone who can reveal why I now write the following two words – Secret Chicken.)
Dr. Stan decided he would join Hector for a Lunchtime Curry-Heute. We were very Naughty Boys in Brussel yesterday, time limitations at Cantillon meant there was no ideal eating opperchancity, Gouda in Celery Salt was the main intake of the day, in terms of solids. I think we were hungry.
Hector arrived moments before the Good Doctor and refamiliarised himself with the Menu. The Lamb Dishes are in one section then listed much later are the Karahi. Everything is also done by numbers. The Lamm Karahi (117) has been enjoyed previously despite the surfeit of Masala. On the first visit, Lamb Chop (€16.90) was spotted bu
t not permitted, today had to be the day. Dr. Stan was guided through the Menu, he possibly would not have reached the Karahi section had the Hector not highlighted this, he chose Lamm Karahi (€14.99) without any prompting or prejudice. Basmati is inclusive, though Jeera Rice and Vegetable Rice are available for a few more Euros. Hector is in Rice Mode, again. A Large Bottle of Gerolsteiner Sprudel (€5.90) completed the order. This is Hector’s Favourite Deutsche Mineralwasser.
A basket with Poppadoms plus three Dips were provided, Complimentary as they should always be. Dr. Stan polished three of the four halves of Poppadom with embedded Cumin Seeds. The Scharf Dip was avoided, it is a killer. The Tamarind Dip, which is standard in Europe, was a treat.
The Waiter took the time to talk us through the Dips, with only seven more Diners present, he was not under any pressure this Lunchtime. Another Chap who must be Mein Host drifted about the premises. He made no attempt at engaging the Diners, so be it.
New, larger plates preceded the delivery of The Curry. Hector’s Lamb Chop looked Massive, the Masala looked dubious. The Lamm Karahi bore no resemblance to that served on previous visits. It too was way too Wet, Soup. Hector would await Dr. Stan’s verdict, the Lamm Chop was my main concern.
Lamm Chop
The Menu described the Chops as having been marinated in Yoghurt and Herbs, Hector cooked this a couple of weeks back with copious Garam Masala in the Mix. The results were Interesting, shall we agree. Today’s Curry was an almost exact match. There was a good level of Spice, the Seasoning came through in the end, the dominant Flavour was of (Black) Pepper. When I cooked this there was a quandary as to how much of the Marinade to add to the Onion-based Masala. Today there was little evidence of any such Masala, this was Spiced Yoghurt, Spicy Thin Soup.
The Chops numbered Seven, the level of Tenderness was most Satisfying. There was plenty of Meat, the Flavour from the Lamb came though strongly, this is an experience which is always enjoyed. How often, Dear Reader do we taste The Lamb in a Curry? This Dish was therefore in two parts, the enjoyment of the Chops, using the fingers of course, and soaking up the Soup, sorry Masala, with the Rice.
The Waiter came to ask the Customary Question.
Good?
Spicy – replied Hector.
Mmmmm – said Dr. Stan.
More Rice?
No more Rice was required despite the fact that Hector had clearly left the Surplus Sauce in the Dish. Dr. Stan had much more to say about his Lamm Karahi. It did look pretty disgusting with large strips of Onion in a Masala that had no business being served as a Karahi.
It wasn’t that great.
Lamb and Onion Stew with Curry Powder.
Dr. Stan ate the lot.
Lamm Karahi
We both love Curry, this was Curry, but not at the Standard we would hope for. Have they changed The Chef? Four visits to the Taj Mahal, maybe it is time to return to other Düsseldorf Venues which have provided better than what was served today. The next visit may not be until September 2016.
The Bill
€37.79. We had ordered the most expensive Dishes on the Menu.
The Aftermath
We both spent the next two hours trying to stay awake, a lie down after this Massive Lunch would have been sensible, but the Altbier was calling. Hector did manage to stay awake.