With an enforced change of train between Düsseldorf and Traben-Trarbach at Koblenz, there was time for Lunch, what better than Curry-Heute? Dr. Stan and Steve were happy to accompany.
Taj Mahal (Münzpl. 2, 56068 Koblenz, Deutschland) is the other Koblenz Curry Haus, India Palace did not impress on the equivalent day last year. Once upon a time there was the acceptable Bombay, adjacent to – Our Local – Bei Bernd, that was a long time ago.
With most Diners sitting outside, we were invited to choose our own table inside. Menus were provided, it became immediately apparent that the Mittagsmenü was the value option. Karahi Beef (€10.00) was on offer with accompanying Pakora and Basmati Rice – Pakora und als Beilage Basmati-Reis. Alternatively, al la carte was €13.50 for the Karahi Beef. Dr. Stan and Steve also saw this as the best choice.
Scharf – was agreed.
Ohne Paprika – was Hector’s request.
Kein Paprika nur Chilli– was the response, encouraging.
A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (€4.90) was shared, this makes Water as expensive as Bier. Welcome to Germany.
The Pakora was a Hoot. Strips of who knows what in Batter. Something Green – was my first observation. Broccoli was suggested, Onion too, perhaps Potato. The Raita was Thicker than the Norm, Tasty. This was but a Soupçon, hardly Echtes Pakora.
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A Large Plate of Rice to share was brought ahead of the Curry. For once, when divvied up there was enough for three generous portions. Very little Rice would go to waste.
The Karahi Beef x3 were placed on the Metal Warmers, wtf?
Strips of Beef and Onion lay in the Thinnest of Masalas – Shorva. The Masala disappeared into the Rice changing its colour. That was all the Masala was capable of.
The Seasoning registered first, then a Kick. I put it to Steve that he might find it too Salty. He was OK with it. As we ate we speculated. Had the Masala come from a Jar? Ready-made Paste? The Masala was that Poor, no depth of Flavour, no Body.
Mein Host asked – It’s OK?
I rotated my hand – OK.
It was Curry, just. This was most certainly not a Karahi. Why any Chef/Restaurateur would present this Concoction and call it thus, is worrying. Steve was not for holding back.
I think this is the worst Curry I’ve had in years.
A Vesta Curry with extra Curry powder poured in.
Dr. Stan, was even less verbose than his norm.
Mm.
I deduced he was giving it the briefest score on his Mmmmm-rating.
It will keep us going until 21.00 when we have to face Deutsche Cuisine.
The Bill
€34.90. (£30.35). A Lunchtime Deal.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was offered and accepted.
Sadly, the Taj Mahal in Koblenz served food at a level I thought Germany had left behind.
If one is going to include – Karahi – on the Menu, then the Chef should have some inkling as to what this Dish should be.
