The second day in Bamberg was celebrated with a Trip to Erlangen, or Curry-Stadt as it could be called. This was Hector’s second Erlangen Curry this weekend. That I went to Boliwood first should say subtly what needs to be said.
Curry House (Helmstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen, Bayern) is what first kicked off the phenomenon of six Erlangen Indian Restaurants. All but the House of India have been visited, somehow three years have lapsed since Hector was last here.
Dr. Stan, Jonathan and Alan were making their first visit to the Curry House, Steve has been before. They were all warned, the Curry served here is the most Seasoned in any establishment Hector has visited.
Drei Jahren – was my greeting to Mein Host when we entered just on 14.00. For the second consecutive day Hector was recognised in a Deutches Curry Haus. I was handed a Menu but still studied the prepared Dishes on offer. The Base Curry Dishes are used as in any Curry House, Mutton Madras (€9.90) was the choice of Hector and Alan. Orange Lassi (€1.90) was advertised on the wall, I helped myself from the fridge and paid.
The Bill
€11.90 (£10.62) We each paid at the time of ordering.
I too my seat and waited for Chef to make the necessary Tweaks. Steve surprisingly chose Mutton Vindaloo (€9.90), Dr. Stan and Jonathan both took the familiar option – Mutton Karahi (11.50). The Karahi would guarantee more than Meat and Masala, and we all know what’s coming next.
The Orange Lassi was Pink. It did not taste particularly of Oranges. There was slight Spicy Note, perhaps Cardamom. I should have stuck to Sparkling Water.
As the Dishes were ready we were summoned to the counter to collect. For a change, the photographic ritual was completed with The Chaps standing. Alan and Hector do not appear due to a photographic cock-up.
Mutton Madras
Eight Huge pieces of Mutton sat on Hector’s plate, sitting in a relatively Thin but Earthy Masala. Ginger Strips and Curry Leaves were the only other Solids in the Masala. Rice occupied half of the plate suggesting a Sensible Portion, there was still a lot of Rice. The Mutton was Huge, seriously Huge. I found myself cutting each piece of Tender Meat into four pieces. Now one can fully appreciate just how much Curry I had been given for my Tenner.
The Seasoning was off the scale, if one cannot tolerate Salty Curry then the Erlangen Curry House is not for you. It did become a bit too intense resulting in Hector being the only person not to clean his plate. The appetite is still not back to – bring it on – levels. Hector will be fading away.
Alan, sitting at the window, cleared his plate with ease. A good choice – was uttered as he got underway.
Lovely, but could have been spicier – was Alan’s final take on the Mutton Madras.
Mutton Vindaloo
Steve sat opposite, it was apparent that his Mutton Vindaloo was worthy of any UK Curry Enthusiast.
I take it it’s Spicy?
Challenging – was Steve’s reply.
As should be, the Vindaloo was Mutton and Potato making the Dish less of a Meat Overdose. The Masala appeared identical to the Madras, same Base Pot.
That was good – was Steve’s offering.
Mutton Karahi
Dr. Stan and Jonathan sat either side of Hector with their Mutton Karahi. The Masala was much Thinner than the Madras/Vindaloo, a definite Shorva, but not Excessive. Red Capsicum and Onions featured in the mix, Ballast possibly, but closer to a Masala Mash. There was the occasional – Mmmm – from The Doctor. Dr. Stan doesn’t say much when he’s eating. Jonathan had to celebrate the presence of the Capsicum knowing Hector’s abhorrence.
Well spiced, but a bit salty. More Curry should have red peppers.
Dr. Stan – I enjoyed it. Mmmm, red peppers.
The Quarter Poppadom amused all.
I think it’s a shovel.
The Aftermath
Great Value for Money – was a common statement as the day progressed.
Takeaway Menu
