Two days in Deutschland means two Curry-Heute visits. ‘Twas a seriously early rise that saw The Chaps catch the 08.25 to Weeze which Mr. O’Leary still has the cheek to call Düsseldorf. Still the price was right. Three and a half hours later Hector checked in to the Ibis and was straight out for Curry, nobody else was up for it which they would no doubt regret later.
Jaipur Palace (Bahnstraße 72, 40210 Düsseldorf) becomes the sixth Düsseldorf Curry House covered in these pages. Of the six, this definitely ranks last.
Having studied the Menu online, I had already decided upon the Mutton Vindaloo (€13.50) with inclusive Basmati.
Jaipur Palace seats twenty eight. Arriving this Tuesday Lunchtime at 13.30, seven Diners were already in situ, another eight would arrive. A popular venue. They couldn’t have had what Hector had.
Sitting at the only table for two, Hector was given the Menu and the order was given for Sparkling Water (€4.50). A Large Bottle was provided which was welcomed, better value, especially given the German tendency towards 200ml Bottles.
A Half Poppadom and Dips were presented – On the house – said the Waiter who was being kept busy. The Tamarind Dip is always enjoyed, I decided to keep the Dips in case the Curry needed a boost. The Soupçon of Lime Pickle may come in handy.
The Mutton Vindaloo arrived in a ridiculously short time, was it sitting waiting for me? Perhaps this may be something to do with people’s limited Lunch Hour? The Curry looked the part, a Thick, Gloopy, almost Gelatinous Masala. The Quantity of the Rice was Generous, not Silly. Here we go.
WTF?
Not since Glasgow’s – Obsession of India – have I put something so unpleasant in my mouth. Given that the Ingredients for Curry are quite Standard, I had to conclude that there was an overdose of something in particular. Was it Tamarind? Then why so Unpleasant?
The Meat Content was Pathetic, four pieces of Lamb and as many of Potato. Baby Potatoes indeed. I had Masala and Rice with some Solids in effect.
There was an underlying Tangy Flavour to the Dish, probably down to Vinegar. I added the Lime Pickle, this drowned out the Unpleasantness. The Spice Level was acceptable, never a Vindaloo in UK terms. However, Hector has been given Seriously Spicy Curry in Europe, so it does come, but not here.
The Bill
€18.00 (£15.52) Expensive given the Small Portion.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given, I had to ask.
The Waiter assured me that I had not been tasting Tamarind. He went on to describe how their Meat is cooked in Sauce, not just simply boiled. In this way they achieved more Flavour and Tenderness. There was nothing wrong with the Meat apart from the Quantity. It was the Masala.
He quoted – Kitchen King Spices. As soon as I reach Brauhaus Schumacher around the corner, I looked this up. A box of Indian Mixed Spices is what I found. I purchased something similar in Aberdeen’s King Street once. Not sure how much to use, I put the lot in, Horrible. That is what I tasted today. I never forget a Flavour, this is one I never wish to experience again.
