München – Indian Mango – Oktoberfest? Curry Fest!

The Quality of Curry served at Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München, Deutschland) is no longer a secret. Between 13.00 and 14.00 this Tuesday Lunchtime there was not a seat to be had. The very affordable Lunchtime Menu may be the attraction for the majority, but not for Hector, the Chettinad served here is out of this World.

For the second time in three years, the Trip to Wolf Strassenfest has been extended to take in the Oktoberfest, note the month, note the date. Arriving at 13.00 on the fast RE from Nürnberg, Jonathan and Neil headed straight off to the Wiesn. Hector jumped on the S Bahn for the three stops down to Isartor. If it is not a Monday or the New Year period, Hector’s first priority in München is always Curry at Indian Mango. Hector has two more Trips to München planned for this year, one involves a Monday (Ruhetag) and also New Year. I was particularly looking forward to today.

The Chefs smiled in recognition as I opened the door. Herr Battra broke off his conversation to greet me as I entered. The only available table was where he parks himself during quieter periods, three phones were there, ringing nearly constantly. The Young Waiter who has been there for years took my Order: Fish Chettinad (€14.95) and a 0.4l Glass of Minneralwasser (€2.95). This includes Rice.

A group of teenage Chaps came in, five were sat at my table, cosy. As befitting their budget, they ordered from the Lunchtime Menu. In the last few Blog entries I have criticised venues serving Euro Curry. The Lunchtime Menu means one receives a plate of half Rice, half Curry, featuring Soup-like Masala. These are covered in early reviews in the company of others.  Unsurprisingly, these Dishes are far tastier than any Mainstream Venue.  For Hector it has to be the Fisch Chettinad or Lamm Chettinad, or as in the case of the equivalent day two years ago, both.

Whilst I waited, I struggled to get Data on the LG. The wi-fi did its job, without, nothing. Are LGs as unreliable as Samsungs? Time will tell.

Once upon a time the Rice Portion here was ridiculously Large, now it is Practical, one can expect to finish every grain. An equal quantity of Fish Chettinad accompanied. My first reaction was that this was not enough. On decanting I realised the Quantity was an Elegant Sufficiency.

How Dark is this? Could the Masala be more Minimal? There is just enough Masala in this Dish to class it as – Curry – though I suspect – Stir Fry – may also be apposite. The Aroma tantalises, Smoky.

Time to eat

Hector was in Curry Heaven: such intensity of Flavour, the Spice and Seasoning sheer Perfection. The Smoky Flavour was Immense, accompanied by Huge Hits of Fresh Coriander, then there were the Ginger Strips and cooked-in Tomatoes. The famed Grittiness from the Coriander Stems and whatever Seeds are included added even more. The Fish, Synergy: still prepared in Batter, the Fish varied in size. With the Melange of Herbs and Spice, the Fish was Bursting with Flavour. I came to accept that the Quantity on my plate was Ideal. I could finish every morsel, I would be fed, not stuffed. The Fish Chettinad served at Indian Mango is one of the Greatest Curry Experiences there is. I’m surprised the place is not queued out the door. Oh, today it was.

The Bill

€17.90 (£15.84) Only Cash is accepted here.

The Aftermath

Herr Battra was too busy to engage in conversation. At the door, I asked the nearest Chef – who prepared my Chettinad? The Genius identified himself. Thank you.

And so to the Wiesn. A photo posted on a Social Medium showed me exactly where Neil and Jonathan were seated, simples.