Sangam (Königstraße 87, 90402 Nürnberg, Deutschland) featured in one of the earliest Curry-Heute Blog entries, – The Style – had yet to evolve. Curry in Nürnberg has been eschewed in the past seven years as Hector explored the nearby University Town of Erlangen which for its size, has a disproportionate number of Curry Houses. Arriving in Nürnberg after a six hour journey from Traben-Trarbach featuring four trains, Hector was hungry, there was no desire to mess about. Sangam is nearest to the Ibis Hotel, I entered at 17.45 having read my own Blog, Pork Curry or Duck Curry was mentioned, something different.
The decor at Sangam is less than subtle, an attempt to recreate – India – well an interior designer’s interpretation of India. The obligatory – Muriel – (sic) of the Taj Mahal was there, Bronze/Brass statues galore; we come to eat, not pray. I was led to one of the partitioned seating areas and given a table a metre or so from two Ladies. It puzzles when staff locate a Solo Diner this close to others, of course one is going to hear every word. I played the – I don’t speak Deutsch card – in order to re-establish their sense of privacy.
Pork and Duck no longer feature on the Menu, I considered Fish Curry but neither of the two choices sold themselves. Could I avoid Soup? Karahi was a possibility, however when the description features – Sizzling – Capsicum and Onion, then this is not going to be Echtes Punjabi Karahi.
Mutton Khumb Wala (€13.50) promised the inclusion of Fresh Mushrooms which is quite a rarity in these parts. When the Waiter came to take the Order I verified that this included Rice. Good value then, the cheapest Curry of this Trip. A 04.l glass of 7UP (€3.50) would accompany. Why is Lemonade the same price as Bier in this country?
Two Poppadoms and three Dips were provided without a word from the Chap who brought them. This is essentially how they should always arrive, Complimentary of course. The Poppadoms had embedded Cumin Seeds which is always appreciated. Why is this not a UK Standard? I ate one only. The Seasoning in the Poppadom was a standout, the Soupçon of Dips quite sufficient. A Tasty Welcome.
Never has 7UP tasted so good.
A dinner plate and hot iron heralded the arrival of the Mutton Khumb Wala. The Chap who brought the Curry and Rice said a number to me. Eh? I had to identify my Curry by Numbers? Aye right.
Red Curry, Yellow Curry
The use of Red Food Dye always annoys, but Yellow? What was this set before me? A Yellow, presumably Creamy, Soup-like Curry, that which I try to avoid at all costs. Here is the dilemma: one accepts what is on the Menu, or one challenges the Waiter to accommodate one’s own preferences. We had not discussed Spice Level, I knew before I started what to expect.
Sensible Rice
The Rice was still more than I could ever eat, however, not by much. Threads of Coriander were strewn, more Cumin Seeds too. This was approaching – Jeera Rice.
Decanting the Meat and Mushrooms, I counted Solids into the teens, I most certainly had a Good Portion. I left some of the Masala in the Metal Pot, who would need all this?
OK, the Masala was not Shorva, the initial Blast of Sweetness placed – Korma in my mind, but no. Sweet and Creamy may not be my thing, this was intriguing. As I settled down to eat my Curry I decided that the Sweetness was within acceptable parameters for The Hector. The Spice Level was rooted firmly at the base of – The Scale – basically non-existent. The Seasoning was Splendid, Flavours were starting to be appreciated on the palate. The Coriander and Cumin Seeds from the Rice were adding appreciably to the Overall Experience. The Source of the Sweetness was not Coconut, this was most certainly not a Korma. Ground Almonds became my deduction. Speckles in the Masala were working Magic too. These appeared to be Ground Pepper or Seed residue. This was so far from being a Hector Curry, yet I was still enjoying it.
The Meat was Superb! How do you get Mutton to be this Tender? The Mushrooms were a throwback to my youth. Meat and Mushrooms, Mmmmm.
It is what it is, there’s nothing you can do about it (Pendragon)
This is how Curry is served across Europe. One tries to find venues which will offer something more challenging. This was not it. But here is the corollary, Marg would have loved this Curry.
How is your food, sir? – asked the Waiter who had taken my Order.
It’s tasty thank you.
There was no point challenging the fundamental flaws. Was it really – Curry? It was what my body required after Schnitzel last night.
The Bill
€17.00 (£15.04) Expensive Lemonade.
The Aftermath
Time to rendezvous with Neil and Jonathan.
Tomorrow will be Very Special. Where might Hector go before the Oktoberfest?