Bamberg – Swarg – The Best Place in Town for Curry?

Hector looking forward to – Curry in Bamberg? – how times have changed, there is even a choice of venues. Swarg (Frauenstraße 2, 96047 Bamberg, Deutschland) has the advantage of being open at Lunchtimes and being in the heart of the Altstadt.

James and Hector entered Swarg at 12.15, Steve was already there and had  ordered Lamm Jhalfrezi (€14.90).

I wouldn’t have ordered that – has Steve not read a well known and reliable Curry Blog?

The number of customers impressed, even more would arrive.

Why have the Germans decided to flock for Lunchtime Curry? – I pitched.

Perhaps they have read Curry-Heute – was Steve’s reply.

James stayed safe, again, and ordered Butter Chicken (€13.90). Hector had already decided to order the Dish which has impressed in recent years and transformed my attitude towards this venue. Lamm Karahi (€13.90) has the attraction of including an array of Interesting Vegetables. As always in Deutschland, I would ask for – Paprika – to be withheld. Soft Drinks completed the Order, a 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (€4.90) would turn out to be a worthwhile investment.

Mein Host took the Order, confirmed that Paprika would not appear and agreed on – Spicy. When – Pads – are employed, I often wonder how – Tweaks – can be recorded.

*

And so began a wait, a long one. A Group of five took the adjacent table, as with the majority of Diners, they were on the Lunchtime Menu. Their food came fast, I saw nothing to become excited about. The black plates intrigued, – scrape-scrape – very noisy.

We had hoped to catch a Bus @13.20 to Dörfleins to meet up with The Man from Bradford, by 12.55 there was an acceptance that we would be late. Mein Host had half recognised Hector, he remarked that at Lunchtime they are busy. At 13.00 Basmati for three was placed on the table. I concluded that having ordered a la carte, our Curry had been properly prepared.

Butter Chicken

It is what it is and no doubt satisfies those who order this sort of thing. All Hector ever sees when this Curry is ordered is Tomato Soup, possibly Spicy.

Very good, the right amount of Spice for me – was James summative comment.

So it goes.

Lamm Jhalfrezi

As soon as Steve had decanted his Curry he remarked that he too should have asked for Capsicum to be excluded. The Dreaded Vegetable was evidently employed to act as Ballast, in Curry it serves no other purpose. However, the Menu clearly states this Curry features Capsicum and Onions.

Whilst eating, Steve was quite positive about his choice, Spice and Flavour were recognised.

Tasted Spicy, Flavours…., too many big pieces of Capsicum and Onion.

Lamm Karahi

Thicker than Shorva and with a hint of Creaminess, the Masala was hardly contemporary, but to describe Swarg as even approaching Mainstream is a compliment compared to my first visit. This Curry did not have the – Red Masala – which many rightly find off-putting. The Lamb was cut into relatively small pieces and easily reached double figures. The Tender Lamb was accompanied by Potato, Broccoli, Peas and Onion Strips, it is this Diversity which has impressed in recent visits. The Seasoning was Adequate, the Spice Level was a worthy Challenge, a rarity in this nation where too many Chefs think the indigenous population cannot handle – Curry. I have come to recognise that Swarg Curry has a pleasant and distinctive Flavour. I shall continue to visit Swarg when in Bamberg.

The Bill

€56.70 (£50.18) Swarg is not Cheap, however, it most certainly is a Restaurant and charges as such.

The Aftermath

We saw a bit more of Hallstadt than planned en route to Dörfleins where the Bock this year was decidedly – Sweet. We had two hours in the company of The Man from Bradford.