Six visits in six years makes Hector almost a Regular at the Curry House (Helmstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen, Bayern). En route to Nürnburg Flughafen from Bamberg we took the Opperchancity to stop off for 11.00 Brunchtime Curry. Curry at 11.00? Whose crazy idea was this?
As we walked the few metres from Erlangen Bahnhof to the Curry House I recalled how I struggled to masticate on my last visit, the sheer Quantity of Lamb beat me. Two Chaps were already in situ, waiting. As I approached the counter I could see that the food for today had yet to be disturbed, they were open, but perhaps just not totally ready.
A Methi and Spinach Dish was advertised on the board outside, this was enough to focus the mind, – Vegetable Curry – if I can eat Fruit early in the day, I can surely manage this. Sabji Curry (€6.90) with inclusive Rice and a piece of Poppadom was ordered, plus a Coke (€2.00). For the sake of consistency I shall post the next bit:-
The Bill
€8.90 (£7.88)
Steve and James were next up: Steve went for Mutton Curry (€8.90), James ordered Butter Chicken (€7.90) and a Garlic Naan (€2.20). We took our seats, the Chap beside us was presented with a Mutton Vindaloo, a Curry which Steve described last year as – Challenging. The Curry served at this venue is not for the faint of heart.
We were summoned to the counter in sequence, here we go.
Sabji Curry
The Masala was near-Shorva, not excessive, and Medium Spiced. An excess of Seasoning has been the recurring issue on my visits here, this was within acceptable parameters. The Quantity was immense, I would be last finished partly for reasons described above. Carrots, Peas, Potato, Green Beans, Cauliflower and Ginger Strips all featured. This is the Curry I am most likely to have again if our custom of visiting this early in the day maintains.
Mutton Curry
I have seen Curry with five pieces of Meat and then some. This was Magnificent, was I glad I had not ordered Lamb this morning? I could not have done it justice. The Masala was decidedly different from the Vegetable equivalent, a healthy hue of – Brown.
Could do with being warmer – was an early statement made by Steve.
Not overly Salty – he confirmed.
Meaty, the meat was very big and tender, mildly spiced which I wanted.
Mein Host came into the premises from the door behind me. Once he had settled and saw the Hector from the front, he looked over and smiled.
Not too Salty – I proffered, meanwhile:
Butter Chicken
With a Masala tending towards Red, this was less Creamy than I have encountered. The Garlic Naan was a manageable size for one, well fired, and served – Whole.
Enjoyable, complemented by the Garlic Naan – were James well chosen words.
As we assembled our coats and luggage Mein Host stood up to greet us properly.
Are you going back to England?
Technically this was a good guess.
Scotland! – I replied.
Which city?
Glasgow.
I was there last year playing hockey.
Field hockey?
He produced his Handy and showed photos of an opening ceremony to an international tournament at Glasgow Green, – Masters – I would think.
My wife plays hockey, she was the Scottish Hockey Captain …. well one has to bring this up when the Opperchancity presents.
The Aftermath
A flight back to Manchester, there’s no need to sprint back to Scotland.
More Bier, more Curry!