Dr. Stan announced last night that he had not booked Breakfast so that he could join me for Curry-Heute. Steve was not sure if he would want Curry again, why does he persist in kidding himself? The three of us set off just after noon to Friesenplatz, Royal Punjab (Venloer Str. 4, 50672 Köln, Deutschland) is about one hundred metres from the U Bahn.
Entering first, I went to the far end of the Restaurant to greet Mein Host. I said I would be back, the Fisch Kalkata (€13.50), effectively a Fish Sabji served here last month impressed. I was back for the Lamm Methi (€13.90).
I had described the Buffet to Steve and Dr. Stan previously, it was worth a look. I had seen diners pile Keema high on their plates along with the various Daal and Vegetable options. The Buffet here is decidedly different from the usual range of Blandness one encounters. One pays for either a Large Plate – Grosser Teller (€8.50) or a Small Plate – Kleiner Teller (€6.50).
The Chaps went up to examine the Buffet, they were sold. Drinks were sorted, Orangensaft (€4.90) for Dr. Stan, Steve and I both had 750ml Bottles of Sparkling Water (€5.90). Once the Drinks arrived The Chaps were up, my Opperchancity to be Paparazzo. Whilst their plates were being filled I showed my review of Visit #1 to Mein Host. This sparked a genuine interest, he asked for my email, I would leave another Calling Card.
The Buffet
Keema aside, everything else looked to be very – Soupy. I had to establish exactly what they were eating and record their comments, perhaps to the detriment of my own meal when it arrived.
A Daal Makhani with Aloo was very much appreciated, I have never seen Potato served in this manner. A Mixed Vegetable Curry had Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Quite a lot of Veg – remarked Steve – your five a day.
Spicy – was an early statement from Dr. Stan who was certainly enjoying his selection. The Keema was good – he confirmed.
Chicken was mentioned also, however, I did not establish in what form though it does appear in the photos..
Was your plate big enough? – I asked Dr. Stan.
Mmmmm – the customary reply.
It may be a Buffet, however, the etiquette appears to be – One visit only.
I couldn’t eat another thing – said Steve – better than your average Buffet.
A very pleasant way to start the day – exclaimed Dr. Stan.
How else would you start your day?
Lamb Methi
The first glimpse saddened my eyes, another Lamm Sagwala? Maybe not. Indeed, this was another Creamy Curry, but then was it? I had to take care of the Rice, way more than one person would ever eat, a common observation across Europe. Having decanted enough Meat to start me off, I could only see the Thin Milky Shorva residue at the bottom of the Karahi. Where was the Masala? There was nothing identifiable as an Onion base, I had to question if I would actually classify what I had as – Curry.
I had asked for – Scharf – this Dish certainly had a – Kick – but was Under-seasoned. I counted ten pieces of Lamb many of which I had to halve. The Meat was on the Chewy side, this would take some time to eat. The somewhat Large Ginger Strips gave a – Crunch – and confirmed that the Hector Taste-buds were still operating. This was a classic example of Spice and no Flavour. Where was the Methi Blast? The Dish was decidedly Herb Rich, but what was the green stuff? Hector may well be wrong but suspects this was Spinach not Methi; the Tart Flavour from Fenugreek was not there.
This – Curry – was nothing like a Lamb Methi as served in the UK.
The Bill
€47.60. (£42.13) The Water will be dearer than the Curry – Steve speculated.
Not quite, but not far off it.
The Aftermath
The Restaurant had filled up considerably since our arrival. Mein Host was busy, the Calling Card was left, our thanks declared. I suspect my fellow diners will be happy to return here, Hector will have to experience the Buffet. There are also many more Lamb Dishes to consider.
Is Methi an issue in this city? Reading my reviews of other venues, it could well be.
