Hector has been aware of the existence of Ginti Indisches Restaurant (Händelstraße 33, 50674 Köln, Deutschland) since 2014 when Ganesha across the street was visited. The Curry at Ganesha impressed hence the three visits in the same year, but what use would this Curry Blog be if Hector went to the same Restaurant every week?
Ginti is part of the Cluster of Curry Houses around Rudolfplatz-Friesenplatz, there is plenty of choice and the standard appears to be improving. The somewhat disappointing Kamasutra no longer stands out when searching for Curry in Köln as it did seven years ago when this Blog was conceived. Ginti Indisches Restaurant has received great reviews in other sources, Google Maps even suggest that Reservations are necessary. They also describe a few Indian Restaurants as being sources of Late Night Curry, not true. Köln has not gone down the route of Curry after the pub closes. Having said that, most UK Curry Houses are now closed by then also.
Hector and Dr. Stan entered Ginti around 12.30, we were greeted by a Chap at the Bar who offered us a table for two in the middle enclave. Wishing to see more of the premises, Hector led Dr. Stan through to the rear where some tables for two were set up along the window to the courtyard. The Lunchtime Menu was instantly dismissed, no – Half-Curry – for us, we desired – The Full Bhuna.
The Main Menu impressed, rather than endless pages showing Curry Tweaks, there was a grid system for choice of Meat with descriptions of the Standard Dishes below. The Lamm Bhuna (€13.50) would hopefully have the expected – Thick Masala – a Curry that should be remote from the Shorva that has been served to me this week already. As ever, I asked for the Paprika to be withheld, this was not a problem. Scharf – was asked for.
There may be something subliminal about Lamb with Spinach in Köln Curry Houses, Dr. Stan ordered Lamm Saag ( €13.50). Rice would be inclusive with both Main Meals. Dr. Stan asked for a Large Orangesaft (€5.00) whilst Hector stuck to the usual Sparkling Water (€6.00). Once again in Köln, Bier is probably cheaper than Water.
The Waiters were rotating, a new Chap brought Poppadoms and Dips, another spotted we had no side-plates. The Red Chilli Sauce was as expected, the Brown Sauce, not Tamarind, took us by surprise, a – Big Kick! The embedded Cumin Seeds in the Poppadoms make such a difference, far tastier. Being Complimentary, they tasted better still.
We had time to take in our surroundings. There are seats at the door with a side area to the right as one enters. Another seating area is opposite the Bar, we were sat in the largest open area at the rear, four other tables were occupied. There was a sense that this venue was a cut above many of the Köln Curry Houses I have visited. There was nothing pretentious, and as we were about to discover, the Service was Excellent.
When the Curry was placed on each of the respective candlelit stands, I could not help but smile. Dr. Stan had walked into the – Euro Saag/Palak Trap – of Creamy Curry. Having had this for the last two days, I was hardly sympathetic, but what was the covering sprinkled on top? Different. My own choice, the Lamm Bhuna also had this Dry Covering accompanying the Fresh Coriander, Onions I believe. Interesting. The Masala looked to be worthy of a Hector, this was not the usual Blended Masala, something Special may have been discovered.
A small platter of Basmati was set down for us to share. This was evenly split, we had enough Rice, no wastage here as happens too often in Europe. The plates were Hot, something too many venues overlook. A Waiter offered us more Rice, this was declined.
The photographic ritual was complete, almost. The Waiter offered to take a photo of us together, why not? The more one’s food is photographed, the better it tastes – I tell my long suffering Fellow Diners.
Lamm Saag
Once Dr, Stan decanted the Toppings, a Thick Creamy Masala was revealed. Tomatoes were present too, this was visibly better than what I had been given over the last two days at other venues.
It was Creamy, which you had warned me about – said Dr. Stan.
It took a long time for the Spice to come through, pleasant, though maybe I’ll have it Medium-Hot next time.
This was Dr. Stan stating he considered Ginti worthy of another visit.
We were offered more Rice, this was declined.
Lamm Bhuna
Even with the same Onion and Coriander Toppings, the Lamm Bhuna’s overall appearance was markedly different. As I spooned the Masala and Meat I could see that this Masala had a similar – Gritty – appearance to my Favourite Deutsche Curry Haus – Indian Mango (München). This had Tomato mixed through also, not just Meat and Masala, Excellent. The remnants show a Thick and Gloopy Masala, no excessive Oil here either. This looked Wonderful, would it have – Taste?
Seven Large Pieces of Lamb were counted, each would be halved. The Meat was Tender without being too Soft. Cumin was the first Flavour to emerge. I glanced at the Rice to confirm that this had come from the Bhuna, it had. The Seasoning was there, more Flavours hit the palate, this was a new – Taste Experience – a subtle blend of Herbs and Spice, then I realised it was perhaps too subtle. I had asked for Scharf, this was way below – Medium, indeed it was hitting the bottom of the Spice Scale. Still, it was full of Flavour which may well be more important. By the time we had declined the third offer of more Rice I was on to the Remnants. In spite of the Hot Plate and the Candlelit Stand, the Curry was rapidly approaching – Tepid. The Food had not been served warm enough, a feature with which Dr. Stan also concurred.
I began to speculate, what the Bhuna would be like with Fisch instead? I checked my photos, indeed Fish is on the Menu Grid. Why had I not spotted this? This Gritty Masala deserves to be tried with Fish. I too had resolved to return to Ginti, Fisch Bhuna may well be Spectacular.
The Bill
€38.00 (£33.33) €11.00 for two Soft Drinks is nonsense. The Complimentary Mango Lassi (below) made this more bearable.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waiter who had dealt with us most. On being shown the Curry-Heute Website he immediately summoned the Chap who was behind me, jacket on, ready to step out. I was given a card – Ajay Gawdi – (Mein Host) I believe it was he to whom I was now speaking.
The Curry-Heute story was outlined once more, the number of countries visited, the even larger number of Curry Houses. Ajay was intrigued by the size of the Naan Bread on the Homepage (Omar’s Balti House, Bradford). Having declined Indian Tea, then Coffee, Mango Lassi was finally accepted. This was truly Rich and Creamy, among the best ever sampled. Thank you.
The jacket was removed, another photo for the collection. We shall most certainly return to Ginti Indisches Restauarant next year. Although our meals today were not Perfect, we had both found enough to intrigue. With a few Hector Tweaks the Curry here could be Outstanding.
