Leipzig? Hector has been here twice before but never left the Hauptbahnhof, changing trains only. The attraction has always been Colditz where Anthony and Hector spent an hour this afternoon. The more visits I make to Schloss Colditz, the less there is access to.
I arrived in Leipzig from Manchester last night via Berlin where frustratingly, there was no time to do anything. Hector was attending an evening of celebration – Lomond School 40 – with our former German pupils from Leipzig and Nürnberg. Leaving the Ibis Hotel, I found the Indian Crown next door to be wedged. Saturday Night is Curry Night in Leipzig?
Returning from our evening at the Bayerischer Bahnhof Haus Bräuerei, around 23.30 I went to hunt down the other nearby Curry Houses. There are four clustered on Nikolaistrasse, although lights were on, nobody was serving. The Chap at Mumbai Lounge (Nikolaistrasse 16, 04109 Leipzig, Deutschland) apologised, this was enough to make Mumbai Lounge my choice for today.
I had a ten minute start on Anthony and so entered the Mumbai Lounge to find only two tables occupied. Sunday Night is not Curry Night in Leipzig! I selected the table with my back to the Bar so that I could survey all. The Waiter brought the Menu, I had plenty of time to consider my choice, that the Menu was not overly long made this simpler.
The Fisch Dishes did not tempt, stick to the usual – Lamb, though for a brief moment I pondered over Kofta Curry (€11.90). The Kofta would be Vegetable based, no thanks. Lamm Vindaloo (€14.90) had a warning in the footnote. Perhaps they were serious, I was not about to find out. Lamm Rogan Josh (€13.90) included – Cabbage – in the description. Who puts Cabbage in Curry? The Bangladeshis, I am told. Lamm Madras (€14.90) had no offending ingredient and promised – Peperoni. Along with the Vindaloo, it was one of the two – Scharf – Dishes on offer.
There was no mention of Rice – being inclusive – as it tends to be in German Curry Houses. Basmatireis was a whopping €4.00. A Roti/Chapatti was €2.50. Bombay Potatoes (€6.90) might be worth sharing, I would wait and hear Anthony’s thoughts.
When Anthony arrived two half litres of Indisches Fassbier – Cobra (€4.50) were ordered. My customary Sparkling Water was available in 250ml Bottles (€3.00) and 750ml Bottles (€6.90). How can Water be more expensive than Bier?
Anthony turned straight to the Lamm section. The Rogan Josh would be his choice. He then mentioned Bombay Potatoes, excellent. I suggested we share this and one Basmatireis given that it is normal in Europe for a single portion to feed the masses. Sorted.
The Waiter took the Order and then confirmed the Spice Level.
Scharf is good, not Crazy Scharf! He understood.
Mumbai Lounge is located through a portal from Nikolaistrasse. The signs of summer seating in the courtyard were visible. Tablecloths were aplenty in this Pukka Venue which seats more than fifty inside. This was a different type of Curry House from those I have visited in the last few days in Manchester and Huddersfield. Could the Curry be as good?
Two plates with Curry to the side and a Salad Garnish in the corner were presented. Both were very – Red. What the difference between the Rogan Josh and the Madras was I would never establish. No sharing here, we’re men.
The Rice indeed was more than enough for two therefore possibly justifying the price, but not fair on a solo diner.
Bombay Potatoes
Put simply, this was a plate of Boiled Potatoes, presumably cooked with Turmeric and Mustard (Seeds) stirred in at the point of serving. Anthony expected a Masala, I have come to accept what comes, and this was it. When decanted on top of the Red Curry it added Ballast and Diversity. We had avoided Meat and Masala.
Lamm Madras
Topped with the now customary Sprinkling of Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips one wonders how we ever eat Curry without these? Whoever started this should be chuffed with how far it has spread. Why has authentic Desi Curry not spread to the same extent? The Masala was of the standard blended, Onion-based variety. Small specks in the Masala stood out, was this the Peperoni? If so, then its contribution was hardly emphatic. Ten pieces of Meat were on the plate, none would be considered to be – Large. This was not a Large Portion by any standard, how glad I was that the Potato was there to augment the Quantity of Solids.
The Spice Level was not testing, – adequately Spiced. What saved this Curry was the Seasoning, there was Flavour in the Masala, and the Meat tasted of Lamb. I always enjoy the Flavour of Lamb itself in Curry, however, here was the classic meat – still taking in – rather than giving out – in terms of Spice-Herbs-Flavour.
As a Lover of Curry, anywhere, anytime, I did enjoy what was before me. I had avoided Deutsche Cuisine which is always a good thing.
Pleasant, enjoyable, but not remarkable – would be a fair summary.
Lamm Rogan Josh
This looked the same and had the same – Specks – in the Masala, so not Peperoni then. Where was the Cabbage? For most of my adult life, a Rogan Josh has been Tomato-rich and therefore some – Red – was expected. In recent years this Curry has taken on a Creamy Nature in many venues, not just in the UK but across Europe. Why?
I warned Anthony that he would be expected to give some well chosen words afterwards. Towards the end:
That was good, I enjoyed that.
When the Waiter came over to ask the customary question:
Very good, thank you.
Anthony had evidently enjoyed his Curry, but I know he has not experienced the – Down to Earth – venues which I frequent and use as my yardstick. I had impressed him with my coverage of Norwich, his nearest city.
I shouldn’t have warned him, now I indulge him:
An excellent Lamb Rogan Josh , robust but not overpowering, a dish that aficionados and tyros would enjoy … the slices of Ginger were a thoughtful complement.
He doesn’t get out much. Howard, you have been challenged.
The Bill
€48.70 (£43.10) I haven’t thanked those who voted for – Brexit – in a while. That would have been £27.66 when Anthony and I first started going to Deutschland together.
The Aftermath
The Waiter whom I shall now promote to Mein Host, graciously received the Calling Card and expressed an interest in what Curry-Heute is about. He described how busy they are at weekends, not Sundays evidently. He was keen to tell me that they keep the Menu deliberately – Brief – as everything is freshly cooked to order, they try to tailor to the customer’s requirements.
He had made us feel welcome and served us Decent, albeit – Mainstream – Curry. This is typical of the – Indian Food – that is served in Deutschland.
Mumbai Lounge – Menu extracts
The adjacent venues
