Hector first began the tour of Erlangen Curry Houses back in 2011. Over the years I have established why there are so many: Hospital, University, Siemens Werke. On Saturday night at the – Lomond 40 – Reunion in Leipzig, Fabian informed me that some of the Nürnburg University faculties are located here also. This is a busy town as anyone alighting at Erlangen Hauptbahnhof will soon appreciate. So much for going to Erlangen just to visit Bräuerei Kitzmann.
In my thirteen previous Curry Visits to Erlangen one venue has always eluded me: House of India (Dreikönigstraße 2, 91054 Erlangen, Deutschland), located in the premises which were once a Brewery Tap – Drei Könige Ausschank. No Lunchtime openings and a Monday Ruhetag had made visiting House of India impractical until this evening. Travelling alone, I was free to plan an entire day around dining here.
I arrived at 18.40 this Tuesday evening, the premises were empty save for Mein Host.
Just one – I announced in English just to establish the parameters.
Just you and me – he replied showing me to a table for two, adjacent to a secluded booth. This secluded seating I show immediately, it seats four to six/seven in the round, perfect.
House of India seats over twenty, not a huge establishment, but well laid out. The walls feature quite a few photos of Hockey Teams. I recently established that Mein Host at the nearby and oft visited Curry House is a keen Hockey player. The photos here were of teams in India. Is there a connection?
In the Lamb Section of the Menu, two Dishes stood out: Mutton Karahi (€13.50) and Madras Mutton Kari (€12.90). Main Courses had inclusive Rice so I saw no need to have either a Naan (€2.50) or Keema Naan (€3.50).
The Karahi included the dreaded – Capsicum – so I decided to establish what was possible. Namkin Lassi was also available. To see – Namkin – being used to describe – Salt Lassi – raised my hopes. This place may be speaking – My Language.
When I enquired if the Karahi could be served without – Paprika – Mein Host was taken aback. This is not the first time this has happened in Erlangen. There was a suggestion that – Capsicum – has to be part of a Karahi. I had to be diplomatic, words such as – only where people do not know any better – were withheld. I could have shown the Homepage of this Website, but decided not to reveal myself this early. Instead I proffered:
In the Best UK Curry Houses, Paprika is not used. (For example – Dera)
I had already announced that I had been to all the other Curry Houses in Erlangen, I did not wish Mein Host to think I was new to Indian Cuisine. There was further clarity that I meant Green and Red Peppers, not Chillies.
You can add anything except Paprika.
A 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (€4.80) completed the order.
I heard the instructions being relayed to Chef:
Karahi, ohne Paprika – then – Sabji – was mentioned. Vegetables, yay! Why other establishments cannot reach this compromise baffles … can’t be bothered? The last time I had this conversation in such detail was also here in Erlangen, at Bolliwood, which I have now visited three times.
A Poppadom was presented with two Dips.
Mint and Tamarind – he was keen to tell me.
I made the comment that in the UK we are not normally served Poppadoms with embedded Seeds. If only we were, they are much tastier. Ironically, these were not Cumin Seeds which is the German norm.
Another couple entered at 18.50, by 19.10 we were five in total, this is how it remained. 
A Hot dinner plate preceded the arrival of a candle heater stand, we’re on.
The Rice was a sensible portion, served in one of the small metal pots some Restaurants use for a Main Course.
The – Hector version – of House of India – Lamb Karahi – impressed immediately. So many Toppings: Ginger, Fresh Coriander, Dry Coriander/Methi, Fresh Tomato, Sliced Raw Onion, and Green Chillies. As I decanted this mass, I found Lamb in double figures, Potatoes, Peas, Carrots and the Large cooked Onion pieces I suspect would have been there with just the Capsicum otherwise. This was far from – Meat and Masala. Mein Host and Chef had communicated well.
At the base of the Karahi was a very Thin Masala, Shorva-esque. Such was the ratio of Solids to Sauce, no way could this Curry be referred to as – Soup.
The Lamb was so Soft, yet cohesive. The Flavour of the Meat came across but no Spice/Herb was given back from the Lamb itself, a pity. A tiny sliver of Bone was encountered, promising flavour-wise. The Masala was the main source of the Spice which impressed. From here also originated the Flavour, simple, not complex, quite distinctive.
The Diversity of Texture was a Joy. The combination of Raw and Cooked Vegetables, plus the Lamb was making this a very enjoyable experience.
How is your meal? – asked Mein Host.
I love the Vegetables, I love the Meat.
We made it specially for you – there was a hint of a bow.
When I decanted the remaining Meat, Vegetables and Masala, the Curry took on a new dimension. Needs more Seasoning – was noted early. Suddenly there was a – Flood of Flavour – having spooned the remnants of the Minimal Masala, the Dish was transformed. The Seasoning was now much more, consequently so more Overall Flavour. The Green Chillies deserve a special mention. The Quantity had been well judged. They hit – Hard – when encountered, great.
This was not a – Karahi – in the – Punjabi style – served in Glasgow–Bradford–Manchester, at least it was not a – Stir Fry.
The Bill
€18.30 (£16.20) I have no problem with this.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given and the Website shown.
So, you travel the World eating Curry?
The Calling Card works best in Deutschland, Mein Host studied it well, and put it in his wallet.
I will see your site and note the service.
A lovely Chap. I shall return, if I ever find House of India open for business.
Beef Kadhai next time.
