Here we go, the final Curry of this Trip. Having completed the coverage of Erlangen Curry Houses last night, it was time to give more consideration to Nürnberg which has around a dozen venues. Hector has done two to date.
Panjabi Shaan (Bayreuther Str. 36, 90489 Nürnberg, Deutschland) is conveniently located at Rennweg on the U2, a few stops from the Flughafen. Opening at 11.00, there was time for Lunch before checking in for my flight back to Manchester.
Having been forced to check-out at 10.00 this morning, I arrived before 11.00 and so sat across the street in the park until I saw the Staff arrive. The Lunchtime Menu was available from 11.30, hopefully I could take refuge until they were ready to serve.
A Chef spotted me from the kitchen, a Young Waiter emerged and said something along the lines of:
We’re not ready yet.
Another Chap approached, I pointed to the main seating area and went off to park my luggage and coat; he brought the Menu. There was time to photograph the extent of Panjabi Shaan, it’s quite a place, massive.
The presence of a Fish on the Menu pleased, enough Lamb of late. First on the list under Machi Khazanna was Machi Madras (€13.80). The – offending Vegetable – was not listed, I checked it would not be making an unwelcome appearance. The Waiter was keen for me to have Bread, having not spotted Rice I deduced it was inclusive. Rice was enough.
A 0.4l Glass of Fanta was ordered instead of my usual Sparkling Water. The latter was on offer at €2.70 for 250ml or €4.90 for 750ml. 400ml of Fanta made more sense.
A Hot dinner plate and a food warmer were brought immediately before the Curry and Rice. The Waiter served some of the Rice, fortunately for the photographic ritual, this was as far as he went. Once again, I had more Rice than I could ever eat, a waste.
The Machi Madras looked like everything I try to avoid. This was a Soupy Curry, pieces of Fish in a Blended Masala not much else.
The Masala at least had some Thickness to it. The use of Curry Paste came to mind, perhaps, perhaps not. Mustard/Onion Seeds were mixed in, at least these were another possible source of Flavour. Ginger Strips and a Minimal Sprinkling of Fresh Coriander topped the Masala.
Visually, this Curry was a Chicken Tikka Masala equivalent. Had it been an evening Curry I would have been most annoyed at myself for ordering this. For Lunch, well why not?
Six large pieces of Fish were revealed, each would be halved, a decent Quantity. I took my first forkful, the Flavour hit the palate full on – oh yes. This was not bad at all.
The Masala still amused. There’s – Blended – and there’s – Blended. The Masala had the consistency of a Thick – Cream of Tomato – Soup. Fortunately, the Flavour was more complex. There was an – aftertaste – I recognised but could not pinpoint, slightly – Vinegary/Tangy, with a slight – Sweetness. The Spice Level was OK, not challenging. Accepting this Curry for what it was, there was no reason not to enjoy it.
The Waiter was back:
Is good, sir?
Very pleasant, I like this. Thank you.
Hector likes Curry, all sorts, well there are limits. I could be scathing and state that this Curry was simply typical of what is served across Europe with the aim of catering for what Restaurateurs believe people want, can manage. If they are going to advertise themselves as – Indian Restaurants – then why not sell genuine – Desi/ Apna – Curry? This was a classic Mainstream Euro-Curry.
The Waiter was back again to offer more Rice. How much Rice do people normally eat? Some Vegetables to add to the Curry would have been a good idea. Meat and Masala is not particularly interesting. Fish Soup?
The Bill
€16.90 (£14.82) A decent Quantity for a fair price.
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card, showed the Website and declared my preference for Punjabi Cuisine.
I was left to wonder what else Chef at Panjabi Shaan can produce. Once I have visited the nine other Nürnburg Curry Houses, I may return to find out.
