There are more Curry Houses in Berlin than Glasgow, hard to believe, but how many are any good? I know one that is not, also, Naveena Path appears to be rated highly in another source presently. I wonder if Curry-Heute has helped?
It took an hour and twenty minutes from landing at Schönefeld to boarding an RE to Hauptbahnhof, that is worse than Edinburgh Airport. The S Bahn then the U1 took me to Schlesisches Tor at the northern end of Kreuzberg, a familiar location as Hopfenreich is nearby also. I planned a return here later after the now compulsory visit to Stone Brewing. One day in Berlin, no time to lose. It feels like only three weeks ago since I last passed through here, actually it’s only twenty days.
Realising the existence of Sadhu Pakistani Restaurant (Falckensteinstraße 41, 10997 Berlin, Deutschland) I had to go. It was in a Bar in Praha where Hector was born, U Sadu. Sadhu-Berlin is open all day which also helps, too many Berlin venues open at 17.00.
Who eats Curry that late in the day?
I passed two other Curry Houses on Falckensteinstraße before reaching Sadhu, there was also a pretender around the corner. Schlesisches Tor, Hopfenreich, Curry Houses, I’ll be back here in Future Days.
For mid afternoon, Sadhu was quite busy. I was shown to a small table mid-room from where I could see all. Photographing the premises initially proved to be difficult, too many people. I would have to adopt full Hector mode.
I was almost tempted to have Duck, but decided that Weniger Ente should prevail. Lamm Vindaloo (€10.60), a good price, no messing, how Spicy would this be? In Deutschland one tends not to fear a Vindaloo, in Polska beware! Rice was inclusive as is the Euro-norm. Even better value.
The €2.90 charge for 400ml of Sparkling Water was almost forgiveable.
A very active Waiter took the Order. Moments later things went a bit weird. A bowl of Shorva and half a Puri were placed on the table. Fearing this was for someone else I did not touch. Before I had a chance to question two – Cumin Seeded – Poppadoms and three Dips were also presented. This is the Sadhu welcome. If anyone in Aberdoom is reading this, calm.
The Puri was – Hot – the Shorva – Cold. There was an amazing Tanginess from the Puri, something Citrus. The Poppadoms had Pepper Corns embedded also, Wonderful. Why do we not get this in the UK? Very tasty. I thought I was managing the space at the table when the Vindaloo and Rice arrived. Far too quick, straight out the – Big Pot.There was a Salad too! Untouched.
The Rice was enough for two, classic Euro-waste. The corollary is the modest UK portion for which one pays through the nose. The Quantity of food on the table was daunting. I would have to continue eating the Starters with the Mains.
The Masala was too close to Shorva for my liking, this was a typical Euro-Curry for the masses who have never been to Glasgow–Bradford–Manchester. The Red-Pink Masala was decidedly excessive, at least it was Thicker than the accompanying Shorva Dip. Blended as always, the Spice Level was well within the – acceptable – range. Vindaloo should have Potatoes, it does not have to blow one’s head off.
I counted ten pieces of Meat and five pieces of Potato, a Large Portion. The Meat was decidedly cuboid suggesting it was frozen Lamb. It was Tender, so no complaints, the Potatoes were Perfect. Despite the Vindaloo being well Seasoned, the Overall Flavour was difficult to find/assess. I resorted to going back to the Poppadoms to get a boost. These had more Flavour. I still had some Puri, this was dipped in Shorva #1, Diversity, that which I seek.
The Curry was nothing to get excited about, as an eating experience, Sadhu has it spot on.
The Bill
€13.50. (£11.95) Bradford price, Excellent.
The Aftermath
It was a different Chap who took the Cash, Mein Host?
He saw the rotating gallery on the Curry-Heute Homepage and clearly appreciated the difference to what I had been served at Sadhu. He referred to the Board outside which mentioned Bhuna and Karahi, now we’re talking. The magic word – Punjabi – was mentioned, this is a Pakistani Restaurant. There was almost an apology for what I had been served, an admission that it is difficult to get authentic Indian Food in Deutschland, too much Cream. I had to mention Indian Mango (München) which sets the Standard in Germany.
I declined the offer of complimentary Chai, Stone Brewing awaited. I shall certainly return to Sadhu, Bhuna,Karahi, let’s see what they really can do.
Photos? No problem.
