The morning after the Löwenbräu-Buttenheim Bockbieranstiche, the intrepid Curry Explorer set off to Erlangen, the Curry Capital of Frankonia. Having been to all of the Curry Houses in this university town, it was time to return to a venue where I described the Curry as – Excellent – despite being served – Chicken. I had just over an hour in Erlangen, missing the 13.37 back to Hirschaid would mean another hour here.
Sangam (Martinsbühler Str. 1, 91054 Erlangen, Deutschland) is a good ten minute walk from the Bahnhof. I arrived at 12.35 to find two couples already in situ. The greeting from the assembled waiters was very formal. Dressed in bow-ties and long aprons, they were a reflection of the Pukka nature of this Restaurant. This was the antithesis of my Curry in München two nights ago at Lemon’s Restaurant. Even the tablecloths had tablecloths.
Having enjoyed the Chicken Achari last time, I was in the mood for Lamb Achari, it was not on the Menu. The Chicken Achari must only be part of their Lunchtime Menu which is not available on weekends.
As always, I studied the Dishes to dismiss those which admitted to having the – Dreaded Green Mush. Bhunna Gosht (€13.50) should be safe. I checked with my enthusiastic Waiter that there there was no – Paprika This was confirmed. Rice was inclusive so I wonder why Plain Rice (€3.00), and others versions, appeared later in the Menu. A half litre glass of Sparkling Water (€2.50) completed the Order.
Three Dips were on every table. As my Water arrived so did a Half Poppadom, brought by separate waiters of course. There was a Drinks Waiter plus the chap who brings the food. Neither was as gushy as the chap who took the Order.
With embedded Cumin Seeds in the Poppadom and a Dip that was somewhere between Tamarind and Mango Chutney, the palate was titivated.
Other customers started to arrive, groups, families. I could not help notice that many were from the Indian Subcontinent. I shall avoid the usual cliché. However, I have been coming to Erlangen for Curry for many years, there must be a great demand for Curry given the seven Curry Houses.
At 12.48 a hot plate and metal heater were brought to the table. The same chap brought the food.
The Food Waiter was not content with simply bringing the food, he began to decant some of the Rice from the bowl. Was this in case I didn’t know how to eat Curry? This Restaurant was trying to give – Service.
The Rice Portion was massive, nobody could eat that much Rice, but then before I started eating with John, I had never seen anyone eat so many Chapattis. The Rice was topped with Fresh Coriander, I could see Cumin Seeds mixed in too. Hector loves Jeera Rice.
Bhunna Gosht
Ginger Strips, more Coriander, and what looked like finely chopped, Caramelised Onions sat atop an impressively large portion of Meat and Masala. I counted ten pieces of Meat as I arranged the Meat and then some Masala over the Rice. Many of the pieces of Lamb would required halving, this was a lot of eating.
The Masala was Creamy, Thick, Blended, and then some more Spices had been stirred in. The colour puzzled, light brown heading towards orange. At least it was not – red! The complexity of what sat before me impressed. This was a markedly different interpretation of – Bhuna. Is this why there was an extra – n?
The Creaminess came across immediately, and then the Seasoning. This Curry was very well Seasoned. The Spice Level above what is normally presented in Deutschland. Peppercorns, Almond Flakes and Cumin Seeds were visible, the taste of Cloves emerged. These helped explain the complexity of Flavours on the palate, there was a – Tanginess – too. At the time of eating I had not reread my review of Visit #1, however, this was pretty much what I experienced last time for the Achari. Is this how all the Curry tastes at Sangam?
Time was passing, time was limited. I felt as if I had really eaten enough. The lack of Vegetables (I didn’t order any) meant this was Meat and Masala which I try to avoid. It became apparent that the Meat and Masala had been strangers until recently. The Lamb did require chewing, but I prefer this to eating pulp.
Overall I have to declare that this was a worthy Curry. This had not just been thrown together, time and effort had been put into the preparation of the Masala.
The Bill
€16.00 (£14.16) Definitely value for money.
The Aftermath
The Enthusiastic Waiter was bringing me Chai. I declined this, Hector does not drink Tea outside of Scotland, and certainly not with milk and sugar. I had no time anyway. On Visit #1 I chatted with the Manager, he was not here today. I left the Calling Card with the cash. Everyone bade me farewell as I departed. The staff really are trying to make one feel welcome here.
At the gate I spotted the banner for – Chai Roti – a new – Streetfood – venue that is due to open near the Bahnhof. That will be competition for the Curry House which is presently Erlangen’s only other – Curry Cafe.
At full pace I rushed back to the Bahnhof. The train pulled on to the platform as I reached the top of the steps. Timing.
