There was no Curry-Gestern (yesterday). Even Hector needed a day off. With the appetite restored it was off to Swarg (Frauenstraße 2, 96047 Bamberg, Deutschland) just after noon. As I have come to experience in my visits to Swarg, people flock here at Lunchtimes, the Midday Menu must be attractive.
The Waitress brought me the Lunchtime Menu, I had to ask for the Main. I knew what I was having, but as this was my fifth visit to Swarg and this could merit a stand alone page in Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses, I did my best to get maximum photographic coverage of the Menu.
The Menu has not changed since my – regular – visits became established in 2015. Lamm Karahi (€13.90) with inclusive Rice has become the Curry of choice at Swarg, the attraction being the array of – Interesting Vegetables – which are included. It is about time I returned to Ambala Deli Bar (Glasgow) for a Vegetable Karahi. Six days in Deutschland, just how much Meat have I seen?
Sitting adjacent to a screen, I had not been spotted by Mein Host before he came to take the Order. He recognised me immediately, we shook hands.
Lamm Karahi, ohne Paprika.
Spicy?
Yes.
I could not bring myself to order Sparkling Water at either €3.50 for the half litre or €4.90 for 750ml. Bier was significantly cheaper. A 0.4l glass of Fanta (€2.80) was the compromise. OK, that is effectively the same price as the Water.
The Waitress brought the food, carefully placing the Curry and the Rice on the table as if there was a precise spot where they had to be positioned. The Rice was plentiful, more than I would eat, but not the waste that is the Euro custom. I liked the Herb Heart.
Lamm Karahi
Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander topped the Lamm Karahi. I counted ten pieces of Meat as I took them from the karahi. Slices of Onion were mixed through the Blended, Soupy Masala, that was all. Where were the Vegetables? Has Swarg fallen on hard times? Was there a Vegetable shortage this Monday Lunchtime? The Fruit and Vegetable Market is a couple of blocks away on the main street. I had to assume that this was Lamm Karahi 2018.
The Spice Level was OK, hardly – Spicy. The Flavour of the Masala was aided by the correct level of Seasoning. The taste of the Lamb itself was pronounced, very pleasant and very Tender Meat. The Interesting Vegetables were what made this Curry, now I had only Meat and Masala, hardly exciting. Around halfway I began to theorise that the Overall Flavour was similar to what one would achieve if using a packet of premixed Spices. There were no Seeds, Peppercorns, Cardamom etc. I could not help but think back to Swarg Visit #1 which defined – horrendous. This was not that bad, I was enjoying what I was eating, but it could have been so much more.
Mein Host came over to make the customary check too late, I was nearly finished.
What happened to the Vegetables? – I asked – normally there are Potatoes, Broccoli, Peas…
He looked puzzled then said something about – taking out Paprika and small bones. I was offered another Dish but by this stage I could not eat another Curry. Mein Host went to the kitchen and returned:
When I told the Indian Chef no Paprika, he left all of the Vegetables out.
Was this really the Chef’s error or something to do with the fact that the Order was taken on a Pad. How do they make tweaks on a Pad?
A venue that has improved beyond all recognition from Visit #1 had gone backwards. The apology was accepted, but I cannot add Swarg to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – yet.
The Bill
€16.70 (£14.65) This was displayed on the Pad.
The Aftermath
We chatted on:
How many years have you been coming here? – asked Mein Host.
About nine, the first time was not so good, but you were not here.
No, I have been here since 2005.
So that clears up a mystery. The layout and Menu have certainly changed since Visit #1. These have been stable since 2015. We agreed that next time the Vegetables will be included … and maybe some more of the Spices shown on their wall.
