There was an early check-in at Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen, seriously. Some – Zzzzzzs – then Sergei, sorry Hector, hit the streets of Köln. Ginti Indisches Restaurant (Händelstraße 33, 50674 Köln, Deutschland) served a remarkable Lamm Bhuna (€13.50) this time last year. Only having ordered did I realise that Fisch Bhuna (€12.50) was also available. Hector plays the long game and also notes that in Deutschland, Fish Curry is cheaper than Lamb Curry.
Having alighted from the tram at Rudolfplatz, there was a text from Steve, he was on his way. I entered Ginti, took a table for two and stalled. A half litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€4.00) was ordered, the Waiter brought a couple of Poppadoms and three Dips.
The joy of Poppadoms in Europe with embedded Cumin Seeds. One of the Dips was Tamarind, Cumin and Tamarind, an excellent way to titillate the taste-buds.
I spent an overlong time studying the Menu. In addition to the grid there was an impressive list of Vegetable Dishes on offer here. It could take many, many visits to fully evaluate what is on offer at Ginti. At typically one visit to Köln per year, this could take a while.
Steve arrived at 15.30, Garlic Chilli Lamm (€13.50) was his selection with a 0.3l glass of Kölsch (€3.00) to wash it down. Basmati is included with Main Dishes at Ginti, though swopping Rice for Bread is not an option. One wonders how much Bread is served at Ginti with this system. The choice of Paratha intrigued, one day.
I asked the Waiter to ensure that no – Paprika – would be included in the Curry, Steve echoed this. The Waiter tried to suggest that Peppers enhance a Curry.
Illegal – was my response. Guess who had two Grobschnitt CD’s delivered today?
I had to enquire if – Medium Spicy – was spicier than – Spicy. The Spice Scale at Ginti is somewhat confusing.
Two hot plates were placed before us, then the Waiter returned to apologise for the wait. We asked for more hot plates, these were brought after the tea light heaters. Tea light heaters are well appreciated at this time of year when food goes cold so quickly.
For once in Europe, a very sensible portion of Rice for two was presented. This was enough for two, just, and we were offered more. How often have I been given this Quantity for myself?
Fisch Bhuna
Bhuna should be a Dry Curry, this Fisch Bhuna was remarkably so. Topped with Ginger Strips, Coriander Stems, Chopped Chillies and Tomatoes, this Bhuna looked so inviting.
Inevitably, a comparison with the Fisch Chettinad served at Indian Mango (München) follows, though this Curry was not claiming to be a Chettinad. The same Dry Texture was present, the Coriander Stems provided the grittiness that Indian Mango has actually lost in recent times. There was a mass of Fish, the species of which remains a mystery. Dry, Gritty, Voluminous, all that was missing was a blast of Flavour. Initially the Spice and Seasoning felt lacking, the second half was a different matter. The chopped Red and Green Chillies must have settled in the karahi, suddenly there was a definite sense of Spice. I became aware of Cumin, either from the Masala or leftover from the Poppadoms. The Seasoning was no longer an issue. This Fish Bhuna had grown in stature considerably but did not reach the heights hoped for. A Good Curry, but I had hoped for Magnificent. Perhpas if I could visit more regularly, then I would be able to suggest the tweaks that would suit the Hector palate.
Garlic Chilli Lamm
Steve’s first remark was – Big blobs of onion – followed by – no sauce, none.
It’s a Stir Fry – I suggested.
Yes, it tastes Chinese.
Again, this Dish was topped with Coriander Stems and a few Leaves. It did look – Red, Chilli Powder one assumed. The Big Blobs of Onion made me speculate as to what else might have been present. Steve has fallen victim before to a Stir Fry masquerading as a Karahi. Hector goes to extremes to avoid this.
We ate the lot, at the end Steve had a few more words:
The meat was fine, it did have Chillies and Garlic as it said. Aromatic, it was OK, I would just have liked more sauce.
Ironically, Hector always seeks Curry like this with a Minimal Masala.
The Bill
€36.00 (£32.43) And Sterling continues to fall…
The Aftermath
Throughout the visit I had kept a look out for Ajay, Mein Host from last year. Mein Host today could well have been Ajay’s brother. When I introduced myself and showed last year’s review, one of the Waiters was sent to get an SLR. Hector’s photo was taken for their records, Steve’s too.
