Whenever Hector gets the opperchancity to visit Düsseldorf, a return to Mayur (Hohestrasse 2, 40213, Düsseldorf, Deutschland) is always considered, however, as today’s Curry would be at Lunchtime, no chance of – The Other Chef – being on duty at Mayur and Lamb on-the-bone.
Back in 2014 when I had my first Düsseldorf Curry, I failed to locate Punjabi Tandoori near Heinrich-Heine Alle, which has most certainly gone. Having spotted Punjabi (Oberbilker Allee 202, 40227 Düsseldorf, Deutschland), this was enough to tempt. Located three stops from the Hauptbahnhof near Oberbilk U Bahnhof, Punjabi was actually not far from the rear side of the main train station.
I was hugely surprised on opening the door to Punjabi to find not a Curry House but a typical German Corner Bar. Clearly this was a new business, the décor had not been touched since its previous incarnation down to the top off an old Younger’s Tartan barrel on the wall. A Scottish welcome for Hector!
The Waitress brought the Menu, the second half of which was Italian Cuisine. Hector was not here for Pizza or Pasta. A Midday Menu for the week was also provided. I considered all of the Fish options then decided to go for Sabzi Gosht (€13.90), the Rice was inclusive.
Having spoken very little Deutsch over the last two days, I stuck to English. My attempt at ensuring that none of the Sabzi (Vegetables) would be Capsicum, ended up with the Waitress all set to back to the kitchen to ensure they could be added. I had to resort to – Ohne Paprika, keine Paprika. We agreed the Curry would be served – Indian Spicy.
A 0.25l bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.00) was brought with a Schumacher Biermat. Schumacher (Ostrasse) was where Hector was due to meet up with Dr. Stan, Steve, Dr. Katie and Mike. It has been a while since Dr. Katie was mentioned in these pages. Mike does a Beer Blog, so does Hector, once Curry-Heute is up to date, supposedly.
The only other customers were sitting around the corner so I took the opperchancity to photograph this most unlikely venue for a Curry House. Apart from a few ornaments at the window, there was nothing – Punjabi – about this Restaurant. Even the Musik was Elektro-Ambient with occasional sitar bursts. Electronic Musik in Dusseldorf? It’ll never come to anything.
My perspective changed when a Chap brought my Curry, it’s possible he was from the aforementioned part of the Indian Subcontinent.
Sabzi Gosht
Vapour rose from this very Hot Curry, just the way I like it. The Curry covered half of the plate, I estimated that two thirds of the plate was also covered in Rice, so quite an under-lap (sic). There was a drizzle of a fine Herb over the Rice.
The Lamb was cut relatively small and was abundant, as was the mass of Vegetables. I started noting the Vegetables: Carrots, Peas, Cauliflower, Cabbage.. Cabbage? I then realised there was raw Tomato and Cucumber buried here too, Lettuce, not Cabbage – Also!
The Masala looked Wonderful. This Masala was as Thick as one could hope for and decidedly Minimal, the ratio of Solids to Liquid was very favourable. This was far from – Soup – with a Dark, Rich, Peppery appearance.
The Flavour of the first intake was so familiar – Vesta. This took me back to the 1960s. Fortunately, despite a lack of Seasoning, the Flavours did start to develop beyond this. More depth was realised, Clove became the dominant Flavour. The Meat was giving off more Flavour than just – Lamb. The Vegetables provided the anticipated range of Textures and at times alternative Flavours, I really should be ordering Sabji more often.
This Curry was a slow burner, the Spice Level seemed to grow, by the end I had even re-evaluated the level of Seasoning. I would certainly order this again, but would warn Readers that if one cannot handle Cloves, then this is not for you.
The Bill
€15.90 (£14.32) Hector had been well fed.
The Aftermath
I had to ask how long Punjabi had been here. Four months was the answer. I wonder if they shall retain the present décor or transform it into Curryland? Chef was called from the kitchen he had no English which is strange if he was from Punjab. I believe he was made aware of what Curry-Heute is about.
I walked back to Ostrasse and passed the shockingly poor Jaipur Palace. Opposite Jaipur Palace is Rajdarbaar Tandoori Indisches Restaurant (Bahnstraße 63, 40210 Düsseldorf) which is one for the future.
