Wien – Flavours of India – What was not to like?

Hector was last in Wien in 1980 as part of – the long way home trip – from Israel. Overcome with a need to see something in the Arts, a theatre box office was visited.  Back then, the Deutsch for – today – was unknown, nay luck then. When this word was eventually learned, a subliminal step was taken towards the title of this Blog – Curry-Heute.

Prior to today, the only Österreich Curry-Heute review was for Restaurant Sangam Wok & Curry (Feldkirch) near the Liechtenstein border. Various sources have proved this to be a widely read review.

There are presently sixty nine Curry Houses in Wien, a lot to choose from. Rather than simply go to the most popular venue, Flavours of India (Lichtentalergasse. 20, 1090 Wien Österreich) was chosen, a source suggested it was opened quite recently.

Marg and Hector entered Flavours of India just after noon, we were not the first customers, the Restaurant opens daily at 11.00 (until 22.00). We took a corner table in the L-shaped room, die Hausherrin brought the Menu. As is the lunchtime way, Marg would have a Starter whilst Hector would have his Curry. Lamm Sabzi (€10.90) would satisfy the need for Meat with Vegetables, Jeera Rice (€3.30) would accompany. For Marg, Veg Pakora (€6.50) with a 500ml glass of Mango Lassi (€2.20). This was a very good price for Mango Lassi. Our Hostess came to take the Order.

Prickelnd v vom Fass

As always, Hector desired Sparling Water, and as much of it as possible at a decent price. A 750ml bottle (€5.20) was on the Menu, pricey, once again. Bier was better value, but it was early. Marg saw – vom Fass – and unwittingly looked at the Bier prices. She was then convinced no large bottles of Sparkling Water were available, but saying – vom Fass – had planted – Bier – in Our Hostess’ mind. Hector asked for a large bottle of Sparkling Water regardless.

Returning from a tour of the premises, Hector found Marg sitting with both large and small bottles of Sparkling Water plus her Mango Lassi. A Bier had been sent back, apologies all round.

As requested, all the food arrived together.

Vegetable Pakora

The Pakora was light in colour and almost glistened. This was freshly made Pakora, not the double fried that prevails. There was a lot of it, a dozen pieces or so of various sizes, Mango Chutney accompanied.

Marg found both Cauliflower and Potato together in the Pakora which was quite novel. That she likened this Pakora to the Akash (Helensburgh, Scotland) is as positive as Marg could be. Not one piece came Hector’s way, though the Mango Lassi was sampled, excellent.

There was enough food on Hector’s plate anyway.

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The Jeera Rice was spead across the plate, a generous portion rich in Cumin Seeds, exactly what was required.

Lamm Sabzi

The Vegetables stood out in the Thick Masala. The Topping was presumably – Ground Almonds. This Curry had potential. I counted the Meat content into double figures as I decanted most of the pot on to the Rice. Peas, Sweetcorn and Carrots were part of the mix, a fine array of – Interesting Vegetables. The ratio of the slightly Creamy Masala to Solids was very favourable, this was a suitably – Dry Curry, the antithesis of the – soupy rubbish – served to Marg and Hector two nights ago in Bratislava. .

We have Seasoning – was my first remark to Marg. Indeed, the Flavours from the various Vegetables were complemented by the significant presence of Cumin. The Meat, though Tender, was the only let down. The Lamb gave off no sense of Spice and no Flavour other than the Lamb itself. The Spice Level was moderate, I could have done with a bigger – kick. Spice Level was never discussed. I marvelled at the variety of Textures in this Curry, what was not to like? Lamb Sabzi does not appear often enough in Menus around the World, it is a worthy alternative to Hector’s usual – Karahi Gosht.

The Bill

€27.60 (£23.79) How much of this was Water?

The Aftermath

Our Hostess accepted the Calling Card and expressed interest in Curry-Heute. I established that the present management took over these premises only four months ago. and that Flavours of India operate a successful – Mittags Buffet – which attracts many office workers from the surrounding area.

Our visit today was very pleasant, I wish them well.

Later today…

In the middle of our excellent evening at The Brick Makers, news flashed up on the still trusty Huawei that Paul Raymond of – UFO – had joined – The Immortals.  Marg and Hector saw Paul last week in Glasgow  performing on the final – UFO  – Last Orders – tour.