With no direct flights from Sardegna to Scotland, there had to be a stop-off somewhere. Berlin proved to be the most economical route home. Marg’s friends always assume she is going to – Germany – on holiday anyway, so why disappoint? The Ibis in Neukölln had the most attractive price, they should make a point of informing the public that Bus 171 from Schönefeld drops you almost at the door. Hopfenreich and Sadhu are located at the northern end of this – garden suburb – which reminds me of – Wedding – a decade ago. There are many Curry Houses here to choose from, I refined my search to – Pakistani – rather than – Indian – it was Chelany (Friedelstraße 41, 12047 Neukölln Berlin, Germany) that stood out.
We arrived just after 17.00, two tables outside were occupied in what felt like a very mild afternoon after the heat of the Mediterranean. We took a window table, by choice, in the empty interior. Having studied the Menu in advance online, I knew I was having – Maschli Masala – (€10.40), the promise of – redfish fillet with different vegetables seasoned to regional type (hot) – had me won.
Having missed her summer holiday lunchtime salad, Marg was ready for Curry-Heute. Lamm Dahiwala (€10.50) – lamb with different spices, and almonds in yoghurt sauce – was almost the definition of a – Marg Curry, and the antitheses of a Hector Curry. Both descriptions used the word – different – I wondered in what way this would be so. As is the custom in European Curry Houses, Basmati was included in the price of the Main Courses. A 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.90) – ouch – would complete the Order. For €5.80 we could have had 800ml of any other Soft Drink, unglaublich.
With bubbles – said the Waiter as he took the Order. I showed him a certain page on – Curry-Heute – and asked that – no Paprika – be included in our Curry. This invoked no reaction, not a problem then. We agreed on – Scharf – for the Fish Curry and – Medium – for the Lamb Curry.
The candles were already lit when we entered. There was a pleasant ambience at Chelany’s – Cafe, Bar and Restaurant, I wonder if people come here and do not dine?
When the food arrived, I assumed it was headed to another table such was the quantity being presented. In addition to the Curry, a big puffed up Bread, and a Salad accompanied. I thought I was having my first ever – Dosa – but this was thicker than a Dosa. I looked it up – Bhatura – or in other words a big – Puri. The Rice was to share, there was, as ever, more than we could eat. Fortunately, this time, there would be little wastage.
Maschli Masala
The Curry was piled high in the metal bowl. This looked like a mountain of Curry, though as we decanted, it was noticeable that the bowls had false bottoms. Still, a decent portion.
Ginger Strips topped the mass of – Red Curry, this colour could not have been natural. Big Blobs of Onion – stood out in the red, blended, Masala, I was already speculating as to how much Capsicum would have been present had I not asked for it to be withheld. More Onion than Fish was how this Curry appeared. Pieces of half cooked Tomato completed what the Menu described as – different vegetables. I think Chef could have used more imagination here, there was nothing special or – different – about this limited array.
The – Ginger Blast – was the first Flavour to register. Hector has been denied this for well over two weeks, a good start. The Curry was far from – Scharf. The Spice Level was way down, there was hardly a – kick – here at all. The Seasoning was not even on the scale. After the well seasoned Curry served in Cagliari, this was approaching – Bland. It was the Bread which came to the rescue somehow sweet and savoury. The Fish was delightfully – Soft – not the rubbery texture that too often prevails. There was simply too high a ratio of Onion to Fish.
I had been so looking forward to a decent Fish Curry, I’m afraid, this was not it.
Lamm Dahiwala
Hector had the – Big Blobs of Onion – Marg had the copious – Yellow Sauce. Both together would be Hector’s – Nightmare Curry.
I’m loving this – was Marg’s first utterance.
Topped with Ginger Strips, Almonds and a hint of a Herb which could have been Coriander, this Curry was well presented. The Creamy, Yellow Masala was decidedly – Soupy. The colour apart, this was Marg’s ideal Curry. We have come to accept that in both Patia and Korma, Chicken actually works better with this type of Masala. Marg was more than happy with the Lamb. As ever, a Soupçon came in Hector’s direction.
The overt – Sweetness – here ironically enhanced my enjoyment of the Maschli Masala. I asked Marg if she found the Lamb to be – Dry. Again, after the re-introduction of Lamb to Hector’s diet in Cagliari, this Lamb was approaching – Flavourless. It had most likely just met the Masala at the time of serving. I would challenge that this was a Curry, however, this is what Marg likes.
I think the Bread is gorgeous – she added. The Bhatura was a pleasant bonus deep-fried flatbread which Marg would not otherwise touch. Marg took care of the Salad.
A different waiter came to clear the table, we asked yet another for – The Bill. He offered us – Schnapps.
Zehr Früh – was the reply. The staff at Chelany were all very pleasant.
The Bill
€26.80 (£24.14) Later at Augustiner Gendarmenmarkt, I noted the price of Wiener Schnitzel at €23.50. Chelany’s value therefore speaks for itself.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was greeted with an air of familiarity, greater than in any other country. Curry-Heute – clearly makes more sense in Deutschland.
Menu – extracts
