After the addition of two venues in Neukölln, today, it was back to Kreuzberg and familiar territory: Swera (Bergmannstr. 103, 10961, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Deutschland) for the final Curry of this trip. My first visit to Swera with Marg at the end of 2016 concluded with quite a statement: This is the Best Curry I have ever had in Berlin. The follow up visit two years ago led me to the same conclusion. So, nothing to live up to then.
Making the short hop from Neukölln to Kreuzberg, we arrived at Swera just after 14.00. The outside tables were occupied, as always we went inside. The interior was empty.
Menus were brought with three Poppadoms accompanying. Despite being well toasted and containing Cumin Seeds, the Poppadoms remained untouched. Is Marg becoming bored with Poppadoms also?
Having had Fish and Lamb in the past two days, it was time for something completely different – Battak Sabzi – (€13.10) fitted the bill, Duck and Mixed Vegetables. Sabzi has featured in both previous visits, more than just Meat and Masala, how Hector likes his Curry. As is the European way, this would include Rice and a Salad.
The Salad would be taken care of by Marg, in addition to this, Onion Bhaji (€4.90) would form her lunch. Selter’s Classic was the Sparkling Water served yesterday at Avtaar, this was on Swera’s menu also. 750Ml for €5.50, Mainland Europe knows how to charge for Water. In the end, it was a bottle of San Pellegrino which arrived.
Onion Bhaji
When Marg and I attended a cookery demonstration in Jaipur, we were told there is no such thing as Onion Bhaji. My perception is that it is a poor version of Pakora. There was a Curry House in Köln Sud which sold the largest Onion Bhaji ever seen, it closed before I had the opperchancity to sample the fayre. What was served today at Swera was a possibly unique interpretation of Onion Bhaji. Worms – is how I described this to Marg. Strips of Onion, deep fried in Batter. Marg is doing a lot of deep-fried currently. With the Salad and the three Dips, Marg had quite a lunch. She enjoyed it.
The Rice was more than a Hector could ever eat. I always regret leaving so much.
Battak Sabzi
Having asked for – no Paprika – the first thing I picked out was a piece of Green Pepper, just the one thankfully. Ginger Strips, Courgette, Cauliflower, Peas and Carrot were present. The – Interesting Vegetables – had been cut lengthwise, here was a manifestation of the imagination that I called for at Chelany two days ago. As I decanted the mass of solids, so the Duck reached double figures. This was a well put together Curry. With the mass of Meat and Vegetables, so the ratio of Solids to Masala was very pleasing. Not a – Dry Curry – by any means, but far from – Soup.
Where was the Spice? Curry should at least have something resembling a – kick. I did swallow a piece of Cardamom, never a good idea. So, Chef presumably had access to the required Spices, he just needed to be a bit heavier handed. Ginger and Cheese – said the description. I saw the Ginger, where was the Cheese? The Seasoning was just – OK, again restraint had been shown. With minimal Spice it was down to the Meat and Vegetables to work overtime. Duck gives far more to Curry than Chicken ever does. The Vegetables had not been cooked overlong and so here was a wonderful array of Textures. I was forgiving the lack of a – kick – when another way to make this Curry even better came to mind. Cashew Nuts, and more Spice. Has Hector not just described – Kung Po Duck?
There was no discussion about Spice Level at the time of ordering. May I suggest that those of us who desire a reasonably Spicy Curry should ask for it that way.
The Bill
€23.50 (£21.17)
The Aftermath
I shall most certainly return to Swera at some point in the future. Meanwhile a few doors along lies – Indian – and around the corner is – Arman. There are so many more venues to explore beyond these. Hector needs to get to Berlin more often.
Time for a sail along the Graaf anyone?
Menu extracts
