Having enjoyed outstanding Curry in Bratislava at Lahore Indian & Pakistani Restaurant in the last few days, the thought of Mainstream Euro-Curry did not exactly excite. I could have played safe and returned to either Natraj – Indian Cuisine or Flavours of India, visited earlier this year.
Instead, the taste of the South Indian Subcontinent came to mind. Curry Lanka (Neubaugürtel 24, 1070 Wien Österreich) was near the Westbahnhof minutes from the Ibis where I had stayed, and reportedly open at lunchtime. As happens too often in Google Maps, not only was Curry Lanka not open, there was no sign of life. Why do businesses not update their information?
PROSI Indian Restaurant (Kandlgasse 44, 1070 Wien Österreich) was minutes away, sources suggested South Indian, what chance a Chettinad? Entering @12.30, there was a handful of people sitting in the the larger seating area to the right. As a solo diner I was directed to my left towards a line of smaller tables. Ah, the Mittagsbuffet (€8.90) was set up here.
I had a glance, no thanks, nothing appealed. The only Meat Curry was Chicken, Hector has reluctantly, done his bit for Chicken Curry on this trip, no more, please.
I asked the charming lady who was serving for the Menu. The photo of the Malabar Mutton Curry (€11.90) showed a Dark and Thick Masala. Malabar, Coconut expected, I would take the risk. However, I did return to my usual and asked for – Kein Paprika. To accompany, I asked for Rice (€2.00).
Across the street from the restaurant was a large supermarket also called PROSI presumably selling Asian ingredients. Kochkurs – was written above an adjacent doorway, they offer cookery lessons too. PROSI appears to be quite an empire. An Austrian Empire catering for the hungry?
A plate was placed before me on which was the Curry in a bowl and an upturned jelly mould with the Rice. The Rice portion was decidedly modest, manageable, for once I knew I would manage every grain.
Malabar Mutton Curry
The Curry was decidedly lighter and soupier in appearance than the Menu had conveyed. On decanting, the Masala was found to be much more viscous than first thought, quite acceptable. The Meat was cut small, the count just reached double figures, there would be enough to be regarded as a worthy portion.
The hoped for South Indian Smokey Flavour was there. The Meat was so soft, it was approaching – melt in the mouth. Finely chopped Onions were mixed through the Masala. When I unearthed the skin of a Dried Red Chilli, I knew I had the real thing here. Additionally, there was Tomato, Curry Leaves, and Onion/Mustard Seeds in the Masala. The Creaminess, presumably from Coconut Milk, was not overdone. I did not sense any Coconut grittiness.
The Spice hit the palate, the Seasoning was well judged, all the makings of a decent Curry. Only one thing spoiled it, the food was not hot enough. Either the (microwaved?) Rice had cooled very quickly, or the Curry could have been heated more.
*
The Bill
€14.10 (£12.05) The modest Rice portion was inclusive, as is the Euro-norm.
The Aftermath
The lady who had served was given the Calling Card and Curry-Heute was introduced. One expects this to work best when Deutsch is spoken, still there was a hesitancy.
How was it? – I was asked.
You gave me what I was looking for today, the South Indian smokey flavours.
Menu extracts
