Berlin – Swera – An Unexpected Pleasure

So much for flying back to Blighty from Polska, nae chance. Not only was my flight from Warszawa to Manchester cancelled, a subsequent booking to Glasgow also disappeared. International trains in/out of Polska have also stopped. This morning at 00.45 I took a bus from Lodz to Poznan with a three hour layover to connect with the 06.50 bus to Berlin. Flixbus were at it, selling tickets for a bus that would never run. Some fifty people had to improvise. Four of us took an Uber to Slubice on the east bank of the River Oder. From there we walked across the bridge to Frankurt (Oder) – Deutschland. Who has ever heard of people walking to freedom into East Germany?

Two days in Berlin, the bars have been told to close, restaurants remain open. I decided to return to a familiar venue – Swera (Bergmannstr. 103, 10961, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Deutschland). Hector was taking no chances after the disaster that was Touch of India (Lodz).

This was only my fourth visit to Swera, it feels as if it should be more. Last year’s Curry did not live up to the expectation established in the first visit with Marg back in 2016. Then Marg had the impressive Gosht Subzi which I have subsequently had with Battak (Duck), not so impressive.

Taking no chances I ordered the Gosht Subzi (€11.80) – ohne Paprika, Scharf. Rice is inclusive which makes the Curry great value. Having been on the go for so long, I was a great big hungry old Hector, a Starter was called for – Maschli Pakora (€6.30). A 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.50) completed the Order. This is Deutschland, Bier would have been cheaper.

The waiter took the Order and congratulated me on my Deutsch, Curry Deutsch is easy. A couple were the only other diners when I entered just after 15.00, four more would arrive, Berlin is quieter than usual.

Poppadoms and three Dips were brought. The Flavour from the Cumin Seeds burst onto the palate, the accompanying Tamarind Dip was also special.

Maschli Pakora

The six pieces of Fish in a Spicy batter resembled Fish Fingers. They appeared to have been double fried, or – dinged – given their dryness. The Spice was there, the Seasoning was there, and so the Fishy Flavour came through, complemented by the leftover Dips. The Salad Garnish was annoying, why give me Capsicum when I had specifically said I didn’t want any in my Curry. I am not a fan of Rocket, and so much was left.

When the Curry and Rice arrived it was accompanied by a Side Salad, such a German tradition, which was a grander version of the Garnish. Again, much of this remained uneaten.

*

*

As is often the way, the Rice portion was huge, way more than a Hector could ever eat. However, today I managed most of it, so not such a waste.

Gosht Subzi

Topped with Ginger Strips, there was quite a mound of food in the karahi. The Vegetables were to the fore: Cauliflower, Onion, Peas, Courgette and Carrot. All were presented with a decent level of firmness, most enjoyable. The Meat count was into double figures, so doubly pleasing. The Masala was decidedly – Minimal – and had a reasonably thick texture. This Curry had the potential to be excellent.

The Seasoning registered immediately, success, I had found what I was looking for. The Meat, although a bit Dry, gave off way more Flavour than that of the Lamb itself. This Meat had been well Spiced. The Vegetables provided the – Diversity – I seek, thus putting me in a very happy place.

I went back to the pot for more Rice. Spooning on the last pieces of Meat, Vegetables and Masala, the level of satisfaction attained put Swera firmly back on the Curry map. This is definitely one of the best Curry Houses of the nine covered so far  in Berlin  by Curry-Heute.

How was the food? – I was asked in English. I was then offered a Mango shot.

Too early – I had to decline it. Another waiter offered me coffee on the house, again declined. It was Bier o’clock.

The Bill

€23.60 (£21.40) Sterling has gone way back down again.

The Aftermath

Bis nächstes Mal – said the waiter as I departed.

That’s my line.

And so to Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt, Bier Halls count as Restaurants. I was given a table away from everyone else. Tables have to be 1.5m apart, and people sat accordingly, the Police have instructed Restaurateurs. As of 08.00 tomorrow, Germany closes its northern borders, my – Bridge of Tries – crossing this morning may no longer be possible. My flight to Manchester on Tuesday may vanish. Here we go again.