Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München) opened today at noon, Hector informed Steve and Howard that 13.00 was a better time to rendezvous, if desired. After a fairly intense night pursuing München’s other great attraction, who knows?
It was exactly 13.00 when I entered Indian Mango. Once again, Herr Batra was there to greet and bump fists. I took a small table, one of four in the space which once would have housed sixteen people. The Order was simple, more Fisch Chettinad (€14.00) and a glass of Fanta (€3.00). Chef again attracted my attention, he must enjoy making this off-menu Curry for Hector. The waiter, whom I can now identify as – Sebastian – came in for the start of his shift. How many years has it taken Hector to establish this?
Herr Battra chatted briefly, asking if I had noticed the kiosk Chat Junction selling Indian Streetfood, as I reached the top of the escalator at Isartor Bahnhof. Indeed I had. Stickers for Chat Junction adorned the walls of Indian Mango, it was only then the penny dropped. Chat Junction is an offshoot of Indian Mango. I asked Herr Battra about – the new boss. It is himself.
Steve arrived at 13.15, Fanta all round. Today Steve went Mainstream and ordered Mutton Masala Madras (€13.00). As is generally the custom in Mainland Europe, Main Courses come with Rice.
I was quite amused when both orders arrived together, Steve’s Curry was clearly straight from – The Big Pot.
Fisch Chettinad
Topped once more with a sliver of Tomato, Ginger Strips and a sprinkling of Coriander, this Curry yesterday was just too good not to have again. Once the Fish and the Thick Masala Mash were arranged on the plate, I wondered how I had managed to eat this and the Lamm Chettinad last evening. This was going to be a long, slow process, a meal to savour.
The Spice Level was – fierce – many could not have handled it. A Fish Curry with Seasoning, something one cannot take for granted. How many times have I had this – Wunder-Curry? It still astonishes. Today I managed to identify another ingredient. Curry Leaves, Tomato and Coriander Stems I have noted for over a decade, but here was Fruit. A Sultana probably, so well cooked into the Mash it was difficult to spot.
Steve was finished long before me, every mouthful of this amazing Curry was excruciating pleasure. Did I mention the Spice Level? Wow!
Good as this was, I had already decided that tomorrow I would be having something different. Having this on consecutive days, enough already.
Mutton Masala Madras
The same Toppings partially covered a Mainstream Soupy, Blended Masala. Looks like I’ll be having something similar tomorrow. Steve gave an audible tone of approval as he devoured his Curry, and he already had Breakfast this morning. How can people eat so much?
Some of the meat was not tender, but good enough. Fairly bog standard Curry … bits of fresh ginger and coriander.
So, not up to the standard of the Lamm/Fisch Chettinad, but then what possibly could be?
Herr Battra brought Complimentary Dessert. This is what we had missed yesterday, the little flourish to complete the meal.
The Bill
€36.00 (£32.14) Is it not about time the Euro devalued?
The Aftermath
*
Herr Battra was sitting with us as Howard arrived, he took the adjacent table. Back to Chat Junction, this is reportedly going to become a franchise. A new kitchen was mentioned, a hand gesture suggested close by. Hector is only likely to sample the fayre from Chat Junction if it is also available at Indian Mango. Eating on the street, I don’t get it.
Howard had the Fisch Chettinad, he loved it.