München – Indian Mango – Vindaloo !

Lord Clive of Crawley has joined – The Company – and was more than happy to accompany Hector for the ritual visit to Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München). Today is Monday, since 2013 this has been the – Ruhetag – at Indian Mango, new management, new hours. Clive had Fisch Chettinad (€14.00) in mind, for Hector, it had to be something different having enjoyed this outstanding Curry in each of the past two days.

We arrived at Indian Mango around noon, Howard arrived a few minutes later, Steve was in hiding. Herr Batra, Mein Host, and the other Chef were manning the shop. The – Mittagskarte – was what Hector had in mind, Lamb Vindaloo (€8.50), whilst Howard opted for the Fish Curry (€7.50), plus a Roti (€1.50). A glass of Fanta (€3.00) and two bottles of Still Water (€3.50) completed the Order.

The tables in the main dining area had been restored since yesterday, a different day, different rules? A couple of ladies took up the table to my right, a lone lady diner to my left. Most of the business during our visit was – Takeaway.

When one orders from the Lunch Card, the Curry is presented with Rice already on the plate, half and half, as was reconfirmed at the table to my left. I was surprised therefore when our Curry pots and separate Rice appeared on the counter, these are for a la carte only.

Fisch Chettinad

What more needs to be written? If anyone has more to add, please let – minnow. This is quite simply a unique Curry. Yesterday I spotted Sultanas for the first time, today, Clive’s contained a whole, dry, smoked Chilli. I recommended that he leave this alone, he complied. Clive emitted many – excellents – whilst he ate.

I had to have the Chettinad, I was not disappointed.

Fish Curry

The aroma was powerful, one could easily tell there was Fish being cooked in the house. The standard toppings were present, the sliver of Tomato, Ginger Strips and a sprinkling of Coriander. The Masala was decidedly – Shorva.

It is many years since I have sampled this Curry. I was surprised at the extent to which Howard enjoyed it, we have disagreed about Fish Curry in the past. Today’s impressed, albeit with the caveat – this was not the Fisch Chettinad:

I’ve now had the opportunity to compare the Fish Curry and the Fisch Chettinad. The Fish Curry is still one of the best I’ve ever had, but the Fisch Chettinad, in terms of its dryness and complexity of flavours, wins hands down. The only issue of note was the Roti, which was nondescript.

Indeed, the Wholemeal Roti was like a poor man’s Pitta. The Bread at Indian Mango does not match the quality of the Curry.

Lamb Vindaloo

Yesterday, Steve had the Mutton Masala Madras, I was expecting the same Soupy Masala, that was not to be. This Masala was rich, viscous, and described as being – red – though this looked to be a function of the natural ingredients, no nasty colouring here. There was an abundance of Seeds mixed through the Masala, Tomato probably, but they could easily have been from Chillies.

Chillies in a Vindaloo, in Europe? Come on.

This is Indian Mango, not a Mainstream Curry House by any means. Yesterday’s Chettinad was Spicy, this more-so, indeed a Vindaloo. The underlying Flavour was decidedly – Indian Mango, the Seasoning was there too.

Ten pieces of Meat and four bits of Potato, this was clearly not the – Mittagskarte – portion, nor was Howard’s. The Lamb was not the most Tender, chewing was required, and this released even more Spice. No prisoners were being taken here, be warned, this Lamb Vindaloo ticks all the boxes.

This is eye watering – I exclaimed. The lady beside me smiled as I wiped a tear away from my cheek. In time, Tomato emerged as the root Flavour, Tomato Seeds then?

As is often the case, I was last finished. Herr Batra cleared the table.

That was Spicy!

Mein Host chuckled.

Chai was offered, but declined, not Hector’s cup of tea.

The Bill

€41.50 (£37.05) Paid separately. Howard and Hector were indeed charged at the Mittagskarte rate. This was our third consecutive day at Indian Mango, we have filled the coffers.

The Aftermath

November is the next planned trip to München, though the way things are going in the UK, the Germans may not let us back in.

It was time to focus on the next part of the day, a trip to Kloster Andechs.