Schöneiche bei Berlin – Badshah Indische Restaurant – One of two Berlin Badshahs

Yesterday, as we alighted from our ICE at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, a chap engaged me in Deutsch on the platform. Assuming he was asking for directions, I had to admit to being – ein Auslander – and so could not help him. He switched to English:

You are Hector Curry-Heute, I read your blog.

I have been recognised in Glasgow restaurants, but never like this and certainly not in a foreign land. I mention this here, I may have to repeat this event in person and in further blogs. I had to ask for a recommendation – Badshah – was forthcoming.

Google does not show a Badshah in Berlin city, but two, some twenty-five kilometres to the east. One is at Schöneiche bei Berlin, the other at Petershagen/Eggersdorf. Schöneiche was easier to reach. Covid 19 restrictions permitting, Hector is due back in Berlin with Marg next week. I believe Marg has always wanted to visit Petershagen.

With Lord Clive of Crawley in tow, Hector headed east by S Bahn to Friedrichshagen where Tram 88 took us to the leafy suburb of Schöneiche. Badshah Indische Restaurant (Hubertusstrasse 7, Schöneiche bei Berlin, 15566 Deutschland) is located in a residential area, the building has the hallmark of having been built as a Bar-Restaurant before it became a Curry Haus.

I had phoned before setting off to ensure the advertised noon opening was valid, all was well. On arrival, two chaps were sitting in the garden, they may have been brothers. We were their first customers of the day.

The Menu had the Mainstream Euro-Curry elements, with Ente (Duck) included. I read out the Lamm Dishes to Clive, Lamm Dhansek (€13.70) was last on the list. Clive rarely passes on the opperchancity to have a Dhansak. For Hector, Lamm Sabji (€13.80) has become the Euro-fallback. This guarantees some – Interesting Vegetables.

As ever I asked that no Paprika should appear. Rice was confirmed as being inclusive.

Drink was required, the warmest day of our trip, so far. A 0.4l glass of Fanta (€3.50) was demolished in no time, a second was required. Even Clive had a second 0.25l bottle of Still Water (€2.20).

Having taken the Order, the chaps addressed us from behind the counter.

Spicy?

We agreed – Spicy – but not at a crazy level.

Complimentary Poppadoms and three Dips were presented, we were warned that the bottom one was – Spicy. With the embedded Cumin Seeds, both were tasty.

A sensible volume of Basmati was presented along with a Side Salad to share. Salad? We are in Deutschland, but not München, it was going to be a challenge to follow the three outstanding days featuring Indian Mango.

That’s all – joked the waiter. Ah, the German sense of humour

The Curry followed moments later.

Lamm Sabji

Ginger strips and a tiny sprinkling of Coriander topped a Creamy Shorva. The Vegetables were protruding though the surface of the Masala. Seven pieces of Meat were arranged over the Rice, time to identify the range of Vegetables. Green Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower and small bits of Courgette provided the array of Interesting Vegetables. Hector was firmly back in the land of the Mainstream.

The – Kick – was set at a decent level, a well judged Spice Level. The Seasoning was also satisfactory. Flavour-wise, this Curry certainly impressed. The Lamb was Tender, quality Meat. The Vegetables, Courgette aside, were al dente, exactly how I like them. This combination of Meat and Vegetables worked well, the variety of Textures is what I sought. I had to take a break, eating too quickly comes at a price. I sensed the chaps thought they had given me too Spicy a Curry, not the case.

There was nothing out of the ordinary here, but I will describe this Curry as being way better than the Euro-norm. Enjoyable, Mainstream Curry.

Lamm Dhansek

This Curry looked nothing like the photo on the Menu. It was difficult to tell it apart from the Sabji. One would have assumed a Thicker Masala with the presence of Lentils, however, this appeared to be the same Shorva, Coconut Milk suspected.

The meat is amazingly tender – was Clive’s opening remark. Clive knows his Dhansak, he has had a few in his time. It was clear that he was particularly enjoying this one.