Curry in Bamberg? Hector has tolerated as much as enjoyed, the so-called Indian fayre served in this Franconian city famed for its Bier. Curry was not part of the plan during the two day stopover, however, on seeing yet another new Curry House, it had to be.
Ganesha Tandoori Indisches Restaurant (Egelestrasse 31, 96050 Bamberg Deutschland) is located halfway between Fässla/Spezial and Mahr’s/Keesmann, for those who groan at the prospect of another Bräuhaus Menu, an ideal place to stop off between brewery taps.
Marg had a late breakfast and so her traditional snack to accompany Hector’s main course was agreed. We arrived at Ganesha, a converted Bräuhaus, around 13.00. The décor immediately impressed. Someone has invested heavily in these premises. With two rooms behind the main dining area and bar, Ganesha alone could more than satisfy the apparently increasing demand for Indian Cuisine in Bamberg.
The menu was on the table, the first pages covered the extensive Mittagsmenü, I was almost tempted by the Fish Curry here, but having studied the online menu, I had my heart set on the Fisch Madras (€12.90). That this included Mushrooms should surely add to the Diversity, and reduce the risk of the offending Vegetable being added. As always I asked for – Ohne Paprika. The Curry would be served with Rice and a Naan, so potentially way more food than Hector could eat at this time of day. Marg found Vegetable Pakoras (€4.50). The plural intrigued. A 0.75l bottle of Sprudel (€5.20) completed the Order. Yes, Sparkling Water is still dearer than Bier in Bamberg.
Three other tables in the main room were occupied. We were aware of a group sat beyond. Thali appeared to be manner in which the presumably Lunchtime deals were being served.
The food was assembled on the table. The Rice portion was as expected, a Euro-portion, so it goes. The Naan, cut into four pieces, glistened, a buttery sheen. The teardrop shape and the burnt blisters confirmed this was from a Tandoor as the name of the restaurant suggested. Despite being thinner than Hector’s idyll, this would certainly do.
Vegetable Pakoras
Marg’s – Pakoras – numbered eight decent sized pieces. With no local factory to mass produce them, one assumes these were made on the premises. Despite there being a Salad of sorts in the middle of her plate, Marg ordered some Mango Chutney, three Dips quickly followed.
*
Marg was nearly beaten after piece #7, in time, all was consumed:
A large starter with eight pieces, freshly made, crispy and doughy in the middle allowed me to use up the sauces. The salad had a Marie Rose sauce which added freshness to the meal.
Fisch Madras
Served atop a tea-light stand, the presentation was elaborate. A garnish of Onion Rings and a threat of Coriander was a departure from the near ubiquitous Ginger Strips. The Masala looked so familiar, a standard Blended Euro-Masala, I have seen this unnatural orange colour too often perhaps. I did like the consistency, far from Shorva.
Expectations were not high. After the extreme pleasures of Curry served in Athena and of course more recently at Indian Mango (München), it was time to adjust, evaluation would be based on Mainstream European Curry Houses.
I decanted a sensible portion of Rice then arranged the five large pieces of Fish on top. Mushrooms were encountered, not that many. However, and most importantly, the Mushrooms were fresh.
I started by dipping Naan into the Masala, both impressed. The Butter was not – Garlic Butter – so a positive. Despite being thin, this was a worthy Tandoori Naan. The Seasoning in the Masala was decidedly – brave. This was going to be a way better experience than I had envisaged.
The Fish, shrouded in Spice, was halved. Who knows what the Fish was? It was soft and retained integrity, and … it tasted of – Fish! This had the makings of a decent Curry Experience.
There was hint of Creamy Sweetness which was thankfully drowned by the Savoury. The Creaminess was well within acceptable parameters. I continued eating the Fish and Masala with Rice and dipping Naan into the remaining Masala.
I had a Fish Curry as good as I could have hoped for. Boxes were being ticked. The only negative was the number of Mushrooms, more would have been even better. Hector likes Mushrooms in his Curry.
*
The waiter checked on our enjoyment, I was keen to convey my pleasure. Curry in Bamberg? This must be the best yet, but be aware, for a long, long time, standards here were the pits. Whatever Curry revolution happened in nearby Erlangen must have spread to the hinterland.
The Bill
€22.60 (£19.15) For more food than I could eat.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented. The waiter’s English surfaced. I had assumed that Ganesha must be part of a chain, yet this name has not featured in this part of Deutschland. Ganesha is one of twelve outlets, the business began in Bayreuth to the east of Bamberg. I was told these premises were established some three years ago, however, this puzzles. Two years ago I visited Bella Tandoori which was the new kid on the block. Surely I would have spotted Ganesha?
Ganesha, I shall return, it’s hard to find a satisfying Fish Curry, today I did.
Menu extracts
