Curry in Berlin, not something that sets the pulse racing, as was borne out last November when Hector didn’t bother. Swera and Sadhu have proved that decent Curry is there to be had, there’s also India Club for fine dining. However, I have yet to find the venue that has that something special, as experienced at Royal Punjab (Köln) three days ago. Another medium, which ranks all restaurants across every city, has Vedi’s Indisches Restaurant (Schönhauser Allee 142, Prenzlauer Berg, 10437 Berlin, Deutschland) ranked #1 for this cuisine. Can all of the good people of Berlin be wrong? After the chaps at Bräugier sent me to Bahadur a couple of years back, I have every reason not to raise my hopes.
Prenzlauer Berg, Hector’s playground in Berlin, home to the aforementioned Bräugier and also Manifest Taproom which I visit on every trip. I am also therefore aware of Naan (opposite Manifest) and Chutnify (on the walk between the two Craft Beer outlets). Another source rates Chutnify comparatively low, but it’s always busy. One day, however, there’s another twenty Curry Houses in this area to distract.
We arrived at Vedi’s at 16.45, a smoking couple were sat in the enclosed outside eating area, the interior of the restaurant was empty. Vaccination Passports scanned, we were shown to a window table as were the following three sets of diners. By the time we departed, some ten diners were inside.
The décor at Vedi’s is outstanding, perhaps this is why others rate it so highly. I insisted Marg visit the facilities, the fountain is a hoot, and complements the most modern of fittings. Ambience, décor, these are not the parameters by which Curry-Heute rates a Curry House, it’s all about the food.
Marg had eaten earlier and so would have Indischer Masala Chai (€2.80). For Hector, Mutton Vindaloo (€13.90) with the accompanying Rice and Salad. Other Dishes featured the inevitable – Paprika. No Karahi for Hector today, it would have to be a Mainstream Curry. A 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.40) completed the Order. Berlin appears to be the opposite of Köln. Here, Water is dearer than Bier, Cola is not.
From my seat I could see through the hatch into the kitchen. Takeaway customers were dealt with first. The Tea arrived with the Sparkling Water, the three young chaps serving were not exactly being overrun, however, Marg thought other customers were waiting a long time for their drinks. The Curry did not arrive in an instant which was pleasing, in fact it took half an hour.
When I saw the pot of Rice, I thought – here we go again. Ah, but this was the pot with the false bottom, still more Rice than a Hector could eat, but only a couple of spoonfuls would go to waste.
Mutton Vindaloo
The grated Coconut stood out in the Shorva-esque Masala. I can handle a bit of Coconut, hopefully this would not distort the overall Flavour. I decanted the solids, easily into double figures, then I realised some were Potato, but only three. Three pieces of Potato in a Vindaloo, more required, surely?
The moment of truth, not bad at all. There was a sense of building Spice. The Spice would never reach a demanding level, clearly pitched for the German palate. The Seasoning was sound, this Curry had a chance of impressing the Hector. The Mutton was Tender-firm, well cooked Meat. By the time I added the remaining Masala to the Rice, I realised I could have done with some more. So, not excessive Masala.
The Mutton Vindaloo was enjoyable, it was never going to win accolades in Curry-Heute. What stood out is what was not present. Too often one encounters the great – Euro-Curry Taste, as if Chefs were all using the exact same mix of Spices, or the same cookbook. This Curry had its own degree of distinctiveness, a more than Competent Curry.
The Bill
€22.50 (£18.91) And not a tablecloth in sight.
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card to the chap who dealt with the payments. It was politely received.
Thank you for your compliment – he said.
Did you? – observed Marg as he withdrew.
Menu extracts
