At the risk of repeating myself, as if : Curry in Bamberg? I’ll be trying more Curry in Berlin at this rate.
The Fisch Madras (€12.90) at Ganesha Tandoori Indisches Restaurant (Egelstrasse 31, 96050 Bamberg Deutschland) impressed back in November, there had to be a return. Dr. Stan and Steve were both informed of our planned Curry at 13.00. Neither committed, however, Steve usually turns up on the day.
Having arrived some ten minutes early, I told the waiter we would be two or three. This seemed to cause him a problem. Was it two, or three? He showed us to a small table in the area which connects the front of this spacious restaurant to the rear. Moments later he offered us a second, slightly larger table. Better. Time to study the menu, ah drinks first, he insisted.
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Ein Sprudel bitte.
This caused a problem too, despite the 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water (€5.20) being listed as such.
Wasser mit Gas.
This was understood. In fact, Deutsch was soon dropped, our waiter found his English, it’s no wonder that mine erodes.
Applying the same logic that led me to the Fisch Madras last time, today it would be Lamm Madras (€13.90). The promise of fresh Mushrooms should preclude the addition of the unwelcome – Ballast. The menu showed a – two chilli – rating for both Madras and Vindaloo. At Ganesha, main courses come with Rice and a Naan.
Marg chose Mango Chicken (€5.90) from the Mittagsmenü. This would come with Rice, Salad and Dessert. Note: changes are not possible!
All round, both meals sounded like good value.
No sooner had we ordered when Steve joined us. Our waiter offered us an even larger table. Oh, why not?
Drinks first for Steve, a 0.4l glass of Cola (€3.30) was ordered. I was intrigued by the cost of both the Sparkling Water and the Cola, the latter was certainly more than we have been paying for Bier in Bamberg, the Water may be on a par.
Having chosen Steve’s usual Lamm Madras, he was up for something different. Lamm Palak (€13.90) was ordered.
For whatever reason, we were sat in isolation. The other diners were in the front room, the reverse of our November experience.
When the food arrived. The Rice came in a large karahi, to share. Once again, more Rice than a normal person would ever manage. In the UK, this would be about £10.00’s worth. Maybe Europe is awash with Rice?
The Naan were served – halved. Thin, but with a degree of puffiness, not bad at all. The shape was consistent with having been cooked in a Tandoor. The Buttery sheen was not Garlic, another positive, for me at least.
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Mango Chicken
The steel – Thali -platter always reminds me of modern day school dinners, or even prison movies. There was more Rice than anything else. The Curry occupied the top right and middle slots, at Ganesha, they like their creamy swirl. Four pieces of Chicken in one, two in the other. Six pieces of Meat in a lunchtime menu, impressive. Ground Cashew Nuts had been sprinkled on top of the two Curry portions. The Salad appeared to be no more than Lettuce, not that I was paying much attention there. The top left slot contained the Dessert – Mango Lassi. I wonder how many people have mixed this in with the Rice?
Marg cleared the lot, the manifestation of enjoyment:
A very fruity sauce. The small salad had a tangy dressing. An enjoyable meal, with mango pieces in the lassi. Enough food for a lunch.
Lamm Madras
I like the decorative Toppings: Coriander, Onion and another swirl of Cream. I counted at least eight pieces of Meat before I realised the rest of the solids were Button Mushrooms. The not excessive, blended Masala looked interesting. With the Coriander mixed through, this had the appearance of being a competent, Mainstream Curry.
The Spice immediately impressed, two chilli rated, indeed. A Curry this Spicy in Deutschland is quite a rarity. The Meat was decidedly Tender, but as expected, gave back only the Flavour of the Lamb itself. I presume this was the same Masala as I had in November, with Fish. Then I noted a slight Creamy Sweetness, not so today. The Seasoning was enough to let the Flavours from the Spices emerge. I was hardly aware of the Mushrooms as I ate. Dipping the Naan into the Masala was my distraction from Rice and Masala.
Indeed, this was a competent, Mainstream Curry, as good as one is going to find in this land. After two visits, I am starting to think that this may be the – go to – venue for Curry in Bamberg. But then, I’ve only had Madras.
Lamm Palak
I knew what was coming, I’ve tried this often enough in Europe. The Bitter Mash that accompanies a Palak Gosht in the UK has not reached Europe. Here, Spinach means a Creamy Curry. Had Steve studied a well known and reliable Curry Blog, he would have been aware of what to expect.
Having got over the Creaminess, Steve’s next remark was about the temperature of his meal: needs heating up. One wonders about the efficacy of the tea-light candles.
Tender meat, the sauce was thinnish. Subtly spiced, too much cream for my liking, pleasant enough.
I believe this was Steve’s way of asking – where was the Spice?
The Bill
€42.20 (£35.16) Three well fed diners.
The Aftermath
We were last out for the lunchtime shift.
Thank you for coming – was the farewell from our waiter whose English had lost any inhibition.