Hector is back in Köln for a few days, this time with The Chaps. Before settling down next door in the Altes Brauhaus to watch a game of footay, where the home team were robbed, Steve was happy to accompany Hector on the return to Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstrasse 53, 50678, Köln).
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Köln Sud, we like playing here.
It was 18.15 when we entered the near empty restaurant. The open kitchen lies to the left, here one can order Takeaway also. Mein Hostess acknowledged us as we passed by even though she was busy on the phone.
The extensive menu was brought, today it was time for Beef – Rind Aloo Bhuna – (€10.50) with the Paprika withheld was Hector’s choice. We agreed upon – above middle Spice. Lamm Madras Curry (€9.50) for Steve, for a change. When Steve ordered a Garlik Naan (€3.00) I added a Chilli Naan (€3.00). Sparkling Water (€2.50) and a Fanta (€2.50) completed the Order.
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A few more diners arrived as we waited. In a restaurant that seats eighty in one open room, the place was decidedly quiet. Restaurant? Perhaps Indian Curry Basmati House is closer in style to a Curry Cafe.
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The Bread had been scored into four pieces but retained its integrity, pleasing. A sensible size for one person, Steve would manage the lot, Hector all but a crumb. The Chilli Naan also had Coriander, even more pleasing. A bit on the the thin side, it had risen sufficiently, particularly around the edges, here it was suitably – puffy. The Garlic had not been overdone on the Garlik Naan.
Rind Aloo Bhuna
This was quite a plateful. First thing to notice: this was Curry with Rice, the latter being relatively minimal for Europe. Ordering the Naan was certainly justified. I counted the Meat into double figures. Initially I spotted four pieces of Potato, more were encountered. There was still enough Beef.
In the past, when I have been here on a more regular basis, I have asked for tweaks, principally added Methi on top. No such indulgence today. The missing Paprika was more than compensated for by the presence of largely cut Onions. The Masala was decidedly – red – and more than one would expect in a – Bhuna.
The Seasoning registered immediately which was surprising after my assault at Bombaywalla (Glasgow) last Saturday. The Spice kicked in also, no bland Curry here. Indeed, it was Chilli which was the dominant Flavour here. This place always had its own distinctive – root taste – that was missing this evening. Beef always chews drier than Lamb, the Meat was suitably – Tender. Apart from the – beefiness – the Meat was adding little more. The Potato had not been given time to absorb Flavour from the Masala.
With the Chillies from the Bread, there was a definite – kick – to this Curry. It was a more a matter of filling a hole than being one to rave about. It is also likely that Hector has found better venues in Köln and so the level of expectation has been raised.
Lamm Madras Curry
Evidently, the food was served – hot.
The discrepancy in the quantity of solids was plain to see. The red Masala was possibly a bit thinner than the Bhuna. With a comparable Curry to Rice ratio, again, this needed the Naan accompaniment.
It was quite enjoyable – began Steve – not quite Madras. I think the sauce was intense, needed more Garlic. The odd bit of Cardamom, mostly Tomato and Chilli. It hit the spot, good for the price.
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One goes up to the counter to pay, and so we did, separately.
The Bill
€16.00 (£13.61) for Hector, Steve was charged €15.50
The Aftermath
There was a quick chat with Mein Hostess. I pointed out that it is nearly five years since my last visit. She of course mentioned – Covid.
It was chucking it down as we walked the three metres to Altes Brauhaus. Reissdorf Kölsch awaited. That was never a penalty.