Holthausen? Anyone who has travelled between Köln and Düsseldorf has passed through Benrath. Who has ever alighted there? Today Hector did just that. Research had unearthed a Curry House of interest: Pak Royal Tandoori Art (Henkelstrasse 18, 40589 Holthausen, Düsseldorf, Deutschland). Hector makes no secret that when there are many Curry Houses to choose from, it’s Pakistani, not Indian, which are sought. Alighting at Benrath I took the U71 the seven stops further north to Holthausen. Pak Royal is located at the end of the shopping area in this Düsseldorf suburb.
The lights were on, it would have been a case of extreme frustration if Pak Royal had not been open all day as I had been led to believe. A one man show, Mein Host would also cook my Curry. I took my seat and was directed to a QR code on the table. Unfortunately, the trusty Oppo had been struggling since the moment I left Köln, even accessing my wonderful €9.00 travel ticket had taken an age. €9.00, valid for the month on all transport except IC/ICE. The QR code was taking me nowhere.
Up to the counter, this was probably a blessing. I was then able to discuss my requirements. Fish Korma (€12.90) was Mein Hosts’ suggestion. Alu Gosht (€13.50) became the choice, Rice included. A half litre of Sparkling Water (€1.90) completed the Order.
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The mound of Rice on the plate was shaped as a heart. Ah. As is the Euro norm, more Rice than I could eat.
Alu Gosht
Topped with Syboes, the Masala was minimal, as I had asked. Herbs were mixed through the Masala. The peripheral Oil was conspicuous by its absence. I counted at least eight pieces of Meat, there was even more Potato. This was a lot of Curry.
The Spice didn’t appear to be significant at the start, but this grew in time. Mein Host had returned to his area of relaxation. From there our conversation continued. He asked of the Spice was OK, I assured him it was, but more importantly, his Curry had Seasoning. I was asked from where I came. Mein Host recognised the number of Pakistani restaurants in Glasgow.
The Meat ranged from Tender to chewy. The Meat would prove to be the weakest part of the meal. Dry, and not giving much Flavour, it was definitely playing second fiddle to the Potato. Presumably, the Potato had also been precooked, whatever it had been sat in had added that something extra special. The Potato was the highlight, full on Flavour here.
Tangy and Cloves – were the two things noted when I licked the last of the Masala from the spoon. Too often, one encounters what I have come to describe as the Euro-Curry Taste, probably from a ubiquitous paste used across the continent. Today’s Curry was certainly not of this ilk. This was a Curry with its own pedigree. Moderately Spiced, Seasoning and a distinct Flavour, this is what the Hector seeks.
The Bill
€15.40 (£13.32) Paid by card.
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card and congratulated Mein Host on his Curry. He assured me that what he serves is how he would cook it at home.
The U77 terminus is at Holthausen, fifteen minutes later I joined the chaps at Füchsen, almost a door to door service. This makes a return to Pak Royal Tandoori Art all the more likely.
Menu extracts
