Curry for the discerning palate, not what Restaurateurs think people can manage, is surely not too much to ask? Unfortunately, in Berlin, the latter prevails. In April of this year, Marg and Hector visited Chutnify (Sredzkistraße 43, 10435 Berlin Deutschland) in Prenzlauer Berg, Hector was impressed, Marg maybe less so. It was time to invoke the Curry-Heute Test, can they reproduce that which impressed previously?
Chutnify has always been busy when I have passed it walking between the Manifest Taproom and the original Bräugier. Steve found their phone number online before I did, and so it was he who managed to secure a table for 20.10. I have now learned via Google, that there is an online booking system, next time. Note the level of confidence, there will be a next time. Having read reviews on another source, Steve said he would never have picked Chutnify as a choice of venue. How many of these begin with – This was my first experience of Indian food?
We arrived at the agreed time, Chutnify was stowed, seating can be a bit cramped. A handful were dining outside as is the preference in summer, not in October. The only available inside table was the first one at the top of the first flight of stairs, opposite the bar. At least we were in.
Telangana Lamb (€19.00) is what impressed the Hector on Visit #1, I had warned Steve that there was likely only going to be one Lamb Curry on the menu. Again, this was the case. The majority of diners at Chutnify take the Thali option. The lady sitting closest to me had the sweet, puffy Bread that is served in many Berlin Curry Houses – Bhatura. I pointed this out to Steve as being worth a try. Strangely, this could only be served as part of a Thali, it’s not on the Bread list. A Cheese Naan (€4.50) became Steve’s Bread choice this evening. Both of us were having the Telangana Lamb, Rice is included.
It’s Spicy! – the waiter warned.
Good!
Bier seemed better value than Water at the point of ordering. There wasn’t much in it. Although printed menus are available on request, the staff at Chutnify encourage one to use the QR code and download their menu. We did so to pass the time after ordering. It was then I spotted Malabar Parotta (€3.00). Too late for this evening, I’ll definitely be back.
The Curry took minutes to arrive, no messing about here, they presumably have one Lamb Curry pot. Why is only Chicken Chettinad (€15.00) available, does that come from a different pot?
Individual bowls of Basmati were brought, a decent plateful, no wastage, every grain would be eaten.
The Cheese Naan made me ask Steve a simple question:
Where’s the Cheese.
Steve reckoned it was more Buttery than Cheesy. Served in two pieces, a practical size, it made a decent accompaniment for those who can manage Bread and Rice.
*
Telangana Lamb
Yes, the Masala was Soupy, but one has come to accept that this is how the majority of South Indian Dishes are served, Sukka being the exception. The huge Red Chilli floating on top of the Masala was a welcomed sight, classic South Indian Curry.
I counted six large pieces of Lamb, plus a tiddler, as I arranged the Meat on the Rice. Steve had a piece of Potato in his serving, as I did in April. No Potato for Hector tonight, just Meat and Masala. The large pieces would be halved as I ate, then halved again, so no complaints about value for money at Chutnify. I kept half of the Masala back so as not to lose it all to the Rice. I shall persist with – Masala – not – Shorva – the latter is a different beast, this Sauce had much more substance to it.
It’s Spicy! – indeed it was. That the Lamb had been slow cooked was immediately evident, Meat emitting Flavour, and lots of it. The Masala had the South Indian Smokiness that attacks the palate plus a big Peppery Blast. Ah, the Seasoning, there was no holding back here. The boxes were all being ticked, an authentic South Indian Curry, one to savour.
With the remaining Masala poured over the remnants, Hector’s strategy was bearing fruit, every mouthful whether it be Rice and Masala, or Meat and Masala, was a joy. Seventeen Curry Houses in Berlin are reviewed in Curry-Heute, only Chutnify have served up a Curry with this much Spice and Flavour.
Full of flavour, satisfying, no complaints – was Steve’s post match analysis. He did praise the quality of the Meat also, but in doing so, used that word which has to be avoided in food blogs.
The Bill
€52.50 (£45.37) Had we been here two weeks ago, Sterling was worth way more.
The Aftermath
No Calling Card on Visit #2, and no time for engagement with the staff, Marg phoned from South Africa as I was putting on my coat. A game reserve with the – wi-fi – nice.