Berlin, again? This was not the plan. München en route to Bamberg is what was originally booked, easyJet cancelled the flight a month or so back. Berlin became the means of reaching Bamberg.
So, three more nights in Das Bier Kapital, and of course the opperchancity for more Curry. On previous trips here, I haven’t bothered, such has been the level of disappointment, however, Chutnify changed that. Doing a routine search at the weekend, I discovered the existence of Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland) who cannot have been in business for long. Hector shall admit to being excited on the journey up through Prenzlauer Berg to U Bahnhof Osloer Strasse, Punjabi Zaiqa lies just off.
A large Punjabi supermarket lies adjacent to the Curry Cafe, something has been happening here already. I entered Punjabi Zaiqa at 18.30, a few diners sat in the large room. I sat at a wall booth adjacent to a family who were finishing a Chicken Karahi. All was confirmed already, this looked to be what the Hector has been searching for all these years. Berlin Curry House #18, finally, the type of Curry Cafe that Hector seeks.
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The menu was posted above the counter, a QR Code was on the table, Lamm Karahi was being sold either Boneless or on-the-bone, a first in Berlin. Also, the Karahi had a sliding scale of prices depending how many one was ordering for. Lamm Karahi mit Knochen (€14.90) plus Mineral Wasser mit Gas (€2.50) is what the Hector sought. I sat for a few minutes, took a couple of photos of the big, bright room, then I spotted – Self Service – at the counter, up I went.
A chap who had been eating stood beside me and asked, in Deutsch, why I had been taking photos. Was he a staff member having a break? I showed him Curry-Heute, Alles is gut. The serving chap was keen to secure payment from my interrogator, a customer then. One is meant to pay in advance.
I began placing my order, the serving chap appeared to have no English. Speaking Deutsch in Berlin, unusual these days.
You have Desi Karahi?
For one? With, without?
The Bill
€17.40 (£15.33)
I was given a magic coaster and awaited my Order.
That my Curry did not come in seconds did please. I had noticed the Dishes on display at the counter, so more than a reheat then. Just before 19.00, Hector was summoned. Chef had arranged a tray, I was directed to the fridge for my drink. There being no half litre bottles, I took the litre. Not a problem.
The Sparkling Water had partly turned to ice, so well chilled. Two Wholemeal Chapattis were included in the deal. Thick Chapattis, I thought I might manage both, no chance.
Lamm Karahi – mit Knochen
Achtung! Behold! Finally, proper Punjabi Cuisine in Berlin. Look at that authentic Tomato-based Masala, served in the correct ratio to Meat, and no offending intruders.
Ginger Strips and a line of Raita topped the biggest quantity of Meat I have faced in yonks. The pieces were huge, all but one was on-the-bone. Even the boneless piece was huge. I settled down for the long haul.
There was an instant – kick. The Tomatoey Flavour from the Masala, gosh, was Hector dreaming? The Seasoning was a few stops down from the Hector idyll. Salt was on the table, but Hector has made a pact. Eat it as it comes.
There was one huge Sucky Bone, and suck it I did. The Lamb may well have been the cheaper cuts, who cared. There was Lamb, and even more Lamb. This was surely more than the half kilo. The Flavour of the Lamb itself was quite pronounced. Gnaw, chew, swallow, wipe Masala with Chapatti, repeat.
This was a bit below the quality served in the better UK Curry Houses which serve this fayre, a bit rough around the edges, not the same depth of Flavour. However, this could be more authentic, Hector has not been to Pakistan. Most importantly, compared to the many imposters serving – Curry – in this city, Punajbi Zaiqa is light years ahead.
Curry in Berlin has come of age.
The chap I had earlier recognised as Chef came over. German changed to English. He was keen to tell me that their food is Spicy, even the Lamm Korma (€12.90). I tried to have him say this was a Desi Korma, hopefully, one day. I showed him the rotating photos on the Curry-Heute – about – page. The Karahi from Pak Taka Tak (Athena) drew – we can make that, we’ll make everything, Afghanistan, Lahori.
Namkeen? – I had to ask.
In time, yes.
Now we’re talking!
Punjabi Zaiqa has been open for two months. In one month, Chef hopes to print a full menu and offer all. What’s there already ain’t too shabby: Aloo Ghost (€11.90), Aloo Keema (€9.90).
His German speaking colleague stood opposite me too, a more difficult conversation, if indeed it qualified for that description. He was keen to tell me that they are not catering for – the English – they serve Spicy Curry with the option for Bones. Nowhere else in Berlin does so.
I’ll be back, tomorrow!