There was almost an air of – too good to be true – on Hector’s return visit to Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland). After years of frustration with the quality of Indian Fayre served up in Berlin Curry Houses, finally, here was a venue serving authentic Curry. In discussion with Adnan yesterday, he mentioned that the Lamm Korma (€12.90) was – Spicy. This planted – Desi Korma – in Hector’s mind, though the Tandoori Chef was not confirming this.
Arriving at 15.30, the chap who served me yesterday was again taking orders, it’s Self Service at Punjabi Zaiqa. Today, I took a litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.50) from the fridge before approaching the counter, here I would secure a glass, one is learning their system.
The Bill
€16.40 (£14.30) This must be the best value Sparkling Water in the city.
On showing my review of yesterday’s visit on the trusty Oppo, the serving chap took a keen interest. My phone was photographed, before I knew it, I was giving my number and receiving a text. Thus I was formally introduced to Kaka Jutt, front of house, but also the Chef. Despite my attempts to switch the conversation to English, he was only up for speaking Deutsch.
Today, I was not given the magic coaster, when my meal was ready, it was another customer’s which beeped, then Adnan realised it was my Order. Hector was summoned to the counter, another mass of food awaited.
Rice had been mentioned at the point of ordering, appropriate for the Curry I anticipated. As is the ironic custom in Europe with inclusive Rice, way more than a normal person can manage.
Additionally, I had been given a sensibly sized Garlic & Coriander Naan, good for dipping in the Masala, but with the Rice, an unnecessary extravagance. Great value, but sadly I would be leaving half of the Bread and Rice.
Lamm Korma
One could tell just by looking at this Curry that this was another authentic masterpiece. Just look at that Masala, a tweak on yesterday’s Tomato-based sauce. Ginger Strips and a good helping of Coriander topped the Curry. Once again, there was abundant Lamb served on-the-bone, huge bones, but still a lot of eating.
Having arranged as much Curry on top of the Rice as the plate would support, I was still left with Meat in the karahi. Time to dip.
Herbs had been cooked through the Oily Masala, not Methi, surely. Anticipation ,,, anticipation, oh yes!
I recognised the root Flavour instantly, this was the same as served in Glasgow at Karahi Palace as – Spicy Lamb Korma, or The Village “Curry House” as – Desi Kourma. Having reacquainted myself with this Flavour in recent weeks at Karahi Palace, the efficacy of what lay before me was confirmed.
The Seasoning, less than the Hector idyll in yesterday’s Lamm Karahi, was right on the button today. With Seasoning comes the release of all the other Flavours. I unearthed a whole Clove, the Spice grew steadily on the palate, but not to a level that could be considered extreme. Spicy, sensible, and beyond anything served in a Mainstream Berlin Curry House, i.e.- the rest.
Fingers were necessary to tackle the Meat. Such soft Meat, and bursting with Flavour. That the Masala shrouded the Meat meant that each mouthful was joyful. I had to work hard to get through the Rice on my plate. There was still Masala in the karahi for dipping. Hector was having fun.
In the early days of Curry-Heute, I used to report the almost distraught feeling as I reached the end of a Desi Korma, today’s scenario was perhaps revenge. I had to eat all the Meat, a challenge, finish the Rice on my plate, a bigger challenge. The Bread, long since abandoned. Satis, enough, total satisfaction. Phew.
On placing the bones back in the empty karahi, it looks as though all I had been given was a pile of bones. I know how much Meat was on these bones.
The Aftermath
I took a photo of the Bhaji being arranged behind the glass counter, later, Kaka would send me a photo of the array complete with Spicy Chips (?). I was wondering how/if I could get a photo of the staff, Kaka was ahead of me. He summoned Adnan, photos were taken on Kaka’s phone, then a waiting customer was brought in to secure a group photo. Hector’s arrival at Punjabi Zaiqa had been truly announced.
