With three days in Köln, ostensibly for the Weihnachtsmarkts, there had to be a Curry-Heute. Hector was not in the mood to taste Euro-Curry and so trawled the usual sources looking for something different, authentic even.
Anna Lakshmi Restaurant (Thieboldsgasse 101, 50676 Köln, Deutschland), located a block south of Neumarkt, is a Curry Cafe, this ticks one of Hector’s primary boxes. We arrived at 13.30 and took a table away from the door. Five of seven tables were then occupied, clearly, people know of Anna Lakshmi. It didn’t take much deduction to conclude that the mature lady serving was she.
The laminated menu was studied. Lamm Filet Curry (10.00) can wait until the next visit, today: Fish Curry Masala (€10.00). This would be served as a Thali with Potato-Aubergine-Carrots, Daal, Onion Chutney (Tarka?) and Rice. For Marg, two Samosa (€1.50) with Mix Salat (€3.50), plus a Mango Lassi (€2.50). A 500ml bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.50) would complete the Order. Realistic pricing therefore, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find a 20% increase on my return next year.
Spicy? Scharf? – asked the lady. She looked as though she meant it, unlike the majority of Deutsche Curry Houses. Bad news for Marg, so Salad today. The conversation was all in Deutsch, a Sri Lankan without English?
From our seats, we could see into the kitchen Marg’s perspective was even better, she could see the young chap in the kitchen doing his stuff. There was a powder around the rim of the glass containing the Mango Lassi, so how had this been made? It did look a bit thin.
The lady brought the food, both of us received a bonus piece of Poppadom. There was also an extra plate with Sliced Green Chillies, Onion Chutney and Spicy Coconut. Marg took this as an accompaniment for her Samosas. Hector had enough on his plate.
Fish Curry Masala
Four pieces of a sturdy pink Fish sat in a Shorva. Here also were sliced Green Chillies and a piece of Potato. I spooned the Curry over the left side of the Rice then arranged the Potato etc, Daal and Onion Chutney on the right. Not quite a dog’s breakfast, but how Hector was going to eat his Curry-Heute.
And not with fingers, a spoon.
The Shorva gave off a big kick, inevitably this was absorbed by the Basmati. There was a powerful Fishy Flavour from the Fish, this was welcomed and is never taken for granted. The base Curry was therefore most satisfying, a big plate of this would be quite an experience. However, such is the nature of Thali, it was smorgasbord.
The Potato and accompanying Vegetables did add Diversity. The Potatoes themselves were well Seasoned and had absorbed Flavour, another highlight. The Daal I found to be watery, adding the Onions improved this. The Green Chillies did their job, this was as Spicy a Curry as I have been served in Deutschland. Spicy, hot food, what was not to like?
The overall portion was well judged. I managed to eat every morsel that had been served on the tray. Satisfaction had been attained. I’ll be back.
Samosa
Marg declared these to be Vegetable Samosas. She made short work of these. The Coconut and Onions were also taken care of. For some reason, she left the sliced Green Chillies.
Marg was not finished, Srilankische Tea (€2.50) – mit Milch – was ordered. Green Cardamom floated on top, there was a slice of fresh Ginger just under the surface. A potent brew, and much enjoyed.
The Bill
€20.00 (£17.22) Rounded down to a whole number. Cash only.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented, it was Marg who announced – he has a Curry Blog.
Rather than show the – About – page, today I showed the post on the Lighthouse Hotel, Galle, that did the trick.
2022 Menu
