Berlin – Punjabi Zaiqa – Visit #5 – Korma Trumps Karahi?

It was only on landing at Berlin Brandenburg that Marg and Hector became aware of the Air Traffic Control hiatus back home. Sometimes you win. Having checked in to our favourite Ibis, it was up to Osloer Strasse on the U8. Curry before Bier.

Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland) is the only known source of – proper Curry – in Berlin. Originale Pakistanische Künche – is their tagline, is it any wonder that the Hector makes a beeline to this outstanding venue?

Arriving at 17.10, Marg spotted Fisch Curry (€7.90) on the board outside. Hector was back for the Lamm Korma (€12.90) first enjoyed here last November, and after April’s visit, it appears to be Hector’s #1 choice. Korma trumps Karahi?

Hello, how are you? – was the greeting from Adnan, the ever-present Tandoori Chef behind the counter. It is good to be recognised. A litre bottle of Sparkling Water was taken from the fridge and the Order placed. Hector prefers Rice with a Desi Korma, Marg was intent on having Bread. One Rice and one Naan (€2.90) was added. I assumed that the mass of pre-cooked Lamb on-the-bone which was on display would form the basis of my Curry.

The Rice is included – I was reminded. On offering to pay, I was invited to do so afterwards.

Two things to highlight at this point: the price of Fish being significantly lower than Lamb, and still the Rice is inclusive. One has to wonder how this can be achieved in mainland Europe.

Marg wanted to sit further in, I insisted we have a peripheral table from where all could be observed. Marg concurred that the décor, ambience here, was a cut above many a Curry Cafe. A few people were finishing their meals, in time, a young couple with an unruly wean did take the far corner table. Tantrum after tantrum, a mouthful of Vindaloo would have sorted her.

After a respectable twenty five minute wait a chap started to assemble the bits.

They like to bring everything out on trays – I had advised Marg. A Salad amused Marg for the final minutes before the mass of food was presented.

They like their Salads in Germany – remarked Marg.

I was interested in establishing if this was a German Salad with the customary Vinegar dressing, apparently not. Raita reigns supreme.

The Rice, featuring green Cardamom, was enough for three/four, classic Euro wastage. Trying to make a dent in the mountain, I took a larger plateful than my norm. Marg had around half a plateful, helping out.

The round Naan was served whole. Perforated and with Seeds, it was suitably light and fluffy.

*

*

*

*

Lamm Korma

What a magnificent sight. Could you get more Curry in the karahi? I stopped counting as I passed double figures whilst decanting the Meat to the plate of Rice. There were Boneless pieces of Lamb then dem large bones, from who knows where? Sucky Bones also featured. This would be a lot of eating. The Thick Masala oozed quality. Once again, the Herb content was obvious, the cooked in Green Chillies, less so.

The intensity of Flavour was hard to believe. The Seasoning matched the Hector idyll, the Spice Level would build. Every moment of this Desi Korma was going to be special, yet I would say it was markedly different from that enjoyed here previously. The first time I had the Lamm Korma at Punjabi Zaiqa it was comparable in taste to that served at Karahi Palace (Glasgow). Things have changed at the latter since then, and the Desi Korma I enjoyed there two days ago was approaching this. Today, no sense of Citrus, the Yoghurt flecks were not apparent. This Lamm Korma was a completely new taste experience.

Such was the size of some pieces of Meat, I had to use a knife to separate them from the Bones. Most fell apart. Tender Lamb, full of Flavour, – Muttony – was noted. By the time I added the reserved Masala, it was time to draw a line on the plate. Even more Rice would be abandoned.

Until then, it was a case of savour the moment. Lamm Korma, how can this be so good? Early last year I had almost reached the stage of – why bother having Curry in Berlin. Now it’s a matter of how often can I get to Punjabi Zaiqa?

Fisch Curry

The karahi was laden with Fish in a Thick Masala. I doubt if I have ever seen so much Fish in a Curry. Again, check the price. Always on the lookout for a decent Fish Curry, the Hector was keen to establish the quality.

Is it good – I asked, somewhat rhetorically.

Mmmm, lovely.

A Soupçon would cross the table, compared to my Curry far too sweet. To what extent this was down to the sharp contrast remains unknown. However, that this was not the same Masala as the Korma was established. I suspect Marg would be happy to have this again:

A thick, rich sauce, with a sweetness that suited the Fish which was crispy in parts, and full of flavour. An abundance of Fish with Rice, mopped up with the Naan. A very enjoyable meal.

Marg wasn’t finished. There was an Ice Cream menu. The menu photos of Ice Cream brimming over the pot did not match the tiny pot of solid Mango Kulfi which was presented.

The Bill

€32.40 (£27.86)     We had been fed.

The Aftermath

Adnan was busy as we took our leave, I’ll see him again.

Next door lies a Punjabi Grocer/Butcher. The opperchancity to purchase packets of Korma Spices was taken. How does Desi Korma differ from Karahi?