Walking into Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland) at 13.00, there was a smile of recognition from the young chap who fronts the best Curry House found in Berlin. Two new venues have popped up, in time, these shall be investigated. Today, no messing about, Hector was here for Lamm Korma (€12.90).
Lamm Korma mit Knochen, Scharf, Desi Korma, mit Reis, kein Brot.
The – with bones – was confirmed by the chap as he wrote down the Order. I took a litre bottle of Fanta (€3.50) from the fridge, the paper cup was duly provided.
As a creature of habit, I took the same table that Marg and I occupied twice last month. Marg is not on this trip. Today she lost 1-0 to England in the final of the Over 60s Hockey – World Cup Final. That’s twice, same story in the previous tournament. Also, the tournament was being held in Auckland. One trip to New Zealand in 2024 was not enough.
A mature couple were the only other diners.
The food was brought on a tray. As ever, the quantity of the inclusive Rice was ridiculous. Note to self, next time I’ll have to ask for – halbe Portion.
I put more Rice than I would ever eat on my plate, this hardly scratched the surface of the handi.
Lamm Korma
The aroma was powerful. I recognised this as the distinctive Desi Korma, Citrus. Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the karahi. As I arranged the Lamb over the Rice, the Meat count reached double figures. Large pieces, plenty of eating. I spooned half of the Shorva over the Meat.
The Flavour of the Lamb was pronounced, this and the intense Flavours from the Shorva confirmed, this was one hell of a Curry. The Spice Level was sufficient, the Seasoning spot on. This Curry was pitched such all could enjoy it. The fresh Ginger Strips now tasted as if they had been cooked in, another source of Flavour. Two Green Cardamom were encountered, a whole Clove also. Whole Spices, classic Desi Curry.
Soft, Tender Meat, glorious. The 1960s came to mind, and the somewhat aggressive Flavours restaurant Curry had back in the day.
Pouring on the remaining Shorva, the final grains of Rice to be eaten were well saturated. So much Flavour, but what a waste.
As I ate, so the couple finished their meal. The lady fetched their packed leftovers from the counter and smiled as she returned. Like me, they probably had enough Rice for another meal. As they left, so Hector was engaged in conversation.
They come here often, the food is – super. Chicken Karahi is the lady’s favourite. I introduced her to the Lamm Korma, a Desi Korma, not what is normally served at mainstream venues.
Oh, and this was conducted in Deutsch.
The Bill
€16.40 (£13.70)
The Aftermath
As I approached the door, the young chap bade me farewell – Bis nächster Mal.
He knows I’ll be back.
The taste of Citrus lingered long into the evening.