The premises known as Little India (Paradepl. 18, 91301 Forchheim Deutschland) were visited five years ago when it was called MahaRaja. A Monday – Ruhetag – meant no Curry. The rebranding occurred at some time during the last two years, as best as I can establish.
Hector planned to be at Little India for 13.30, an hour before the end of the midday opening, alas it was 14.10 when the centre of Forchheim was reached. The young waiter was happy to serve but did mention the imminent end of shift.
Something simple, something quick, Fish fitted the bill. Kerala Fisch Curry (€18.50) would come with inclusive Rice and a Salad. A 0.75 bottle of Sparkling Water (€6.50) completed the Order.
Since I returned from – Around The World In 80 Days – I have deliberately not had South Indian Curry in Glasgow. The choice of either Sukka/Chukka or a Soupy Curry had yet to tempt. For a big smokey blast, München awaits, hopefully. In Deutschland, expectations are lower. Of the hundred, plus, Curry Houses visited across this land, only two have provided the – wow – the Hector seeks. The search for more, continues.
Two fellow diners were finishing their glass of Maisel Weizen (Bayreuth, Bayern). I couldn’t think of a worse Bier to accompany a Curry. My Sparkling Water, which was beautifully chilled and refreshing, cost more per litre than the Bier which would follow my stay at Little India.
The Modest Salad was in the German style, saturated in Vinegar. The slivers of Yellow Capsicum were skilfully avoided. Although the Rice occupied only one side of the plate as presented, when spread across, there was, as ever, the realisation that there was more Basmati than a Hector could ever eat at one sitting.
*
Kerala Fish Curry
The orange-yellow, Creamy Masala, was pretty much as expected in a Mainstream Deutsche Curry Haus. The colour as illustrated, may have been distorted by the lampshade directly above my table. The Onion/Nigella Seeds made the Masala stand above sauce straight from the pot. In time I would encounter Green Cardamom and Curry Leaves. Whole Spices, the pedigree of this Curry was starting to impress.
On decanting the Fish and Masala, the Fisch reached double figures, so not an Aberdoom portion. If this Curry had the full on intensity of a South Indian Curry, the aroma would have reached me by this point. It didn’t.
Rather than – smokey – the Masala had a distinctive – tang. Flavour, any Flavour is welcomed. The White Fish retained a sense of firmness, rubbery, this was not.
The Spice Level was far from challenging, enough to demand one single nose wipe. Perhaps the number of nose wipes could be used to establish a new scale of Spiciness? The Seasoning was befitting the Creamy nature of the Masala.
Fish, I could taste Fish! In too many a Fish Curry this has not been the case.
The waiter came over to ask the customary question.
All is good?
I gave the thumbs up.
Given the parameters of the locus, there was nothing here not to like. Some thought had gone into the preparation of this Curry. If Marg was here, she would have loved it, more her sort of thing.
The Bill
€25.00 (£20.79)
The Aftermath
Being after 14.30, I didn’t want to delay the patient waiter further. There was time to give the Calling Card and outline Curry-Heute. The name always works better in this country for some reason or other.
I commented on the inclusion of Whole Spice, and listed them. This makes Little India stand out from the crowd.
