Once again the rendezvous time at Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland) was 15.00. This time we would be ten, remarkable. Five of ten were making their first visit to Punjabi Zaiqa, and all to sample the much praised Desi – Lamm Korma (€12.90).
Hector and Marg found Dr. Stan boarding U8 at Alexanderplatz. Yes, the Good Doctor was joining us, the 15.00 slot suited him, Breakfast digested. This was also the case for Professor Graeme, making his first appearance in Curry-Heute. The Breakfast room at Ibis Mitte must have been busy this morning. Howard and Josh awaited our arrival.
Lady Maggie of Crawley, still somewhat incapacitated, texted to say that her Uber would be delayed. Maggie, accompanied by Clive, Mags and Yvonne – the birthday girl – would arrive soon. This let six of us order first.
Today, something different for Hector. A midnight Donner, with Josh, meant that – Meat – was not a priority for the Hector. Aloo Gobi (€8.90), served with Rice, makes its first appearance in Curry-Heute, as does Josh’s choice: Chicken Mainzi Tikka (€13.90).
Marg was going for it today, Lamm Karahi mit Knochen (€14.90). This comes with two Roti (€1.50), incredible value. Howard was expanding his coverage of Curry at Zaiqa, Aloo Gosht (€11.90). Instead of the accompanying Rice, he negotiated two Roti.
Both Dr. Stan and Prof Graeme went for the Lamm Korma.
Marg excepted, we each ordered our own. I had advised all to help themselves to drinks from the fridge and present them at the point of ordering. The usual chap out front was back today.
The Uber 4 arrived. For once, Mags eschewed her usual Aloo Gosht. Someone must have been spreading the joy that is the Lamb Desi Korma. Four more Lamm Korma were ordered, Clive and Yvonne chose – boneless.
The wait was not long. I remain intrigued as how how the pre-cooked food on display at the counter can be transformed so efficiently. The chap brought a huge tray to the table. I pointed out that today we were ten. He acknowledged the achievement. Also, as Ramadan continues, it has made it worth their while being open all day.
Two large handi of Basmati between six diners at our table, today we had a chance of finishing the Rice. Howard was encouraged to have Rice despite having ordered Roti.
This time, our table seemed to be covered in Roti. Josh’s Naan, although pale, did look inviting. The puffy pockets had formed, the Bread had girth. All Bread was served whole, and no sign of any Wholemeal Flour. Proper Bread.
Desi – said the waiter as he placed one karahi on the table. This went to the Prof. The following Korma went to Dr. Stan, oh, what had he ordered? That wasn’t right, but Dr. Stan admitted he hadn’t specified – Desi Korma. Technically, both versions are on the menu, the ubiquitous – Creamy Curry – I only see on their website. There too, the higher prices do not match what is seen in the restaurant.
Howard examined his Aloo Gosht, the Hector joined in, no Potato. Our waiter resolved this, the Prof and Howard swapped Curry. Sorted.
A small helping of Green Mush was placed on the table. Blended Chillies, to add the extra bite. The Hector went nowhere near it, those who did confirmed the obvious. No mercy. Nobody today should be complaining that their Curry was not Spicy enough.
Aloo Gobi
The heart sank, long, coloured strips. I have not seen the dreaded Capsicum in any Dish served at Punjabi Zaiqa, today it appeared to be sitting in front of me, in abundance.
Zwiebeln!
Coloured Onions actually, no issue here, also pieces of Tomato in the mix.
The Potatoes and Cauliflower had the correct Texture for each. The Seasoning was fine, the Spice built, and some. The first mouthfuls did not register anything outstanding, the Desi Flavour took time to emerge.
With the abundant Rice, a fine Curry, possibly better having this as a Side to break the monotony of Meat and Masala.
Aloo Gosht
The lumps protruding from the blended Masala should have been the clue as to the efficacy of this Curry. The presence of whole Clove confirmed the Desi credentials. With the Coriander Topping and the Oil collecting around the periphery of the karahi, this looked to be most inviting. Howard offered a few words:
This was my second visit in three days. A chance to compare and contrast the curries I had. The big similarity was that the lamb tasted of lamb. It may seem obvious but sometimes lamb gives off absolutely nothing and you rely on the sauce. The sauce itself was good but difficult to detect particular flavours although I found a clove. What was different was that it was spicier than the one on Monday. You rarely go wrong with Hector and I will come back.
Lamm Karahi
As with Steve’s Karahi Gosht on Monday, more Masala than served here in previous years. Marg sent a couple of pieces of Meat across the table, here was the – wow – moment for Hector. Compared to the Masala in the Aloo Gobi, this had the required intensity of Flavour. The Hector is long overdue having this again. Marg:
A large dish of lamb on the bone in a rich sauce. The flavours of cardamon and cloves added to the dish. A good level of spice with very tender meat despite some fatty bits. The roti was thin and crispy which allowed me to scoop up the sauce and meat before eating. A very tasty meal.
I have not found anywhere else in Berlin that serves authentic Lamb Karahi at this level.
Lamm Korma (not Desi)
Time to address the elephant in the room. How had Dr. Stan ended up with this? Surely the chap taking the Order could have double checked. No wimps in our Company, were were all here for the full Desi-Bhuna.
A Creamy Curry, rich in Nuts, at least Dr. Stan was able to report some level of Spice:
The curry was creamier than I expected having not having specified desi, but it was tasty with a pleasant kick. Just as well I asked for spicy.
*
Chicken Mainzi Tikka
That such an interesting looking Curry was set before Josh may have come as a surprise to us both. Josh managed to find the description on the menu:
Chicken breast on a skewer, marinated in yoghurt-mint sauce, prepared on the grill.
On reading this, I still don’t see – Curry, but what appeared was a rather impressive variation on Chicken Tikka Masala.
A surprise to find Tandoori style chicken, not over-grilled, rather lager chunks and easy to slice through. Rather succulent.
Sauce wasn’t spicy, as expected given the yoghurt-mint description. An interesting change from previous curry ventures with Hector.
A fluffy light Naan to accompany the meal. Ordered without rice, as we knew there’d be more than enough from other meals ordered by the group to share around.
Lamm Korma – Desi-style
This has become my go-to Curry at Punjabi Zaiqa. A Desi Korma is difficult to source, only The Village (Glasgow) now serves it in my home city. Theirs has lost a bit of its edge over the years, whereas at Punjabi Zaiqa, the powerful Citrus bite maintains.
Just the five people having this Curry-Heute, and each for the first time with comments secured from four.
Professor Graeme, mit Knochen
Reasonable portion of lamb, generous quantity of flavoursome sauce. Very satisfying.
Yvonne, ohne Knochen:
Excellent flavour and heat spot on. Lamb a little bit chewy though?
Mags, mit Knochen
Really enjoyed the Lamb Korma. The sauce was perfect, spice was just right & the flavour of coriander coming through added to the flavour. Only thing was that lamb was a bit chewy, but this didn’t stop any of us from enjoying our meal. Portions generous & come with lots of rice.
Maggie, mit Knochen
Lots of flavour, meat pieces too large at times. The portion size is good. Rice separated nicely.
On the table of six, the two empty Rice handi were stacked. Yay! It can be done.
The Bill
€27.30 (£23.09) for Hector and Marg
The Aftermath
Our chap took the payments.
Your English is much better – I observed.
Apparently his English has always been there, he just never let on before. This should simplify matters in the future: how to avoid Creamy Curry, mountains of Rice, then perhaps securing the ultimate – Fish Karahi.
Two more visits may be squeezed in this year.