Look who has joined the Hector for Curry-Heute!
To get Dr. Stan to accompany me to Desi Dhaba (Promenadenstraße 44, 52062 Aachen Deutschland), firstly, I had to sell him the night in Aachen, then ensure that enough time had passed for his customary three course breakfast to digest. Readers may wish to remind themselves of what this man is capable of putting away in the morning, by looking back to last month at Balti BLVD (Crawley). Finally, I had promised him a worthy Desi Qorma.
It was therefore 19.55 when we entered the somewhat busy Desi Dhaba. Initially, no sign of Abdul and Ejan who had made Marg and I so welcome on visit #1 at the end of March. Was that Abdul in the kitchen?
The far corner table, adjacent to a large family group, appeared to be optimum locus. Just the three weans, one performer, another practising for the 100m Curry House Olympics. Did I care? Not tonight.
Ordering at the counter, the serving chap looked almost familiar.
Are you Abdul’s brother?
No, a friend.
However, he confirmed that he knew exactly who I am/was, and had read Curry-Heute.
Lamm Qorma Mit Basmati Reis (€18.99), twice, one Naan (€0.99), plus two bottles of Wasser Groß (£2.99) was duly relayed. Two large bottles of Sparkling Water, a rehydration break.
As the far side of the room cleared, one photo of the interior was captured. I watched the Order for the family being assembled: so little Curry, so much Bread, the Asian way.
The Naan was modest in size, served whole, a bit on the peely-wally side with some blisters but not burnt. This was purchased to share: for Dipping and mopping up.
As with yesterday at Rice & Spice (Kaarst), a sensible portion of Rice. There is hope. It is always more comforting when one knows at the start that clearing the plate is a possibility.
Lamm Qorma
The aroma confirmed all, Desi Qorma. Four masses of Meat on-the-bone were arranged on the Rice. The Masala looked wonderful, just the right amount of Creaminess, the Yoghurt being the root of the Citrus aroma and hopefully forthcoming Flavours.
The first dip of Naan, Clove, the immediate identifiable Spice, as everything kicked in. The Seasoning was noted as – magnificent.
A – wow! – moment for the Hector. There was an – Mmmm – from across the table.
This is Curry.
Super-soft Lamb, erupting with Flavour, Seasoning still to the fore. Whole Green Cardamom then Black Cardamom were set aside. The latter adding a hint of Smokiness. So much going on here, then the uninvited guest.
There might only have been a solitary Mosquito on patrol in Aachen this evening. It of course found its way to Desi Dhaba, Hector’s pheromones unmistakeable. Swat!
A Whole Black Peppercorn, then a Clove were encountered, the efficacy of this Desi Qorma further enhanced. The Spice kept building, this Curry bore no resemblance to the corrupted version of the same name.
Yesterday at Rice & Spice (Kaarst), my mind went back to Balti BLVD (Crawley). The overall Flavours here were comparably wonderful. Once again, a Chef who has created such a satisfying blend of Spices.
Wow! – moments, on consecutive days, is the Hector doing well?
Who planned this trip?
A strip of Fat on the side of one piece of Meat put – skirting – back into the frame. Keeping the largest piece of Meat to the end proved to be a catastrophic error. It was nearly all Bone, sod all Meat here. Despite having eaten enough, I still wanted more. Perhaps, next time if sharing, order an extra portion of Lamm Qorma Mit Brot (€16.99)?
Abdul made an appearance, the customary question was duly asked.
I came back, it’s so difficult to find a Desi Qorma.
Happy with that – was Dr. Stan’s initial post Curry comment.
Well spiced Curry, not particularly rich, but full of flavour with tender meat falling off the bone. It was very similar to the Special Nihari I had in Crawley last month, both in the sauce and texture of the meat.
It cannot be a coincidence that we both recalled Balti BLVD (Crawley). We recognise outstanding Curry when we encounter it. Today definitely puts Aachen on the map for future Curry stopovers.
Just the two visits to Dhesi Dhaba, both outstanding, both independently verified, and so a dedicated page and addition to Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses, is a given. Such is the poverty of proper Curry across Deutschland, let’s celebrate when one can.
The Bill
€46.95 (£38.66)
The Aftermath
The last bus across town to Wingman was at 20.38. We knew this would be missed. An Uber was summoned.