The Dhaba Indisches Restaurant (Belgradstraße 16, 80796, München) was not the intended venue this Thursday lunchtime. Marg and Hector set out on the near hour’s walk from the Hotel Royal on Schillerstrasse in search of an Afghan Restaurant which another source suggested was open midday.
En route we passed Deeba, a Pakistani Restaurant, and soon afterwards Indisches Streetfood, both on Barerstrasse which leads towards Schwabing, our objective. The latter will certainly be tried on a future visit, a classic Café, the preferred style.
There may be three Afghan Restaurants in München called Lemar. The one listed as being on Viktor-Scheffel-Straße is actually on the corner of Belgradstrasse. Lemar was reportedly open at lunchtime hence the hike. Hector could not really contemplate visiting Indian Mango three days in a row. For the greater glory of Curry-Heute, it was time to try somewhere else.
The door was shut. The times published here showed evening opening only. The Menu on display did not list anything other than Salad or Grill. No White Karahi for Hector here, apparently.
Try another Afghan Restaurant this evening was the new plan formulating. Marg required sustenance of some description – now. We walked further along Belgradstrasse and exactly one block later, behold – Dhaba. It was quite busy.
With white table cloths, this formal atmosphere is not the sort of Indian Restaurant that Hector currently seeks. Still, a quick glance at other sources showed that some hold this venue in the highest regard. The Menu was mostly familiar. The Lamm Karahi listed the inevitable Capsicum. Rather than attempt interfering with this the Rarha Gosht was possibly along the correct lines. Rice would be inclusive.
Marg ordered, wait for it – Vegetable Samosa.
It was arranged with The Waiter that the Samosa would arrive at the same time as The Main. Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were provided. The European Poppadoms with embedded Cumin Seeds are always a welcomed site, a Blast! A Soupçon of Lime Pickle would titillate Hector’s Palate a little more.
The turnover this lunchtime was quite steady. With other Indian Restaurants nearby this place must have something. Featuring Bright and relatively Simple Décor there was a charm. Levels of expectation were on the rise.
The Curry arrived in a Metal Handi pot. Capsicum. Not just the Green, but the Red and Yellow too. Why do they do this to Hector?
Maybe it’s just the topping – suggested Marg more in hope than expectation. Sadly, Capsicum permeated the entire Dish. So, that’s that then.
Marg was served with a Chunky Pair of Vegetable Samosas. A wee kick, neutralised by the yoghurt accompaniment. Marg was content.
Time to examine the Rarha Gosht. Decanted on to the Rice, the Principal Offenders were collected and placed on the side of the plate. What was left gave some room for optimism. It was Curry after all.
The Quantity of Tender Lamb was Sufficient. The Masala was thankfully not to excess and had an acceptable Texture; not overtly Thick and Dry, but far removed from Soup. A Decent Onion-based Masala. There was a Modest Kick. With more Rice than a man could eat there was quite a lot to get through. Still more pieces of Capsicum were uncovered, my enjoyment of the majority of this meal was manifesting itself. How good was it really?
If this was the UK then the Rarha Gosht would be Mainstream with a capital – M. This is Europe. Perhaps Expectations are lower, so one may conclude that the Curry experienced today was way better than many I have eaten on the European Mainland. This is the Sixth Curry House I have visited in München, three pre-date Curry-Heute. I have had worse, but Indian Mango is so far ahead of any other Mainland European Restaurant. This may further explain my fascination with seeking out the Afghan Outlets. We passed Chopan am Gasteig, next door to Kashmir, on Rosenheimer Strasse later in the day. Chopan looked busy. An Afghan Venue metres from Indian Mango, mmm.
The Bill
€21.30. Most affordable with the Large Bottle of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was accepted and Curry-Heute shown on the Handy Samsung. All very polite. I was not in raptures.
Now what?
Marg, what would you like to do today? This is a question I will never ask again…
The Tiergarten.