The welcome and service at Boliwood (Gerberei 8 91054 Erlangen, Bayern, Deutschland) has been as memorable as the Curry on previous visits. Mein Host goes out of his way to ensure an enjoyable visit, after all Erlangen is not lacking in venues selling Indian Cuisine. That I choose to visit for the third time is testimony enough.
Jonathan decided to join Hector on the 12.40 from Nürnberg to Erlangen, we would meet up with Neil later in Bamberg for the final Big Day of this Marathon which has featured Curry in Belgium, Luxembourg and Deutschland. It is a short walk parallel to the railway on the other side of the tracks from the Town Centre to Boliwood.
Entering just after 13.00, Boliwood was in semi-darkness, no customers. Mein Host greeted us as we entered and let us choose our own table. I knew I would be having the same Curry as last time – Lamm Sabji (€14.90) but this time at Spice Level 2. In November my Spice Tolerance was tested. Jonathan opted for Mutton Khumbi (€14.90) which would feature Cashew Nuts and Mushrooms. The Main Courses at Boliwood include Rice as is the norm in the majority of venues across Mainland Europe.
I studied the footnote on the Menu which outlined the Boliwood Scale of Spice:
Schärfestufen: Pikant – Mittelscharf – Scharf – oder – Sehr Scharf.
Jonathan took the advice and settled for – Mittelscharf – also. Still and Sparkling Water would complete the Order.
It was only when the Order had been recorded that Mein Host recalled Hector and this Blog. He went on to ask if I worked for Siemens. No English had been spoken prior to this moment and so I stuck at it and explained that I was a Teacher but retired two years ago… I come here on holiday. I then showed the Review of my visit last November.
The lights were turned up, this certainly brightened the premises which are laid out as any traditional Hausbräuerei is in Deutschland. I wonder what was here once upon a time. Mein Host brought out a Basket with three Poppadoms and four accompanying Dips.
This is from the home – English was now our Lingua Franca.
Cumin – I said, pointing to the embedded Seeds. This was acknowledged, they make a huge difference to a Poppadom. The Tamarind Dip was also a standout. Perhaps this is why I do not bother about Poppadoms and Spiced Onions so much now back in the UK; Cumin laden Poppadoms with Tamarind is a much tastier experience.
Two Hot Plates were set before us moments before the arrival of the Curry.
Extra Big
A Bowl of Rice to share was placed in the middle of the table. This could well have been the same Quantity as I have had to myself here on previous visits. I took all I required, Jonathan did likewise, we still had a half portion left. The Wastage was therefore not in the extreme.
Extra Big – said Mein Host as he placed the Metal Pots of Curry on the table. They do not skimp on Portion Size at Boliwood, and this was more? A Small Portion of Pickle also accompanied:
Achari – said Mein Host.
I scooped the Meat and Vegetables on to the Rice. When I had the Classic Curry and Rice ratio I stopped for the ritual photo. What remained in the Pot was daunting. I had no need to count the Meat, I had a Portion of Lamb and presumably a Vegetable Curry in here too. This would be a challenge. I was ready to start when a Plain Naan appeared, again – from the home. This was Small in comparison to that served in the UK, but as I already had my work cut out, I suggested Jonathan to take care of it. A Bowl of Raita was then presented.
Lamm Sabji
My first piece of Lamb was not so Tender, thereafter all but one was Perfect in terms of Texture. How long the Meat had been in the company of the Masala was debatable. The Masala was Blended in the Mainstream Curry House manner, I have to describe it also as matching my preferred – Minimal. There were so many Solids in my Bowl, there was not much room for Masala.
The Spice hit the palate instantly, this was – Mittelscharf? How had I coped with Scharf on Visit #2? The Seasoning was under that which I would regard as the – Required Level, hence the Overall Flavour of this Curry would struggle to emerge. The Spice was doing it no favours either Black Pepper may have been the dominant ingredient. This Curry was the antithesis of what I was served in Nürnberg two days previously. That had so little Spice I had to question if it was really – Curry – yet the Flavours came through. Today I most definitely had – Curry – but found it difficult to taste it. Anyway, what Curry could follow yesterday’s Fisch Chettinad at Indian Mango in München?
The Melange of Vegetables impressed: Green Beans, White Beans, Carrots, Aubergine, Courgettes, Kidney Beans, Brocolli, Butter Beans and a further Pea-sized Green Bean. Let’s not forget the Ginger Strips and Parsley on top to start. In terms of – Interesting Vegetables – Boliwood cannot be beaten.
With less Food present, I could have upped the Flavour of my Lamm Sabji by turning it into an Achari, but did I really want to give myself more? Last year I could not finish this Curry, today I managed.
Mutton Khumbi
Jonathan was finished long before me, the Mutton Khumbi had only Mushrooms as the – Interesting Vegetable, the Nuts appeared to be a Topping. Jonathan confirmed that the Masala was Creamy. As I did not take a sample I do not know if this was also due to the inclusion of Blended/Ground Nuts, or simply the visible Cream.
These are Jonathan’s well chosen words:
The Mutton was tender and combined well with the Mushrooms and Cashew Nuts.
I can’t say much about the sauce because the heat masked the flavour.
On previous visits to Bolliwood I have been treated to Mango Lassi or Tea. Today we were offered Mango Lassi. Mein Host does go out of his way to maximise the pleasure of the visit.
One hundred metres away on the opposite side of the railway track lies the Curry House. Here one will experience Curry which is so – Well Seasoned – it is on the limits of tolerance, but the Flavours come through. At Boliwood, the extremes of Spice are doing them no favours. As is reported, the Vindaloo at nearby Bombay Haus is even Spicier! I wonder if the Restaurateurs inspect each other’s Fayre?
I still have one more Erlangen Curry House to investigate.
The Bill
€35.80 (£31.68) This included a charge of €3.00 each for our Water.
The Aftermath
We bade – Farewell – and arrived at the Station in time for the 14.13 to Bamberg. Tomorrow I will not have to drink – Bier. But will I be tempted to have one more Curry?
