München, a favourite city for over forty years, Bier was the original attraction. For the last decade it has become Curry then Bier. Expectations for Curry in Deutschland were raised after Hector’s first ever visit to Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München), this venue remains the benchmark.
After a rather lengthy and tiresome journey down from Buttenheim this afternoon, Dr. Stan and James – making a first appearance on Curry-Heute – accompanied Hector to Indian Mango. It was too early for Mein Host – Jolly Kunjappu – to be on the premises. Herr Battra was not on duty, only the young member of staff recognised me as I entered.
With Indian Mango closed on a Monday, today was the only opperchancity to have Fisch Chettinad (€13.90) or Lamm Chettinad (€14.95). Whichever of these two outstanding dishes I chose would still leave me wanting. There was a simple solution, order both!
Dr. Stan on seeing this decided to extend his Order. Fisch Chettinad would be accompanied by Dal Palak (€9.95), this meant that we would be presented with two batches of Basmati, each. Knowing the Portion sizes at Indian Mango not to be excessive, this would be within acceptably parameters, just.
James played safe, Chicken Badam Pasanda (€9.95) would be accompanied by a Garlic Naan (€2.50). A fifth Portion of Rice would be inclusive. Various Soft Drinks would be added, Bier could wait.
The Aroma of Spice at Indian Mango is ever-present. When Chettinads are being prepared, the atmosphere acquires an additional pungency, Smoked Chillies. There was time to salivate and watch a toddler crawl across a window table. Miraculously nothing was knocked over. Was the Mother in total control?
A New Chap brought five Bowls of Rice to our table of three, looked puzzled and then attempted to take two to an adjacent table. No way, Pedro! The Regular Waiter brought the Curry, Mmmmm. James sat waiting, ah his Naan. It came, eventually.
Lamm Chettinad
Deciding that Fish Curry would be more acceptable past its peak of heat, I started with the Lamb. The Meat count was into double figures, tender Lamb, giving Flavour rather than taking. The Minimal Masala Mash is unique to Indian Mango, Sauce it is not. There is enough Moisture to justify the term Masala, this is a Thick Melange of Herbs and Spice, an astonishing blend. With Curry Leaves, Stalks and Stems the now customary Gritty Texture was to the fore. The Seasoning was Perfection, the Spice was Modest to begin with then crept up as I ate. This was my first and only Lamm Chettinad of 2017 – Absolutely Magnificent.
Fisch Chettinad
The first intake of Fish was remarkable, I gasped. Exactly the same Masala yet this Dish is markedly different. The Fish offers another dimension.
Good Fish – remarked Dr. Stan.
What sort of Fish is this? – he then asked.
Masala Fish! – was the inevitable response.
We asked the Young Waiter, he had no idea either.
Which was better? – asked James.
Both! – the reply.
Chicken Badam Pasanda
This was everything Hector avoids in – Curry. Behold a plateful of Soupy Masala with Cream and Coconut to boot. Each to their own.
A good Naan – was James’ only remark as he ate. At the end there was not much to be said about this Children’s Curry:
It was a bit bland, but the Garlic Naan was very good.
*
Dal Palak
This was a first, an interesting mix of Lentils and Spinach. It looked Thicker than the standard Tarka Daal. Dr. Stan had this on his plate with his two portions of Rice and the Fisch Chettinad. He also ate very well today.
Good taste of Spice, complements the Fish.
Time will tell if today’s indulgence is repeated. Arriving on a Sunday and leaving on a Tuesday is abnormal. Not only is Monday always Ruhetag, when I return to München for Silvester, Indian Mango will be closed for a month.
They all go back to India – I was informed.
The Bill
€77.20. (£68.32) This was for five portions of Curry with Rice.
The Aftermath
Our tour of our favourite venues took us to the Hofbräuhaus. The Kappellmeister was playing, it makes one’s day when a member of the Band stops for a chat.