Curry-Heute is also about exploration, with a view to discovering venues which serve Curry as good as, or possibly even better than Glasgow’s Top Rated – says the About page.
Occasionally Hector strikes gold, today at Amritsar Mail (Vodickova 701/34, 110 00 Nové Mesto, Praha, Czechia) a Lamb Madras was served that has to be celebrated. If the Hector level of enjoyment was at the top end of the scale, then the Reader must surely accept that this Curry was truly Excellent, Outstanding!
After last night’s frustration at Masala, Hector was very much in the mood for Curry. Amritsar Mail was first encountered last August but too late in the trip to investigate. Amritsar Mail was therefore scheduled to be Curry #1 this week. Hector arrivived at 12.25, Steve texted to say he would be a few minutes later. As expected, he found it difficult to locate Amritsar Mail being in an arcade off Vodickova.
A Waiter let me choose any table which meant the view from the corner was secured, in full view of the Buffet. The line of small tables in front of the counter was avoided, OK for one person, not for two.
It looked like everyone else was here for the Buffet which was charged from 119Kc, about £4.00. I had a glance, two Chicken Dishes and a Daal, though Steve insisted later he spotted something in Lamb. The Menu was provided, once again in Praha it featured many more Chicken Dishes than Lamb. Lamb Kadai (265Kc) was considered, but was the Capsicum in the Masala as suggested, or worse? The Chicken Kadai was in the Buffet, Soup, no thanks. Playing safe, Lamb Madras (255Kc) became the choice. Had Steve been present, Hector would have chosen something else, this is the Steve Curry. Mutter Pulao (75Kc) would accompany. The Sparkling Water was only available in small bottles, Home-made Lemonade (55Kc) would be served as a half litre, Hector required liquid that was not Piwo.
The Waiter took my Order as he cleared the adjacent table, nothing was written down. The Jar of Lemonade arrived moments later, refreshing, but I could have done without the Mint and the straw.
Steve arrived @12.45, he too studied the Buffet before asking for the Menu. Methi Chicken (195Kc) and a Plain Naan (50Kc) was ordered along with the Lemonade.
Lamb Madras
The Toppings intrigued. In addition to the standard Ginger Strips and Coriander (?) were Seeds, possibly Mustard Seeds. The Slivers of Tomato also pleased, how many venues would have used the dreaded Green Vegetable?
That looks good – said Steve as I completed the photographic ritual.
The Meat was arranged over the well judged portion of Rice. Double figures were reached, some pieces would be halved, this was a decent Quantity.
The first mouthful of Meat, Masala and Rice brought immediate pleasure. The Seasoning registered and then an amazing array of Flavours. The Spice Level was not challenging, there was a decent – Kick – but, oh, the intensity of Flavour.
This is bloody marvellous – was an almost involuntary exclamation, Steve took a sample, he concurred.
The Meat was soft, yet the first piece sampled was a bit chewy. Thereafter the required level of – Tenderness – prevailed, though the occasional piece of Fat was encountered. The Richness of the Masala was astonishing. I could see white flecks which I took to be Garlic. Curry Leaves were set aside. Cumin Seeds were present, these may have been in the Rice as the Buffet Rice was – Jeera Rice. The Seeds were too small to be Peppercorns but larger than Onion Seeds which were also identified. Even the Peas stood out, I cannot recall tastier Peas. This Lamb Madras was astonishing, right up there with the best of Curry encounters.
There is Curry in Praha, Indian Happy Tandoor impressed once then lost their Chef. Mailsi – Pakistani Restaurant and Curry House are reliable, this Lamb Madras at Amritsar Mail was in a different league. If one only had time for one Curry when visiting Praha, this must be it.
Methi Chicken
Three of the same Toppings were present, not the Seeds. The Masala was clearly the same as presented in the Lamb Madras but with flecks of Herb mixed in – Methi!
Yes, no? – I asked.
It’s good.
*
*
The Naan was pale, not fired enough, but at least the shape suggested it had been cooked in a Tandoor, not on a Tawa. I was outside trying to get a phone signal whilst Steve ate. I asked for his verdict on my return:
The Chicken is a bit tasteless, the sauce is fine.
It’s a pity that so many people eschew Lamb in favour of this almost impervious Meat which simply does not – Curry. Now we can imagine – Methi Lamb.
The Bills
385 Kc (£12.80) for Hector, 300 Kc (£10.00) for Steve.
The Aftermath
Your Lamb Madras was truly exceptional – was my introduction to Curry-Heute. Cards were exchanged, the Waiter asked if I would write something on their Website. Hopefully I can post a link to this review.
The arrival of Craft Beer in Praha has transformed the experience. The smoking ban has made this experience so much more enjoyable. Now there is truly exceptional Curry. I am not waiting twelve months to return, a trip to Praha, anyone?
Menu Extracts
