Another all too brief trip to Berlin gives Hector the opperchancity to return to Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland), one of the favourite Curry Houses in all of Europe. Last month’s presentation of their usually outstanding Lamm Desi Korma (€12.90) did not set the heather on fire. Taking no risks, today the Hector was returning to his roots: Lamm Karahi (€14.90).
Marg and Hector took the U8 up to Osloer Straße. Alighting from the front of the train makes finding the correct exit so much simpler.
Entering Punjabi Zaiqa just on 14.00, Aniq was in his customary spot to take the Order. First, a quick recce of the fayre on display. A modest tray of Curry, then the biggest mountain of Samosas ever seen. As Marg observed, they were uncooked, so no reheats here.
Aniq raised an eyebrow as I confirmed – mit Knochen. As if the Hector would choose anything but Lamb on-the-bone. No Rice, just Bread. That would hopefully prevent the usual cascade of food that cannot be eaten.
I took a litre bottle of Fanta (€3.50) from the fridge whilst Marg considered her options. Still in Salad mode, Paneer Salad (€6.90) completed the Order.
With a couple of diners sitting towards the front of the seating area, Marg headed to the rear. All seats are grey: the reupholstering witnessed last time has removed all traces of green.
The wait for the Karahi felt appropriate, in time it arrived, but strangely, Marg’s Salad took another few minutes. Aniq brought the Bread and Curry on a tray.
I could have asked for Naan, I should have asked for Naan, but would the Roti have come as well? Served whole, risen, puffy, blistered, the Hector should be happy. Alas, the now dreaded Wholemeal Flour, I should cope.
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Lamm Karahi
Ginger Strips, Coriander and a decent wedge of Lemon topped the Karahi. The Lemon was duly squeezed, a much better start than the recent visit to Akbar’s (Glasgow).
The portion size was as voluminous as ever. The Meat count was well into double figures, a lot to eat here. With its authentic Oily sheen, the Masala looked inviting. On closer examination, the Tomato base was evident, the Yoghurt appeared to be overdone.
The first dip of Bread in the Masala revealed a major problem. One that anyone else could have rectified, but not the Hector. Having not used a salt cellar at the table this century, I wasn’t going to let the standard drop today, how I wished I could. The Seasoning was well down from its norm at Punjabi Zaiqa. With last month in mind, I was speculating – a new Chef – or just a change in attitude?
The Meat, and care was taken to ensure Bone splinters did not do any damage to the gnashers or palate, was in comparatively large pieces. My first attempt at tackling the first of two Sucky Bones had to be abandoned, too hot to handle. Hot food, always a positive.
Tender to start more chewy as I filled, today, the Lamb was not giving back any more than its own Meatiness. Again, the mental alarm was ringing.
Marg had Lamm Karahi here back in March. My Soupçon on that day confirmed the efficacy maintained, a veritable – wow – moment. The intensity of Flavour from both Meat and Masala was remarkable, the Seasoning spot on.
With two Roti on the table, I thought between us, we should manage one. Yes, 
Marg was dipping pieces into the Masala. However, the Flavour of the Wholemeal Roti was dominating that from the Masala, it was becoming off-putting. The Bread would have been abandoned soon enough, today, sooner. Does this mean that from now on I am going to have to ask what type of Flour the Bread is made from? A definite spoiler, resulting in the abandoning of some Masala.
Served anywhere else in Berlin, I would have been celebrating today’s Curry. But no kid gloves at Punjabi Zaiqa, I know they can do much better.
Paneer Salad
Six strips of Paneer sat atop a fairly standard Salad. What I took to be Tamarind had been sprinkled over the Cheese, not a beautiful sight. Having had Coffee and presumably Cake or similar, this morning with The Ladies, this would prove to be a sufficient meal. Marg:
My Paneer Salad arrived little later than the Karahi. Beautifully (?) presented, six pieces of Paneer were laid out on top of the fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomato and onion surrounding the oval plate. There was sauce and a little paprika sprinkled over the Salad. I loved the fresh vegetables with the fried Paneer and managed to steal some of the sauce from the Karahi with the abundance of Bread. A very enjoyable lunch.
As we ate, so two ladies entered the restaurant, Balloon Ladies. Someone was having a party later. Is attaching a balloon to the paintwork with sticky tape a sensible practice? I shall be studying the walls closely next visit.
The Bill
€25.30 (£21.82)
The Aftermath
Has the Chef changed – I asked Aniq – the food is different.
Last time you had the Korma – he recalled.
The difference between the two Dishes – a hard sauce – is how Aniq described the Karahi, and as for the Desi Korma, we both said – Shorva – in unison.
He insisted there had be no change in personnel.
Today the Curry needed more Salt.
Next time tell me.
Also! The Hector may well be heard to ask for a bit more Salt, and even chance his arm and add Methi to the instruction. Do I miss Karahi Palace (Glasgow)?