Steve, who is otherwise not in this saga today, assured the Hector that Bella Tandoori (Schützenstraße 14, 96047 Bamberg Deutschland) was worth another visit. Visit #1 was not a great experience, but even nearby Swarg, once reported as the worst Curry House ever visited, eventually had the Hector onside. Time heels, else the management are forced to get their act together. As reported two days ago, Erlangen has always had a disproportionate number of Curry Houses for the size of town, Bamberg is catching up, alas the better venues are not open at lunchtime, and so shall continue to be passed by.
Originally, Hector had other plans for today. A Punjabi outlet has popped up in Ebermannstadt – Everybody’s Darling (Mama’s Punjab) – Monday was earmarked for a visit until I noted that Google had them as closed this week, with today as the reopening. Their holiday has been extended. It is good to see people keep this medium up to date. Maybe next year Hector will have his first Kofta Anda in Deutschland.
On entering Bella Tandoori, nothing was familiar. Having been directed towards the garden at the rear last time, today, we were very much in the front end of the premises. A compact room, two diners were in situ as we entered at 13.00. A turbaned chap greeted but was not serving. Instead, a Syrian gentleman would be looking after us. For once, I managed to refrain from announcing that I have been to a piece of land that was once Syria, i.e. Golan. Clive did get in a mention of Assad.
Rehydration, a 0.75l bottle of Mineralwasser spritzig (€6.00) was first up for Hector. Maggie ordered a comparable bottle of Still Water whilst Clive hung on for water from the tap.
We took our time choosing our Curry. All the permutations of Lamb, Chicken, Fish and Duck were listed and described on the extensive menu. Pizza, too, Bella explained. The Korma on the Board was not of the type celebrated in these pages. Monday’s Vindaloo at Curry House (Erlangen) was enough of an experience for one week. Today’s Curry would very much be in the Mainstream category, nothing – Desi – here.
For Hector, Lamm Rogan Josh (€19.90), a bit steep, but of course, in Europe, Rice is usually included. And we have tablecloths, so pukka eating today. Clive, determined to find something with a – kick – opted for Chilli Chicken (€15.90), whilst Maggie took Hector’s advice and went for Chicken Sabji (€14.90). A potentially Interesting array of Vegetables being the attraction here, not the Chicken.
Three Spice Levels were outlined on the menu. Our waiter took time to address our individual needs. Maggie specified – lightly spiced – whilst the men sought something above medium, but not crazy. Sorted.
The two ladies departed, we were entertained by a variety of musical styles unfortunately featuring Indian (c)rap. The turbaned chap apologised when a sudden blast escaped from his sound system.
Three Poppadoms, the tasty ones, complete with Cumin Seeds, and three Dips were provided for our further amusement. The Chilli Dip was pronounced sweet by Clive, and so was avoided by Hector, as was the Mint Raita. The Mango did the trick. Why don’t we get Complimentary Poppadoms as standard across the UK?
When the food arrived, Maggie was impressed by the tall stands. Like Hector, she prefers to decant half of the Curry at the start, anything which can help keep the remaining food warm a bit longer is always appreciated, as were the hot dinner plates.
I was surprised when three individual portions of Rice were presented. For once in Europe, sensible portions, manageable, no wastage.
Lamm Rogan Josh
Attractively presented, raw Onions Rings were an interesting addition to the ubiquitous Ginger Strips and threat of Coriander. I counted out the, oh so standard, eight pieces of Meat. In addition to a slight Oily sheen, the Red-ish Masala had a hint of Creaminess to it. With no sign of Tomato, this Rogan Josh was in the new-style interpretation of this Curry. When my TARDIS arrives, I shall go back to the early 1980s and visit the original Akash (Helensburgh) and have this Curry in the original style, with large pieces of Tomato cooked in.
We had Seasoning! The Spice Level was well pitched, and we had Flavour. OK, calm, there was no great depth of Flavour, no Whole Spice, and so nothing of note was discernible. Importantly, there was only the merest hint of the universal Euro-Curry Taste. In effect, there was nothing not to like here.
Tender Meat, soft, minimal chewing required, as with any Mainstream Curry House, only the pronounced Flavour of the Lamb itself was forthcoming. Overall, a decent Curry, and a vast improvement over that which was presented some six years back at these premises.
Chilli Chicken
With an identical garnish, the Masala looked not dissimilar to the Rogan Josh. The major difference was the protrusion of the Meat in the Masala. So, maybe more eating here. Clive:
Everything about that was good. Nice place, good service. Excellent, it was hot and spicy, not lethal, pleasantly hot. Addition of free Poppadoms was welcome.
*
*
*
*
Chicken Sabji
The Masala here was markedly different in colour, a different sauce pot? The same level of viscosity had been achieved, this made me look back at the very poor Masala served in the Fisch Mix back in 2019. Today’s was clearly better.
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrot and Peas gave the Diversity which always makes Sabji a worthy fallback in European Curry Houses when nothing else attracts. Maggie held a piece of Chicken aloft and wondered how one achieves cubes of Chicken. Chicken breast can be cut thus with ease, surely. Maggie:
Lots of vegetables, lightly spiced as requested. Not too soupy, lots of chicken, cubes of chicken. Just the right portion size. It’s not often you go somewhere and get everything you ask for.
*
*
*
It appears that we were three contented diners. I gestured towards the empty plates when the table was cleared.
The Bill
€65.60 (£57.68)
The Aftermath
It was after the advertised 14.00 closing time when we took our leave. Meanwhile, a new customer had arrived, so maybe they are not too strict.
2025 Menu extracts
