This coming weekend is the Wroclaw Festival of Good Beer, however, no trip to Western Poland will be complete without a couple of nights in Berlin. Today provided the opperchancity to visit Punjabi Zaiqa (Tromsöer Strasse 6, 13359 Berlin Deutschland), the – must visit – Curry House on any trip to Berlin. Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley arranged to meet at the restaurant. Hector took the U8 up to Osloer Strasse, arriving at 13.40. Clive and Maggie were in situ. They were studying the new, glossy printed menu. The electronic board has gone, no more waiting for one’s desired dish to appear on the rotating screen. The price increase in 2026 appears to be an extra Euro for main courses.
In keeping with the ongoing avoidance of Lamb, Hector was once again limiting his Red Meat intake. Punjabi Lamm Korma – Desi-style (€13.90) has been Hector’s go to dish at Punjabi Zaiqa for some years. Today would be the first time a Punjabi Chicken Korma – Desi-sytle (€11.90) would appear in these pages. Maggie would stick to the also tried and tested Lamm Karahi – mit Knochen (€15.90). This comes with two Roti, however, Maggie was keen to share the portion of Rice that I would order. Having first found it in the Mittagsmenu, Clive opted for a rather strange Lamm Tikka Desi-style (€9.90). On being informed that a Keema Naan was not available, Clive settled for a Garlic Naan (€3.50).
For drinks, the Hector helped himself to a litre bottle of Fanta (€3.50), a rehydration break, or Trinkpause, as is written in Deutschland TV World Cup coverage. Not content with just a bottle of water (€1.50), Clive and Maggie both ordered Mango Lassi (€4.90). The orders were placed, separately, at the counter. My intent on sharing one Rice portion was quickly thwarted, the serving Chap had other ideas. Large portions of Basmati were coming our way, regardless.
Two other diners departed whilst we waited, we then had the restaurant to ourselves. 
When the food was brought on a large tray, two huge pots of Basmati arrived along with a more modest Garlic Naan. Inclusive Rice, this is the European way, the wastage was basically, ridiculous.
Lamm Tikka Desi-style
Beneath the worthy toppings of Coriander, Ginger Strips and the wedge of Lemon, this concoction saddened Hector’s eyes. Large pieces, in multi colours, of the dreaded Capsicum, stood out. Adding a sauce to Lamb Tikka never feels right. A Dish to surely be enjoyed without, writes the man who has stooped to ordering Chicken Curry. Clive had some Rice, and eventually tackled his Bread. For once, he didn’t finish it, too much Rice. Clive:
A generous portion, soupier than I expected. The lamb could have been tenderer, wasn’t chewy, but not melt melt in the mouth. A plentiful portion.
Lamm Karahi – mit Knochen
Lamb, served on-the-bone, sat in a thick Desi Masala. One long Sucky Bone was a standout, again, the same Toppings. It has been a year since I ordered this at Punjabi Zaiqa, it was wonderful.
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Maggie:
Lamb Karahi for one, which you do not often get, especially with bones. Enough bones, not too many, and a sucky bone. The lamb fell off the bone. There was evidence of chilli and large strips of ginger. A large portion, I didn’t eat any rice. It was tasty.
Indeed, that Maggie had no Rice meant the leftovers were even more ridiculous.
Punjabi Chicken Korma – Desi-style
The toppings of Coriander, sliced Bullet Chillies, Ginger Strips were complemented by a wedge Lemon. The latter perhaps added more to the classic aroma of a Desi Qorma.
On decanting, A Chicken drumstick, plus a section of thigh, were arranged on the Rice. Potentially plenty of Meat, but Chicken Bones can be comparatively large. Normally I write about Meat and Masala. With Chicken only absorbing Spice and Flavour superficially, as proven by the interiors being definitely white, today was all about the Masala.
A big Spicy Kick registered on the palate. The Seasoning was pitched to perfection. Last time here I questioned this. The true Flavours on my Desi Qorma were forthcoming. This is regarded in Curry-Heute as being – The King of Curry. Even in Chicken, still not too shabby.
The Rice contained Green Cardamom and Cumin Seeds. The latter would make their presence known long after I had finished eating.
The serving chap came over to check all was well. He was assured that the food was wonderful. Maggie had been making lots of positive comments as she ate.
When it came to pay, the Hector developed a theory as to why we had so much Rice. The pricing at Punjabi Zaiqa has the Bread or Rice built in. To withhold either would not compute.
The Bill
€14.40 (£12.48) and €50.60 (£43.85) respectively. I do not know why Clive and Maggie had to pay this much. Clive’s selection had clearly not come from the Lunch Menu.
The Aftermath
The latest edition of the Calling Card was presented, just to remind the staff that they had been visited by Hector at Curry-Heute.
I shall be back later in the year – was my farewell.
I have found none better than Punjabi Zaiqa in Berlin, I nearly scunnered myself in the Mainstream before I found this place.