Ebermannstadt, Upper Franconia, it is twenty nine years since Hector set foot in this town. The desire to return was triggered last year when the existence of Everybody’s Darling – Mamas Punjab (Schulstraße 2, 91320 Ebermannstadt, Deutschland) was realised. A Punjabi restaurant in this part of Deutschland, it had to be explored. That Kofte Anda mit Reis (€16.90) is on the menu, a major attraction and surely proof that they know what Curry is about.
Ebermannstadt is at the end of a branch line, 10km north-east of the oft visited Forchheim. Getting there has never been an issue, however, on my last two stays in Bamberg. Mamas Punjab was closed, and thankfully, this was made clear on Google Maps. I phoned last night to confirm today’s opening. 10.39, a rather early departure from Bamberg, Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley were in tow.
It was 11.40 when we entered Mamas Punjab, hours before Hector’s preferred eating time, but one has to accommodate the other reason for our trips to this part of the World. A mature couple greeted: Mohammed and his lady, Zeba, the Chef. I confirmed that it was I who had phoned last night and that we were here for Echtes Punjabi Essen. Mohammed’s English was limited, but still better than my Deutsch which evaporates every year, especially after visits to Berlin.
Drinks were sorted. 0.4l Glasses of Sparkling Water (€3.60) and Still (€3.60). I’ll point out that a 0.5l bottle of Bier costs the same. Bier is therefore cheaper than water. In the north end of Bayern, this is a common occurrence.
The menu was studied in detail. The Lamm and Fisch sections were the focal point. I had already decided to leave Kofta Anda for another day, let’s establish what their regular Curry is like.
Mutton Karai mit Naan (€18.20) was a consideration. Grünem Chilli – had to be addressed. Was this finger Chillies, or Capsicum. By showing a photo of the latter, the undesirable answer was confirmed. No Karahi Gosht for Hector today, but who knows what my fellow diners might order??
Between us, we never did achieve a satisfactory explanation as to the price difference between Mutton Curry mit Reis (€17.50) and Mutton Mattar mit Reis (€16.90). Does adding Peas mean less Meat leading to a lower price?
Achar Gosht mit Reis (€17.50) was now calling the Hector. It has been a few weeks. From out of nowhere, Maggie declared Palek Gosht mit Reis (€16.90). I do not recall Maggie ever Curry with Spinach. I did warn her that in Europe, it tends to be Creamy compared to that served in the UK. Clive stayed safe: Mutton Curry mit Reis (€17.50). To this he added a Garlic Naan (€4.30).
Spice Level was then discussed. Scharf – for the chaps, medium for the lady.
We settled down for the wait, an opperchancity to survey all aspects of the venue. A new build, still it retained the classic Deutsche Bier Cafe, a bar, Bier vom Faß, nothing to become excited about, when so many tremendous breweries are a stone throw away. But Bier was cheaper than water.
Mohammed did his best to engage. Maggie became concerned that not even another single customer entered during our visit. Mohammed related the story of his offspring. Doing very well in the UK, and beyond. Meanwhile, Zeba was doing the bulk of the work in the kitchen, a full forty five minutes of preparation time.
Three portions of inclusive Rice, Maggie hardly touched hers, the Naan being her preference. Sensible Rice portions, manageable.
The somewhat strange looking Garlic Naan was well received. Served whole, light on the periphery, big burnt blisters in the centre. Abundant Flakes of Garlic topped the Bread. Hector declined a sample, at times the Garlic dominates, detracting from the enjoyment of the Curry.
Achar Gosht
What a plateful! Nine pieces of Meat sat in the Masala, many of these would be halved to facilitate the eating. The Oil was separating in the dark, rich, blended Masala. I could not spot any slope on the table, yet the Oil was steadily advancing towards me. Has Hector become an Oil Magnet? (throw me a bone…)
With the Curry on a plate and the Rice in a bowl, the Rice had to be brought to the Curry. Not my preferred scenario, however, it did accentuate the relative proportions.
The Spice Level was indeed – Scharf – but not at a ridiculous level. The Pickle element was powerful, a huge blast of Flavour. The Seasoning was decidedly a la Hector. This was a stunning Curry, a definite – wow! – moment. And as my fellow diners tucked in to their respective Dishes, there was much concurrence. All was well, a consensus, coming to Ebermannstadt was a good idea.
Tender Meat, but firm, chewing required, and umami moments, definitely Lamb. However, I cannot say that the Meat was giving back the Spices, and so was withholding confirming Desi/Apna style. Then I pulled out a piece of Cinnamon Bark, and moments later tasted a blast of Anise. Things were getting decidedly – Desi.
Small green flecks, I feared they might be Capsicum, but concluded they were stray bits from the larger Pickled Chillies that were present. The intensity of Flavour must have come from other Spices, not just the sour Pickle, this was very much a first class Achari.
A few grains of Rice were abandoned. Satisfaction had been attained, let’s not spoil the moment.
*
Mutton Curry
No Soupçon for Hector, this Masala strongly resembled the Achari. If anything, the size of the pieces of Meat stands out more in the Mutton Curry. Curry, Rice and half of the Naan, Clive managed the lot.
Clive – The Rice was boiled, done to perfection. The meat was on the right side between firm and tender. It tasted like lamb.
Spice level was excellent, hot enough to make you sit up and take notice, but not drown the lamb. The Garlic Naan tasted like garlic, don’t know why that is remarkable, but it is.
*
Palek Gosht
The dark brown, thick Masala did not look Creamy as prevails across this Land. Again no Soupçon for Hector, so the extent to which this was the preferred Masala with Herb cannot be established. It did look the job. On asking why Maggie had opted for a Saag/Palak, it appears that she has been adding Spinach Leaves to much of her cooking, as is also the case in Hector’s House.
More Rice? – asked Mohammed.
In Europe, one is always offered more Rice. He then spotted that Maggie had a bowl, which at that moment, could well have been untouched.
Maggie – The mutton was firm, but was still nice to eat, didn’t fall apart. Taste was excellent. The spinach was sloppier than I would prefer. The Garlic Naan was amazing.
All in all, I don’t understand why they are not crazy busy.
As we ate, so Mohammed came to further check on our progress and ask the customary question.
Wonderful!
Echtes!
Three happy diners.
The Bill
€67.00 (£55.90) Cash only.
The Aftermath
Whilst Maggie went off to find a cash machine, Hector introduced Curry-Heute. I also established that Kofta Anda is always available, presumably made from scratch. Our intent to return on Sunday was declared, let’s see if anyone else joins us.
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2026 Menu
