Leipzig? Hector has been here twice before but never left the Hauptbahnhof, changing trains only. The attraction has always been Colditz where Anthony and Hector spent an hour this afternoon. The more visits I make to Schloss Colditz, the less there is access to.
I arrived in Leipzig from Manchester last night via Berlin where frustratingly, there was no time to do anything. Hector was attending an evening of celebration – Lomond School 40 – with our former German pupils from Leipzig and Nürnberg. Leaving the Ibis Hotel, I found the Indian Crown next door to be wedged. Saturday Night is Curry Night in Leipzig?
Returning from our evening at the Bayerischer Bahnhof Haus Bräuerei, around 23.30 I went to hunt down the other nearby Curry Houses. There are four clustered on Nikolaistrasse, although lights were on, nobody was serving. The Chap at Mumbai Lounge (Nikolaistrasse 16, 04109 Leipzig, Deutschland) apologised, this was enough to make Mumbai Lounge my choice for today.
I had a ten minute start on Anthony and so entered the Mumbai Lounge to find only two tables occupied. Sunday Night is not Curry Night in Leipzig! I selected the table with my back to the Bar so that I could survey all. The Waiter brought the Menu, I had plenty of time to consider my choice, that the Menu was not overly long made this simpler.
The Fisch Dishes did not tempt, stick to the usual – Lamb, though for a brief moment I pondered over Kofta Curry (€11.90). The Kofta would be Vegetable based, no thanks. Lamm Vindaloo (€14.90) had a warning in the footnote. Perhaps they were serious, I was not about to find out. Lamm Rogan Josh (€13.90) included – Cabbage – in the description. Who puts Cabbage in Curry? The Bangladeshis, I am told. Lamm Madras (€14.90) had no offending ingredient and promised – Peperoni. Along with the Vindaloo, it was one of the two – Scharf – Dishes on offer.
There was no mention of Rice – being inclusive – as it tends to be in German Curry Houses. Basmatireis was a whopping €4.00. A Roti/Chapatti was €2.50. Bombay Potatoes (€6.90) might be worth sharing, I would wait and hear Anthony’s thoughts.
When Anthony arrived two half litres of Indisches Fassbier – Cobra (€4.50) were ordered. My customary Sparkling Water was available in 250ml Bottles (€3.00) and 750ml Bottles (€6.90). How can Water be more expensive than Bier?
Anthony turned straight to the Lamm section. The Rogan Josh would be his choice. He then mentioned Bombay Potatoes, excellent. I suggested we share this and one Basmatireis given that it is normal in Europe for a single portion to feed the masses. Sorted.
The Waiter took the Order and then confirmed the Spice Level.
Scharf is good, not Crazy Scharf! He understood.
Mumbai Lounge is located through a portal from Nikolaistrasse. The signs of summer seating in the courtyard were visible. Tablecloths were aplenty in this Pukka Venue which seats more than fifty inside. This was a different type of Curry House from those I have visited in the last few days in Manchester and Huddersfield. Could the Curry be as good?
Two plates with Curry to the side and a Salad Garnish in the corner were presented. Both were very – Red. What the difference between the Rogan Josh and the Madras was I would never establish. No sharing here, we’re men.
The Rice indeed was more than enough for two therefore possibly justifying the price, but not fair on a solo diner.
Bombay Potatoes
Put simply, this was a plate of Boiled Potatoes, presumably cooked with Turmeric and Mustard (Seeds) stirred in at the point of serving. Anthony expected a Masala, I have come to accept what comes, and this was it. When decanted on top of the Red Curry it added Ballast and Diversity. We had avoided Meat and Masala.
Lamm Madras
Topped with the now customary Sprinkling of Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips one wonders how we ever eat Curry without these? Whoever started this should be chuffed with how far it has spread. Why has authentic Desi Curry not spread to the same extent? The Masala was of the standard blended, Onion-based variety. Small specks in the Masala stood out, was this the Peperoni? If so, then its contribution was hardly emphatic. Ten pieces of Meat were on the plate, none would be considered to be – Large. This was not a Large Portion by any standard, how glad I was that the Potato was there to augment the Quantity of Solids.
The Spice Level was not testing, – adequately Spiced. What saved this Curry was the Seasoning, there was Flavour in the Masala, and the Meat tasted of Lamb. I always enjoy the Flavour of Lamb itself in Curry, however, here was the classic meat – still taking in – rather than giving out – in terms of Spice-Herbs-Flavour.
As a Lover of Curry, anywhere, anytime, I did enjoy what was before me. I had avoided Deutsche Cuisine which is always a good thing.
Pleasant, enjoyable, but not remarkable – would be a fair summary.
Lamm Rogan Josh
This looked the same and had the same – Specks – in the Masala, so not Peperoni then. Where was the Cabbage? For most of my adult life, a Rogan Josh has been Tomato-rich and therefore some – Red – was expected. In recent years this Curry has taken on a Creamy Nature in many venues, not just in the UK but across Europe. Why?
I warned Anthony that he would be expected to give some well chosen words afterwards. Towards the end:
That was good, I enjoyed that.
When the Waiter came over to ask the customary question:
Very good, thank you.
Anthony had evidently enjoyed his Curry, but I know he has not experienced the – Down to Earth – venues which I frequent and use as my yardstick. I had impressed him with my coverage of Norwich, his nearest city.
I shouldn’t have warned him, now I indulge him:
An excellent Lamb Rogan Josh , robust but not overpowering, a dish that aficionados and tyros would enjoy … the slices of Ginger were a thoughtful complement.
He doesn’t get out much. Howard, you have been challenged.
The Bill
€48.70 (£43.10) I haven’t thanked those who voted for – Brexit – in a while. That would have been £27.66 when Anthony and I first started going to Deutschland together.
The Aftermath
The Waiter whom I shall now promote to Mein Host, graciously received the Calling Card and expressed an interest in what Curry-Heute is about. He described how busy they are at weekends, not Sundays evidently. He was keen to tell me that they keep the Menu deliberately – Brief – as everything is freshly cooked to order, they try to tailor to the customer’s requirements.
He had made us feel welcome and served us Decent, albeit – Mainstream – Curry. This is typical of the – Indian Food – that is served in Deutschland.
Mumbai Lounge – Menu extracts
The adjacent venues
A large board listed the Fayre, the Northern Quarter Classic of – Three Curries on Rice – (£5.00) was there. Fish Masala (£5.00) caught the eye, I verified that Fish was available. I ordered this with Rice, a solid foundation for the day which would be spent in Huddersfield. 
Clive’s selection was Keema Potatoes (£5.00) and a Chapatti (£0.50). So it costs more not to have Rice? John repeated his Three Chapattis with Lamb Karahi (£5.00).
Masala Fish for Lunch, is there a better way to start the day? The Portion was sufficient, not as Large as served up by Rizwan at 
The Flavours from the Fish and the Spice hit instantly. The Flavour was – Powerful – there was much to enjoy here. Digging down to grab some Rice, I soon realised a variation in the Seasoning. The Masala was appreciably different from the Lamb Karahi, Thicker, the way I seek it, and in no way Excessive. When eating the Masala mixed through the Rice, the Seasoning Level was way down. When eating pieces of the Fish, all was well. I mixed my Curry more thoroughly, a proverbial – Dog’s Breakfast. Now I had it. 
I’m sure I spotted Peas in there too, but Clive made no comment on that. The Keema looked the part, no excess of Masala/Liquid here.
OK portion, maybe more Coriander on top.
The Masala looked to be the Standard Blended Masala with an Oily residue collecting around the edges. Tomatoes were a prominent feature here too. How John can eat Three Chapattis remains a mystery, but he does. In our two Curry outings together he has not sat opposite me, today he was at his own table behind Clive.
I wasn’t that impressed, average to good, smallish on the portion.
I am still getting used to the new board, – Go Large For £2.00 Extra – remains an option. Last time I had to admit defeat, this evening a normal portion of Lamb Karahi (£6.50) with Extra Methi would be accompanied by a Keema Naan (£2.50). 
John opted for – The Same, but Large – (£8.50) plus his usual three Chapattis (£0.50). He too was charged 50p more than expected, though he did later ask for some Green Chillies on the side. Dr. Stan’s choice was Keema Karahi (£5.50) with two Chapattis. This would be washed down by a Mango Rubicon (£0.80). Who knows what Dr. Stan paid? A Salad was provided, the 50p?
The Flavour was full on with a slight Sweetness. Methi would sort this. The Meat in the Standard Portion was numerous. The Spice Level and Seasoning could both be described as – Moderate. The Masala was delightfully – Thick – with Tomato Seeds very visible, a great Pedigree. 
This was a major platter of Keema. Seeing a Mince Curry presented in this manner requires a second glance, one is used to – Bowlfuls. 
I permitted Dr. Stan to employ the normally forbidden word:
The Lamb Karahi (£4.80) served yesterday on-the-bone was – that good. Hector was back at 
It’s all in the Seasoning – I said to Clive as he put away what lay before him.
The thought of returning to 
The Curry arrived, two modest platefuls, or so I thought. I persuaded the Chap who brought the food that we needed cutlery and napkins. A plastic fork and spoon was provided and some blue industrial kitchen roll. No toilet, no frills.
The Parathas were a good size and were served – Whole – which always raises the spirits. I was keen to examine the interior, Brown Grains of Mince, oh yes! Coriander Leaves were there too, better still. Normally one forsakes – Flaky – when ordering a Stuffed Paratha, not at Golden Tandoori. This Paratha was stuffed, had Layers and retained a sense of – Flakiness. It had its own distinctive Flavour too, one could have eaten this alone. This was the Perfect Paratha. So Perfect, I nearly managed to eat all of it, only a small piece was left over. Clive managed all of his. 
There was more Meat than I first realised, it was cut small though not – Bradford-small. The Curry was piping hot and had a good Spice Level. The Seasoning was – OK – no more. The Masala was full of Tomato Seeds, a feature I always enjoy. Unfortunately this Masala lacked a distinctive taste, should I have asked this to be served – Asian Style – or was it down to the Seasoning, or lack of? 
How, or why, Clive enjoys this still baffles. A plateful of Yellow Masala with pieces of Lamb which looked out of place, I am used to seeing Chicken here. 
There had to be a photo, they were keen. I’ll see them again on a future trip, hopefully. Asian Style, ask for Asian Style. 
By 15.00 most of The Company had assembled at the Ancoats Travelodge, the perfect locus for Lunchtime and Late Night Curry in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Some people still think the main attraction of this Trip is the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival. 
At the counter Rizwan gave his usual warm greeting, a feature which makes 
One of the Staff brought over a plate with Fresh Coriander, Chopped Green Chillies and cubes of Ginger – The Toppings. This would not be enough for five. John got into the spirit of the moment and went up to the counter to fetch another plateful. Clive had to wait longest as his Paratha was evidently prepared after the Chapattis. The Lamb Karahi on Rice came first, Mark was instantly impressed. Dr. Stan’s Keema Peas came with two Chapattis as did John’s boneless Lamb Karahi. John was sorted. He was also taken aback by the size and girth of the Chapattis. Finally, the Paratha and Keema Peas were placed in front of Clive. 
This was visibly different from that which I have enjoyed over the years at 
The Rice Portion was Sensible, some Masala had been soaked in by the time it reached the table making every mouthful a pleasure. 
Mark had been making positive statements throughout, at the end of the eating I noted his comments:
Served in a bowl as John was having Chapattis, this Curry was more – Soupy. 
Two decent Portions of Mince with Peas. The Masala was negligible as it should be in this Dish. 
Dr. Stan devoured his Keema Mutter and solitary Chapatti in no time.
Hector made contact with 
£10.00 was my share. Once again I praise the receipt system where one’s Order is clearly printed.
Clive tore in, the Sauce was everywhere, he was having fun . Clive thoroughly enjoyed his selection:
The Toppings were back! Fresh Coriander, slices of Large Green Chillies and the Ginger Strips. One has become used to this, a Curry without disappoints. Not only does each add Flavour/Spice, they also vary the Texture of the Dish. No Methi?
The Spice hit hard, this Curry was taking no prisoners. Fortunately this is rarely a problem for Hector. Despite the ferocity, the Flavour of the Masala came through strongly also. Rich in Tomato Seeds, this was an impressive Masala. The desired – Thickness – was there, the Oil collected around the periphery, great for – Dipping – the Paratha. 
No Toppings here, a cheaper Curry. This appeared to be the major difference between this and that described above. Steve had been to delhi2go in 
It was as before, the Meat was lovely and Tender. Very Tomatoey, a great sauce, though a lack of Garlic. I quite like to taste Garlic but didn’t get it. 
Hopefully someone from delhi2go will read these pages. With this number of visits, and all but one highly positive, Hector can add delhi2go to the list of – 
I said I’d be back, and with Mother. After our Lidl Shopping, Hector and Mother managed to dodge the heavy showers and reach Lahore Kebab House (196 Albert Dr, Glasgow, G41 2NH) just before 14.00. Mein Host was manning the premises, no doubt thinking the Lunchtime Rush, if they have one, was over. 
Kofta Anda was foremost in my mind, or Kofta Karahi (£7.50) as is listed. Having enjoyed the 
Having settled in at the table for four, Mother remarked on how much she liked this venue. The lack of – Musak – pleased. We could sit in peace.
I never seem to get enough of this, today I had a plateful. Six decent Kofta and two Boiled Eggs, halved. The Masala was the same Oily, Blended Masala I had experienced in the 
The Chapatti was a decent size and girth, quite Standard. This was used to scoop up the Masala, the Kofta were spooned. The more I ate, the more I realised that the – Signature Taste – of the Lahore Kebab House was coming through. Peppery – I thought. 
Once again, this was presented on a flat, oblong plate. All could be seen. Ironically the plate was – Hot – but the accompanying Rice Plate was not. The Rice was – Steaming Hot – and so I decanted pieces of Lamb to the Rice as is the norm. I was careful not to take one of the four pieces of Meat – on-the-bone. The Meat was again well into double figures, so Mother had more than she could ever eat. The Lamb on-the-bone came in my direction, featuring two – Sucky Bones – full of Marrow. Mmmmm.
The lack of excess Masala was proven by the rate at which it was absorbed by the Rice. This was a Curry fit for The Mother of Hector.
Life has its rituals, the monthly trip to Staggs (Musselburgh) followed by the first visit of 2018 to 
The Naan impressed immediately. Again served – Whole – the Quantity of Chopped Green Chillies and Coriander Leaves embedded was significant. With a Well Fired periphery, Light and Fluffy, this is what Hector considers to be a Perfect Naan. I rarely eat an entire Chapatti when I visit the 
The Toppings were a standout this evening. Both Coriander Leaves and Stem were spotted. The Quantity impressed, Mags would eventually face defeat, but there was not enough for a Takeaway. The Masala was of the Standard – Blended, Oily, Desi-style – that prevails across Glasgow’s Southside. As with all Lamb Dishes at 
Beneath the Ginger Strips, Sliced Large Green Chillies, Coriander leaves and Stems lay a very Hot and Spicy Marvel. The Flavour is unique to 
The first dip of Bread into the Oily Periphery sets the scene, if this doesn’t have you hooked then you’re at the wrong movie. The Masala was as Minimal as it could be, the Tomato-rich Mash was scooped on to pieces of Naan, this had the – Wow! On tackling the Meat, it felt at first as if it was a Stranger to the Masala, by the end this had been refuted. Tender Lamb, a few pieces on-the-bone, Maximum Flavour achieved. The Spice, Seasoning, Temperature, Quantity, Herb content, all Perfect. Chef Rashid should come out to take a bow.
Prompted by the above nonsense, I consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog and realised Albert Drive has not been visited in years. The much lauded Lahore Kebab House (196 Albert Dr, Glasgow, G41 2NH ) was well overdue a return visit. 
It was as if the Lahore Kebab House has become stuck in time, the Dishes looked the same, and the prices have not changed either. Who has not put up their prices since 2014?
Mein Host stood opposite me on the other side of the counter. Having read the script from my first visit, I asked which was the Lamb Karahi (£7.50). I was told it was the corner tray nearest me. I had spotted the Kofta Anda also, I’ve been trying to track this down for months. 
The flatness of the plate meant I could see all instantly. Fourteen pieces of Meat, three of which were on-the-bone, a decent ratio. The now customary Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Leaves were complemented by Coriander Stems and slices of Large Green Chillies. This was quite a plateful, Mein Host was correct, I would have struggled to eat more than this. 
