Hector left Bamberg on a fast and reliable ICE, with working toilets, and arrived in München before 11.00. There was time to dump the bags in a secure locker, verify the check-in time at Hotel Dolomit and walk at a leisurely pace down Bayerstarsse, past the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz and complete the stroll though Isartor to Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München). Hector’s priority in München is well recorded in Curry-Heute. That Indian Mango has featured in the banner since Day 1 must mean something. Hector has just spent the last week evaluating Deutsche Curry in Nordrhein Westfalen and Frankonia. That two Reasonable Curry Dishes were presented in Bamberg came as quite a surprise. No surprises today, the Indian Mango always delivers.
Anthony, a former Colleague from a Top Independent School in the West of Scotland, also – Retired! – was sitting in the Outside Tables as Hector arrived at precisely 11.30, the Rendezvous Time. Anthony should appreciate Military Precision. I had arranged to meet Anthony at – Indian Mango – no more details were supplied. He knew which reliable Source of Information to consult.
Indian Mango was open already, Diners in situ. Herr Battra was at the door and helped us in. Anthony appreciated instantly that I was known here, he did ask – Do they know you’re Hector? Indeed they do. Mein Host, Herr Jolly Kunjappu, was not on the premises today however he has assured me in the past that his Daughter keeps tabs on Curry-Heute. Herr Battra is ever-present the Young Waiter, whose name I should know by now arrived a few moments later. With the welcomes over it was down to business.
Fisch Chettinad (€13.90)
It’s not on The Menu, Lamb Chettinad (€14.95) is. The Fish version has evolved over the years as Clive and Hector discussed on our recent visit to The Downsman (Crawley). It used to be much – Soupier, but now is a Dry as Dry can be. Hector’s influence? Fisch Chettinad, Ohne Paprika (just in case) und Scharf.
Anthony chose Lamb Biryani (€13.95) a first appearance for this Dish on Curry-Heute I believe. Anthony is the Man who chose Tajine at Cafe Salma for Hector’s Thirty Years at Lomond School Dinner, may be he’s not a Huge Fan of Curry?
Bier was partaken of, but not by Hector who has had more than enough in recent weeks. The Sparkling Water would accompany as normal..
How is your wife? Asked Herr Battra whilst we waited.
She arrives in three hours. Yes, Marg and other Current Employees, many of whom are years from – Retirement – were on their way from Scotland. At this time last year, The Hector was only beginning to consider the possibility of Perpetual Holiday. Who’s next?
Hector’s Book of Words is as Extensive as it is, the challenge remains to describe Perfection, especially when one has done so a few times in the last couple of months. Suffice to say it is the Fish version of this Curry that I always have First. Full of Herbs, Spice and Fish in Batter this – Chettinad – is unlike anything served anywhere else. The Dark Red Chilies associated with South Indian Curry are present, the Smoky Flavour may emanate from these. Served with the Inclusive Basmati, one still wonders why I have it with the Rice, any other Curry served this Dry would demand a Bread. Somehow, it works.
The Rice is part of the Melange. For once in Deutschland, the quantity of the Rice was not Ridiculous, this was the Perfect Portion.
There is a feeling of sadness when one realises that the Endgame is approaching. Later in the day I would simply ask for another Portion. It is not yet Noon, far too early for Hector’s System to be Fully Functional.
A Bowl of Raita had been placed beside me. What was this for? I deduced it could be part of the Biryani as No Masala was served as Accompaniment. I have been in the company of few who have ordered Biryani over the years, Marg did in Tunis and also had no Masala, which left her puzzled. Ricky ordered Biryani in Krakow as a means of avoiding – Soup. Perhaps I should take this on board. I’ll be ordering – Tandoori Mix – next. Are either of these Dishes – Curry – or or more correctly – Indian Food?
Of his Biryani, Anthony had the following words to relate:
Delicate, tasty, well worth a visit.
Hector would need to be Resident in this City to get this far into the Menu.
The Bill
€34.30. In Bayern there is no Tax on Bier, one suspects the Water and Bier cost the same.
The Aftermath
The Chefs appeared at the edge of the Counter to take their applause.
Hector will be back tomorrow for the Lamb Chettinad.
Now what should should Two Chaps do in München whilst one waits for the arrival of his Missus?
Later that evening in Paris…
The actions of The Misinformed who have been brainwashed into believing what they do is idealistically right…
Hector reminds the Dear Reader that he is in München and we all know what started here.
Marg and Hector are proud to have set foot in Paris this year.
What has Mankind learned through the Millennia?
Rumours of a second 
Once we had the Menu in hand relations did improve dramatically. By the time we departed we felt totally at home. We were told that the place is full at 19.00 and this is why all the tables were reserved. A large table set for ten was later split, they had a cancellation, only four of ten would arrive. An hour’s notice? How annoying.
Hector was taking no chances and so completed the Food Order with the usual – Ohne Paprika, Minimal Sos, und Scharf. The Waitress was happy with this and confirmed the Chefs would be informed for both elements of the order. Relations were certainly building. This was a Charming Lady.
Most days, Hector has Sparkling Water with his Curry. Dr. Stan spotted an IPA on the Bier List. This had to be sampled. The German Breweries are slowly going down the Craft Beer route, who knows where they will end up? Deutsches Bier ist Deutche.
Hector was straight into the Vegetables. There was definite Kick from these, the Seasoning was much Braver than most establishments would consider. Peas, Cauliflower, Green Beans, Onion, and Carrots were in the Mini Mix. The 
The Bhuna was Wet, in the UK this term usually is accompanied by some description of a Thicker Masala, a Drier Curry. The Masala was Rich in Flavour but there was no denying that it needed much more Onions at the pulping stage. Once the Lamb Pieces were halved and the eating began, there was the realisation that we had a substantial meal set before us. The Masala had a Definite Kick, the Heat was rising. Neither of us would question – Scharf? – again. This was a Spicy Curry.
The Lamb was Excellent and with the Masala formed one half of this Splendid Curry.
Pleasant enough.
The Calling Card was received with some enthusiasm. I described how we had been here in September and that I have been visiting the
Later at 
Curry Houses located in this town. So far the Erlangen Curry has ranged from 
There is a lower level where I entered. With two entrances it is difficult to say if I came in the front or the back, whichever.
The Waiter took the order – Achari Lamm – then asked if I desired – Soup or Salad. This was part of the Lunchtime Deal which cost, I noted €6.10. Huge Portions not expected then. Hopefully I would be able to tell the difference between the Soup as the Starter from the Masala in the Curry.
A Young Couple sat two tables away, they were on a Romantic Lunch, Hector never had a Romantic Curry at that age, I had Neil as a fellow Curry Enthusiast, somehow not the same. The place slowly had more customers arrive, by the time I departed some half dozen tables were occupied. There was plenty of space, I estimated about one hundred people could be comfortably sat inside these premises, more outside. The Rooms were Bright and Airy, with the unseasonal warmth brought by the mid-November Sun. I was glad when the Sparkling Water arrived. I had asked for a half litre bottle, the Waiter had suggested a Glass. The Large Giraffe went down well.
The Soup was Stunning! A Tomato Soup, and not from a tin. This was Homemade. It had a Kick, was Seasoned to Perfection and was Piping Hot. The Taste was Magnificent. Hopefully, I have now impressed upon the Reader that I enjoyed the Soup! I wanted more!
I was taken aback when yet another ridiculously Large Portion of Basmati was presented. How much Rice is being wasted everyday in this country? Nobody can eat this amount of Rice. The Small Karahi was anticipated. The Masala looked Thick, Creamy, what lay beneath? How many Pieces of Meat? About Eight, not bad at all. There was only one problem, quite a Major Problem, one that Hector has had premonitions about for the last few months. This was Achari Chicken!
Hector does not purchase Chicken Curry, it may be 
I had to eat this Chicken Curry. Swallow. It was fate. I have seen it coming in my Dreams.
Perhaps the 
Mein Host was upon me as I handed over the Calling Card. I told him I had received Chicken instead of Lamb. Only on reading this will he discover how much of a Tragedy this was for Hector!
enu which has replaced the Buffet of five years ago.
Spicy, not Spicy? – asked Mein Host. This was accompanied by a smile, the first of the day.
A Young Chap brought the Curry and Rice about ten minutes after ordering. First impressions are important, the Masala was copious but clearly there was a mass of Solids contained within the Karahi. The Masala was not as Thick as served in the best UK establishments, however, unlike that served 
This was a Masala. The Vegetable Content was impressive. As I noted the List of Vegetables I began to wonder about the Meat Content. Eight good sized pieces of Tender Lamb were uncovered as I decanted to the Base of Rice, then more. Once again, Hector had been given enough Rice for Two. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Green Beans, Peas, Courgette, Potatoes and Carrot were present. This was a Healthy List of – Interesting Vegetables.
The Kick and Seasoning were Fine. The Lamb had a sense of – Spice too, some thought and effort had gone into the preparation of this Lamm Karahi.
The Curry was presented on an elaborate pair of heaters designed as a Carriage, Neat. Amusing, Effective. The Curry was clearly – Soup, there was enough Rice to feed India.
This was Curry? As has been written to often, this is what passes for – Curry – in too many European Venues. Being resident in 
t not permitted, today had to be the day. Dr. Stan was guided through the Menu, he possibly would not have reached the Karahi section had the Hector not highlighted this, he chose Lamm Karahi (€14.99) without any prompting or prejudice. Basmati is inclusive, though Jeera Rice and Vegetable Rice are available for a few more Euros. Hector is in Rice Mode, again. A Large Bottle of Gerolsteiner Sprudel (€5.90) completed the order. This is Hector’s Favourite Deutsche Mineralwasser.
The Menu described the Chops as having been marinated in Yoghurt and Herbs, 
The Chops numbered Seven, the level of Tenderness was most Satisfying. There was plenty of Meat, the Flavour from the Lamb came though strongly, this is an experience which is always enjoyed. How often, Dear Reader do we taste The Lamb in a Curry? This Dish was therefore in two parts, the enjoyment of the Chops, using the fingers of course, and soaking up the Soup, sorry Masala, with the Rice.
The Waiter came to ask the Customary Question.
We both love Curry, this was Curry, but not at the Standard we would hope for. Have they changed The Chef? 
There was not time to have the Lamb Chops and a Curry which would be our norm at this Venue. Having had an Outstanding Lamb Methi at Lunchtime at the 
Clive fared better with his Keema Mutter. Served as Dry as it should be Clive was impressed. The Keema in the Naan looked Donner-like, I do not believe this is how Mince should appear in Bread, individual grains please.
The Aftermath
The Menu was not overlong, the Main Dishes were well covered. Lamb Methi was the standout, there was a distinct lack of Hector’s Favourite Herb in the 
The first taste caused a – Wow, Methi! – this was a winner. The delicious Green Herb tasted slightly burnt, a nod towards – The 
was fine, the was a Fully Flavoursome Dish.
Curryspondent – Methi Freak – remarked the other day that he is pleased at how willing I am to keep trying New Venues. One always hopes a New Gem will be uncovered. Agra certainly comes into this category. I shall definitely return here. What about the other nine hundred and ninety nine London Curry venues? It will take a while…
It was only yesterday that the words Pakistani Restaurant caught the eye. The green exterior of Mailsi – Pakistani Restaurant (Lipanska 1, Praha 3 Czechia) must have registered on previous trips to Praha, the realisation that this is exactly what I have been looking for in my travels all year hit home. Those who follow this Blog will known that Hector’s Curry Tastes are towards the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent, the closer to Afghanistan the better. That Hector has favoured Punjabi Cuisine all his life was never fully appreciated until recent times. The 
The Keema Mutter also brought a smile to the face. I ask for – Dry -, I write about – Dry -, this was DRY! There was no Masala, none. No Oil would collect at the base of the Karahi either. This is officially the Driest Curry The Hector has ever been served. It was Mince and Peas, no more. One might dream of finding Methi, but not in Czechia, yet. Moderately Spiced, and not – Hot – as the Menu claimed, this was going to be a challenge. It was the Volume. With no Masala or Vegetable Ballast, this was a Karahi full of Mince with Peas mixed in, an enormous amount of Curry – writes the man who orders half kilos…
With a slightly later opening time advertised today, Hector arrived at the Curry House (Novákových 893/7, 180 00 Praha 8, Czech Republic) after Noon. The same Young Waiter was on duty. I asked for Mamun, – not here today. I left immediately. No I didn’t, Hector had crossed town to get here, Hector would have his Curry.
The Menu was studied, there is a clear code to state the Ingredients so that all allergies are covered. There was no Lunchtime Menu today, this may explain why there were only two and a half fellow diners. The Half was making enough noise for ten.
The Waitress had brought the Menu, however it was the Waiter who came to take the order. No Capsicum – was his first utterance. The Bangladesh Mach (265Kc) was noted with a Paratha Aloo (75Kc) to accompany. At around £7.00 for a Main Course, this was pushing the boat out in Prague.
The room started to fill. Three Chaps, followed by Three more, a Solo Diner. Some looked in then presumably sat in the outer room. When the original customers had departed we were still a dozen. This was impressive for a Suburban Curry House in the North East of the City.
The Fish was Carp, most unusual for the Fish to be identified, usually – Masala Fish – has to suffice. There was a lot of it. Remember this was some two and a half hours before Hector’s preferred eating time. The Bones were prominent, the Fish had been cooked on-the-bone, great care was taken in the eating.
The term – Dry – is used frequently in these pages to describe Curry which does not have Excessive Masala. One could say there was no Masala here, not in the usual sense. Tomatoes and Onions were visible, the Onions were semi-pulped, as I ate, the term – Carmelised – came to mind. It is possible this was so, whatever, this Curry had a set of Flavours which Hector has never experienced. As is often the case, Hector can offer little description. The Spice Level of the Dish was barely on the scale, yet this was a Curry. It was a Fish Curry and seasoning was not an issue this time.
n to wedges, always a disappointment when one cannot tear off pieces to suit. The Bread may have been Limp, but it too was Tasty. If there was Potato inside, it was but a Smear. There was enough Paratha to share. By the time the Potatoes in the Dish were tackled, the full Mass of this Dish had revealed itself. There was a lot of Fish, a struggle in the end.