München – The Indien Mango Never Disappoints

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming is nearing its conclusion, today could be considered as the climax. Ten of us travelled down from Nürnberg, some had Bier as their first objective of the day, regular readers will know that Bier in München must follow Curry-Heute at the Indien Mango (Zweibrückenstr. 15, 80331, München).

Howard had the day off, he announced that he was Curried-Out, or maybe frustrated after recent events. Neil remembers his last visit two years ago, Lord Clive had to come to find out what the fuss was about, [Stan.TC] decided that this would be his solitary Curry of the Trip.  Four of us took the S Bahn onwards to Isartor.

Doris brought us the Main Menu and the Lunchtime Menu, there was no Fisch Chettinad. Hector was insistent that The Chef must know the dish, even allowing for staff changes since last November, the last visit. Doris returned, she then produced a Specials Menu, behold the Fisch Chettinad. Four please. Basmati Rice is included, this did not prevent Hector ordering a Roti, [Stan.TC] a Garlic Nan, and Lord Clive enquiring about Keema Nan. What’s that?

Doris returned, Clive was told he could have a Keema Nan.

The  wi-fi kept us amused until the Food arrived. Wi-Fi, small letters?

Four Bowls of Rice were brought, those on the Lunch Menu had their Rice presented on half the plate, and Soup would be the best description of the other Curry I spotted. Not for us. Another Four Bowls, this time with Fisch Chettinad arrived, the anticipation was everything. No pressure at all. The Curry had a mass of Fish, the Masala was just visible, it was a delight, Onion-rich.

The Breads varied in quality. The Roti went to crisp very quickly, [Stan.TC] described his Garlic Nan favourably initially and then announced it went gently Cripsy too and was not very Garlicky. The Keema Nan was decidedly OK said Clive, despite the fact this may be the first one ever cooked on these premises. Maybe not. Neil had no Bread.

The Fisch Chettinad is the best Fish Curry I have ever tasted, at any venue, anywhere. It did not disappoint. The normal Gritty Texture of Chopped Coriander Stems was missing today, though the Fresh Coriander Leaf was most evident. Hector and Neil tried to identify what the source of the distinct flavour could be, we gave up. Suffice to say, the four of us were well impressed. Very Excellent was Clive’s comment. Now he knows what all the fuss is about.

Every mouthful was a sheer joy, this is one of my very favourite venues, Indien Mango never disappoints.

There was no way the Four Bowls of Rice would ever be finished. Once Hector has eaten his fill, Neil offered some of the Curry mass he had left. We all declined the offer, we were all full. Five minutes later Neil had eaten all of his Curry, he surprised himself.

The Bill

€74.80. Hector points out again that this was from the Specials List, at Lunchtime, we could have paid half of this had we selected the Lunch Menu.

The Aftermath

I showed the Curry-Heute Website on the trusty HTC, courtesy of the wi-fi to the Doris. The photo of Mr Jolly Kunjappu and Hector was instantly recognised: You are The Curry Man she remembered. She asked if it was my Job to Travel and Eat Curry. Is there such a Job? Doris regaled the joys of German Food as an alternative to Curry, I shook my head. She asked if German Curry was the best, well…

Those who are privileged to work here are spoiled, they don’t know how poor the competition can be. The Chef came out to take a bow, he remembered me. I shook his hand.

Until my next visit in November.

Posted in [Indian Mango] | 1 Comment

Four Chaps A-Salted in the Erlangen Curry House

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming has returned to a familiar location, Nürnberg is our base for the next three nights. The Tin-Tinerary stated that there would be an Erlangen Curry for those who made the rendezvous for the 11.42 train north. Howard, Lord Clive and Neil signed up for the challenge of eating what is the Saltiest Curry Hector has ever experienced. The Curry House (Helmstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen) is a Curry Schnell Imbiss, there is no ceremony, one orders from what is on display at the counter and pays up front.

We arrived at Noon, people were already ensconced. The Mutton Subji appeared to be the best Curry on offer. This would guarantee the inclusion of Seasonal Vegetables. Hector did spot the Dal that has impressed in other European Venues in the past week, alas the appetite was not up to this today. Three of us had been to the Annafest yesterday, today would be a day of relative relaxation.

Ordering four of the same must have made it easier for the Chef, we were summoned back to the counter to collect our meals.

As was the case on my last visit, the meal included Rice with a piece of Poppadom for good measure. This could, if one chose, be eaten along with the Onions and Dips already on the tables, not today.

The Masala was the classic old fashioned Onion-rich style from years back. The Lamb was so tender, this Curry had been cooked thoroughly. The array of Vegetables included Peas, Cauliflower, Green Beans and even Cabbage, a first.

The main feature of this Restaurant is the sheer level of Salt in the meal, it is at the limit of what is acceptable, I would rather it this way than bland any time. Clive demolished a full litre of water during his meal, maybe this is why he was finished first. Today I was as slow an eater as Neil, the volume of Rice defeated me in the end.

By the time we left, every table was occupied, people even joined strangers.  This is a very popular Curry House.

I felt The Chaps had to experience this, there were no complaints. It will be interesting to see if anyone ever suggests a return visit.

 The Bill

 €11.40. We each paid individually.

 The Aftermath

On arriving at the Kitzmann Brewery I ordered a half litre of Orangeade. I was seriously thirsty.

Posted in Curry House | 2 Comments

Passau (Bayern) – Chandni – The Comedy Curry House

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Hector

If ever there was a tale to be told…

When Howard declined to eat when the others did at Hacklberg, his intention was clear, he would be joining Hector for further Curry-Heute! Lord Clive invited himself too. Bouncing off both the Donau and the Inn, Hector lead The Chaps in a circuitous route towards the end of the Peninsula.

The Chandni (Michaeligasse 4, 94032, Passau) is one of two Curry Houses in this picturesque setting at the very South East corner of Bayern. The Border with  Österreich is about kilometre away.

There were a few Fellow Diners, so business was doing fine at 22.00 on a Sunday evening.

The Menu covered a reasonable array of choices, Karahi and Balti Dishes were not mentioned.. This evening, Hector and Howard had Lamb on their minds.

Pakora featured, quite unusual outside the UK, we had to try this, one portion to share was ordered.

The Lamm Vindaloo was described as featuring Onion, so I asked Doris #1 if there was Potato with it. She pointed to the Lamm Jalfrezi and showed that it had Potato. I pointed to the aloo ending of Vindaloo and explained, this means Potato. Que? I decided not to add that Jalfrezi is an Onion rich dish, normally. So Lamm Jalfrezi it was then, and hold the Capsicum. We were communicating, I think. Howard chose well, he went for the Lamm Palak. No problem. Lord Clive chose Murg Vindaloo, which contradicts the explanation for eating Chicken that he gave in Crawley last week, he had not eaten Lamb today. We thought a single Nan to share would not be excessive, the Basmati Rice was included.

The Pakora was brought by Doris #2 whose English was perfect. I would congratulate her later on speaking without an accent. The Pakora was a joke, four flat pieces of Vegetable, two Mushrooms and two slices of Aubergine in a light Batter. Strictly speaking, I suppose Pakora can be anything the Chef wants it to be, this bore no resemblance to anything originating from the true Home of Curry, Great Britain. They charged €3.00 for this, profits must be healthy.

Doris #2 came back with the Menu, they only had enough Lamb left to provide one portion of Curry, would one of us have something else. I insisted that Howard have his choice given the sacrifice of earlier in the day, once again he insisted that as the Curry-Fuhrer, I must have what I ordered. Chilli Suwer was Howard’s #2 choice, a Pork Curry with Vegetables with a promise of Spice. Pork Curry is a rarity in the UK, one can understand why the majority of Glasgow and Bradford Curry Houses do not sell it, but those who do have India-proper connections should really offer it, after all they do sell Beef.

It’s Curry, Jim – but not as we know it…

The Chilli Suwer and the Murg Vindaloo arrived first, along with A Big Tureen of Boiled Rice and a Cardboard Nan. Most of the Nan was left, it was not edible. We should have ordered one each, not.

Clive’s Chicken Curry was a classic Shorba, thin and as Clive remarked: No Onion had been harmed in the making of his Curry. He said it was a very pleasant meal but quite simply it was not Chicken Vindaloo.

Howard’s Chilli Suwer was very much a Stir Fry, so technically not a Curry at all. There were Strips of Pork but they were greatly outnumbered by the Vegetables, Capsicum being to the fore. This would never have been my choice, but it wasn’t really Howard’s choice either. To quote Howard – If I had found the Curry I might have enjoyed it, but it was a Stir Fry, not a Curry. The one reason I came to Passau was to try the Lamb Saag.

I don’t believe it…

Hector’s Curry was the last to arrive, Doris #2 came out of the kitchen bearing the gift. She then retreated and emerged a moment later. What she brought was not Lamm Vindaloo, it was not even the expected Lamm Jalfrezi, it was Lamm Palak! I  offered Howard his original choice back, not that I wanted to eat what he had, but once more Howard insisted I have the potentially better dish. It was destiny that the Lamm Palak was coming my way. Keeping a straight face was impossible, if our Fellow Diners were able to follow the proceedings they would have understood the hilarity at our table. Howard bit the bullet, em Vegetable.

The Lamm Vindaloo, sorry Jalfrezi with Potato, sorry, Lamm Palak was served absolutely dry. The minimal Masala was on the Bradford scale, things were looking good. The flavour was wonderful, they had mixed just enough Spinach to make it as described. This was not the normal Meat in a Sea of Spinach Soup, this must stand out as one of the best Lamm Palak’s Hector has encountered, the Lamb was in large pieces, very tender. The seasoning was exactly how I like it, the flavours emerged, the Spinach did not dominate, a very well balanced dish. I only wish I had ordered it.

Howard was not a Happy Chap.

The Bill

€48.50. The error had been acknowledged when the wrong Curry was presented. Time to negotiate. Doris #1 was authorised to reduce The Bill to a more acceptable €45.00. There was no Tip.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was the last thing this venue needed. Their Menu has errors, they do not appear to understand the basics about what they are presenting. The communication between the Waitress and the Chef needs improvement. How does a Restaurant run out of Lamb? The Curry, well two, was thoroughly enjoyed, pity we only had the two, we ordered three, or four, or…

 

Posted in Chandni | 2 Comments

Passau (Bayern) – Bollywood, the word Perfection was recurring

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Hector

Hector finds himself at the halfway stage of the saga known as Hector’s Heroic Homecoming.  We are back in Deutschland, some familiar places will be re-visited, meanwhile Passau is a brand new experience.

The rendezvous at Bollywood (Ort 9, 94032, Passau) was at High Noon. The Restaurant is at the end of the labyrinth of streets that make up the Peninsula between the Confluence of the Inn and the Donau. We entered just before Noon, the first customers of the day. Howard and Hector both had Fish Curry on their minds.

The Menu had Shorba as a Starter under Soup, so there was hope that they recognised the difference between Gravy and Masala. Hector ordered the Fish Vindaloo, Howard the Bengali Fish Curry. He could have ordered the same but felt that we should experience both, for the sake of the Blog. Howard is taking things very seriously, there may be a sense of falling on the sword.

Ginger Nan, now there is something one does not come across everyday, it had to be sampled, once more in the interest of balance, Howard ordered a Plain Nan. Basmati Rice was included with the meal.

The young Waitress seemed to be as happy speaking English as she did Deutsch, the Menu was written in the language of Curry.

Two half litre glasses of Soft Drinks were a welcome refreshment whilst we waited. The wait was not long.

The Fish Vindaloo had a thick Onion-based Masala. The ratio of Fish to Potato to Masala was perfect. The Masala was well seasoned so the flavours came through. There was a decent kick without being excessive. The Ginger Nan was covered in slivers of Ginger, the taste did not hit the Curryspondent for a few moments, then there was a blast.

This was a very good meal indeed, the quantity was perfect for what was in effect, breakfast.

Howard had looked at Hector’s Curry with a slight envy. His Curry lacked the Potato and did not appear to be as wholesome. Howard described his Masala as Korma-like. Having sampled some of mine, he felt the Masala did not have the depth of flavour that the Vindaloo contained. He pronounced that this was a perfectly acceptable Fish Curry.

The Plain Nan was, well Plain. Given the quantity of Rice we could not eat everything. The Curry of course was demolished.

The Bill

€33.70. This is well within Acceptable Parameters.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was received and the International aspect was explained. Of course the term – Curry-Heute – means more in Deutschland than it does at Home. The Waitress asked if we could get Spices? At first I thought she thought we did not know what constituted a decent Curry. Later I considered that she may have thought I might be able to supply them. Fresh Coriander and Methi perhaps?

Posted in Bollywood | 2 Comments

Ceske Budejovice – The Gateway to India – Excellent!

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Hector

On the day the London 2012 Olympics officially open The Friends of Hector find themselves in Ceske Budejovice in the South of the Czech republic. There is a World Famous Brewery here – Budvar -, and Curry-Heute reported.

Hunger took care of some who as far as I know, headed for the hills.  Howard and Mags had retained their hunger sufficiently to join Hector, for the third time this week, in an upstairs venue just off the Main Square.

The Gateway to India (Piaristicka 22/8, 37001, Ceske Budejovice) is a large venue with modest prices. This gave us the opperchancity to try a few things. The Breads for a start were at give-away prices, the Mains ranged from four to five Pounds.

As ever, when one has Curry outwith the UK shores, it is a lottery. It is always hoped that a New Gem will be found, the norm is usually something average or below. The Gateway to India was certainly not average, this was a significant Curry Discovery.

The Menu was not vast, Lamb Vindaloo was Hector’s selection, a choice/test that has evolved through time. The Chapattis were an impressive 20Kc, around 65p. The Keema Protha (Paratha) were just over the Pound mark, why not have both? – one should be worthwhile. Inspired by the Dal experienced in Berlin earlier in the week, the Dal Makhni at about three pounds for a Main Course portion was irresistible.

Mags had set aside her disappointment of last night’s Curry in Prague, she chose the Lamb Mushroom with a Garlic Kulcha and Plain Basmati as accompaniment. Howard ordered the Fish Curry , Peas Rice and the Garlic Kulcha.

We feared the serving of thin Sauce and so tried to convince the Waiter that we did not want Soup, we wanted a Thick Masala. The message was apparently accepted, we still had our doubts. He tried to convince me that the Vindaloo might be excessive on the palate. Hector knows otherwise. In Europe nobody serves a properly Cooked Steak or a seriously Hot Curry.

We waited, There was a group of ten before us, indeed this was a busy venue. At these prices I was not surprised, but the quality of the food was as yet unknown. There was time to go wandering and take in the sheer size of the place, only one of three rooms was open for business.

When the Curry arrived we felt an air of optimism, the Thick Masala was present in all three dishes. I was puzzled to note the Creamy texture, a Creamy Vindaloo? This is certainly a departure from what one might expect, but when there is heat, taste and texture one can only be impressed.  The Dal Makhni was served in a Tall Pot, it looked like Soup, however on stirring, the true texture revealed itself, thick and dry-ish. The Breads immediately impressed. The Chapatti was more of a thin Nan than the normal Chapatti, in fact Middle-Eastern. The Keema Protha (Paratha) was rich with ‘bashed meat‘ as described. Howard likes his Peas, the Rice servings were more than adequate.

Excess, in Moderation

Everything was now set for a feast, none were disappointed. The Vindaloo was indeed Hot, but nothing to fear. The Creamy Masala was very rich with a good Onion Base. The Potato and Lamb were well cooked, more Lamb please might be the only negative. The texture of the Chapatti was wonderful, and eaten with the Vindaloo, a treat. The Dal was superb, the Keema Protha was the perfect accompaniment for this. No way could I eat it all, an elegant sufficiency was achieved.

Howard thoroughly enjoyed his meal, though he wished he had been alert enough to order the Vindaloo version of his Fish Dish. On tasting my Masala he realised what he had missed.  Howard still had positives in balance for his choice.  Mags was well impressed, this was more like it, not her favoured Glasgow Curry, em we are in Ceske Budejovice. She was defeated by the volume and now has a Take-away for tomorrow’s Train to Passau, interesting.

 The Bill

 871 Kc = £27.00. We had a Banquet, the food was wonderful.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was well received and the Website explained.  This Curry House deserves recognition.  I assured Mein Host that I would return, but not this year. Ceske Budejovice is famous for Bier and like München it can also boast a major Curry Attraction.

Posted in Gateway to India | 1 Comment

Praha – Hector’s Birthday Curry – Return to the Royal Bengal

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Hector

Today is officially Hector’s Fifth Birthday, there was even Birthday Cake!

The Hector Saga began in Prague in 2007 on the Summer Trip to celebrate Robin’s 60th. On the Sunday lunchtime those of us who had abandoned our plan to visit the town that was famously erased from the map, caught up with the others at U Sadu, a Pub in a residential area a stone’s throw from the ubiquitous Praha TV Mast.

As the conversation developed Hector felt obliged to tell the assembled company the short tale of how in his junior years at Secondary School there was a Hector’s House Fan-Club. The honour of being President was on a rotational basis, hence Hector can claim to have President of the Hector’s House House Fan-Club.

To say this caused some hilarity would be the understatement of the Trip, the Year, the Decade. After the initial burst of laughter died down, Craig and Bernard were still affected, they ended up in hysterics, Craig almost on the floor in pain. Yvonne had never seen Craig react in such a manner. What had been notionally Tonto’s Totally Tantalising Tours at Traben-Trabach, Titting, Traunstein, Tegernsee et al instantly became Hector’s Horrible Holidays.

The next morning, Jonathan came down to breakfast with the Hector’s House theme tune on his phone. That was it, the name stuck, the following year in München having checked into the Hotel Royal I came downstairs to find everyone wearing a Hector’s Horrible Holidays t-shirt. Since the first Hilpoltstein visit the following year we have become more sophisticated, elaborately embroidered Polo-Shirts are now the norm. The organiser of the Trips remains The Hector, it is I, the perpendicular pronoun.

And so it was necessary for us to revisit U Sadu where we had Birthday Cake. Thank you, Yvonne. This was the first time Hector had ever tasted Cake of any description, Hector eats Curry.

Tram 9 will drop you near the Curry House – claimed Ricky as he Stan and Jonathan headed elsewhere. This was quite a claim as The Man from Bradford does not eat Curry abroad. He knows the quality cannot match that served in our Special Places, so he certainly had no idea where Hector was headed. Seven of us were up for Curry-Heute. Tram 9 dropped us at Mustek, this meant a walk from Wenceslas Square beyond Narodni, there were protests, I think The Company was tired.

Howard, Neil and Hector led the way, there were four unhappy fellow-diners as we took the largest table at Royal Bengal (Vejvodova 4, Prague 1) . We had the choice of any table, we would be the only diners. 21.00 on a Thursday night, maybe the people of Praha don’t do Curry on a Thursday. During our lengthy stay two other groups came into the Restaurant, took their seats then left. Mags who had by now been in Praha for some thirty hours announced that the prices here were well above the norm for Prague. The price is the same as one pays at home, in Prague only the Bier is cheap.

It was the same Doris who had served Marg and Hector some two weeks previously. She is a quiet Lady with adequate English. Working the Front of House alone may be sufficient when the place is this empty, one felt that a bit more energy in the Front of House would attract more custom.

Robin was not hungry, a Chicken Pakora would do. Mags and Yvonne chose something form the basic Curry list, Lamb Madras and Chicken Curry respectively, was this wise? Neil was more adventurous and selected Machi Makhani, this would be interesting. Craig ordered Lamb Balti whist Howard chose what the Hector had on his previous visit – Lamb Korai. This time Hector went for the Lamb Bhuna (without Capsicum!), would it be as Dry as promised? Boiled Rice, Vegetable Rice, Nan, Chapattis were ordered, I suddenly remembered the Aloo Paratha was good, Howard followed my lead. An array of drinks came, Still Water from a metal jug being the greatest in demand, no Sparkling Water.

Complimentary Poppadoms were brought along with a Minty Raita, then began the wait. We could here someone in the kitchen busy at work a solitary Chef, no doubt. after an age Robin’s Chicken Pakora arrived. This was impressive with freshly sliced Tomato and Cucumber as well as the Onion Chutney that must be unique to this venue. What Robin did not finish was devoured by the far end of the table. The Tired were now hungry. The wait resumed, patience was strained. We watched others come in and then leave.

In the midst of all this, Doris came and asked who was having the Balti. Craig identified himself – Do you want it with Spice?

Without. This cheered Craig up no end.

Finally, seven warm plates were set before us, there was hope: – I remember now – I said,  ..after the warm plate was brought on my last visit I only had to wait another hour... Nice to be nice.

The straightforward Curry disappointed on sight, two Bowls of Soup. Neil’s Fish had a thick Creamy Masala and so looked the part. Craig’s Balti, Howard’s Korai and Hector’s Bhuna all had possibility. The Vegetable Rice looked good, both Rice portions were enough to share. The Nan looked peelly-wally. Behold The Paratha: Is this for two? I had to ask, no another was to come.

The Lamb Bhuna was slightly sweet but was full of flavour. The Spice content was fine. The Masala was minimal but there was an excess of Onion Strips, fortunately I had remembered to have the inevitable Capsicum withheld. Hector was having his Curry-Fix on his Birthday.

Howard’s Korai did not look too dissimilar to my Bhuna except there was abundant Capsicum. Howard described his meal as – a decent Curry, not too much sauce, and an excellent Aloo Paratha.

Neil’s Fish Dish had an appropriate texture, however he stated that the Fish was not as tender as one would have hoped. Fish Curry must be the easiest of all to prepare, what had they done, reheated it in a microwave?

Yvonne was not impressed with her Curry, she noted the complete lack of Onion in the Masala, this was classic Shorva and is exactly what one can expect to receive if one orders from the Basic Curry List. Mags Lamb Madras fared no better, it was not what she gets at home. The Nan was intended as a tool with which to eat her meal, this proved impossible and so some of the surplus Rice was utilised.

Craig was in Curry-Heaven! His Lamb Stew was exactly how he wanted it, not Spicy at all. The texture was fine, had he ordered it as I would have, this appeared to have the makings of a good dish. As Yvonne remarked, it says a lot about the place when Craig is the Happiest Curry Eater.

The Bill

2518 Kc = £77.38. Allowing for Robin’s Starter only, this is what we would pay at home.

 The Aftermath

Hector was halfway out of the door when we were called back. Somebody had put an old 50Kc note in the bundle, nobody owned up, it was not I. In the end they waved us off, after all the Tip was more than 50Kc, how could they complain?

 

Posted in [Royal Bengal] | 1 Comment

Berlin – Naveena Path – How They Treat The Regulars

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Hector

The first day of Hector’s Heroic Homecoming

Fifty metres from Pension Braun in the Garden Suburb of Wedding lies the Naveena Path (Tegeler Straße 22, 13353, Wedding, Berlin). Yvonne looked bemused as Hector made it clear that this was in fact the next item on the Tin-Tinerary. Howard was straight in behind Hector, Mags swithered then joined us. Craig, Yvonne and Robin went away to have a Pils, ugh.

Explaining to my Fellow Diners that this was a Sri Lankan Curry House was mandatory, I did not wish to get their hopes up. This would be a Light Lunch before assaulting the Remains of The Day. Hector chose the Mutton Sag having seen the Chicken version fly out the door on my last visit. Howard went Traditional and ordered the Tamil Mutton Vindaloo. Mags fancied the -with Vegetables option – and ordered the Mutton Subji.

No Poppadoms this time, but the Mains came in surprisingly quick time. The Mutton Sag was thick, creamy and had a hint of Coconut. Tracey would have loved this. The dish was reminiscent of the Akash’s (Helensburgh) Makhani, though not in that League, though this was most certainly not a Division 3 Curry.

Howard described his Vindaloo as belonging in the 1970s. The Masala was Brown but thin, at least no Coconut. It was approaching Shorva status, but was not really Vindaloo strength.

Mags was hungry, she tore into her mix of Lamb and Vegetables in a Light Coconut Masala. She again accepted that this was not the Curry of Northern India, our norm.

The Communal Bowl of Basmati Rice was more than enough for three which was just as well. As we neared the completion of our our meals, the Waitress appeared with a Bowl of Daal Curry. This was thick and dry, it turned out to be Spicier than what we had eaten. Howard and Hector devoured this, it was superb. I could never ordere this as a Main Course but as a Side it was perfect.

Mein Host had made no attempt at communication throughout our meal but had by now clearly remembered Hector’s previous visits. Last time Marg and I had to insist on paying. A plate of four Pasties were then brought. I shall have to look up my Observers Book of Indian Pastry to find the name for these. They mopped up what Masala covered the plates.

 The Bill

€32.50. A very Modest Sum.

 The Aftermath

Mein Host insisted we try the Tea, one cup was set before us, I let Howard and Mags taste this Toffee experience.

The joy of being local is that we passed last thing at night and had another chat. Hector managed not to go in for a second Curry, such restraint.

Craig and Yvonne reportedly dined here too, I shall discover later their experience.

Posted in Naveena Path | 1 Comment

Cafe Salma – an astonishing Curry

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Hector

The day had dawned once again when it was time to take The Mother of Hector for lunch, Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow G3 7PQ)  would be a rare treat, little did I know that hector was in for a very big treat.

Arriving just before 14.00 we had to decant to the Bon Accord for coffee until Café Salma was open.  It was an hour later when we returned and foreign guests were already in situ plus some locals.

The Lamb Lahori Karahi was recommended (by me) to The Mother who likes a challenge.  Marg went for the same; they would share a Boiled Rice, The Mother’s preference, though Marg did insist on a Chapatti.

Hector had Kofta Palak on his mind but then was distracted.  After more than two dozen visits to Café Salma one would think I would know the Menu, Kofta Bhuna?  This featured the much sought after Methi, I had to try it.  Why had I not seen this before, why was there no Lamb Methi (proper) on the Menu? Tune in next month for answers to this and many more questions….

In keeping with the current level of healthy eating I ordered a Half Portion of Aloo Palak, the Menu did not say this possible, but this was not a problem.  Two Chapattis would be more than adequate.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Dips were placed on the table shortly after we took our seats.  Only two Poppadoms? – had Hassan been present this would have been rectified.  The Mother was happy to see the Onion Chutney, I did not realise she was not touching the Chutney in the hope that there would be some to put on her Curry.

The Food came quickly

The Aloo Palak was first along with the Chapattis.  At first I thought this was my Kofta Bhuna, I was distracted.  The Three Main Dishes should have had the necessary Fanfare.  The Lahori Karahi impressed both Diners, especially The Mother.  The Hot Plates from which she ate also impressed.  The Mother is fussy.  The single Boiled Rice was enough to share, Marg had her Chapatti anyway and this was not minuscule.

The Kofta Bhuna

Kofta – yes, Bhuna – no.  There was a mass of beautiful thick Masala, the Fenugreek was not that obvious (hence the Aloo Palak Choice), however the first Dip of the Chapatti was a Super-Wow!  Hector has eaten some excellent Curry in the past week, this topped them all.  The classic Café Salma flavour was in the extreme, the Methi had brought it to an amazing level, the Masala was as well seasoned as one has come to expect at this venue.  This truly was an Astonishing Curry!

And of the Potato Side?  The Spinach did now get in the way of the flavour I was enjoying so much, Aloo Gobi next time.

The Bill

£39.95.  The expected price for three diners.

The Aftermath

I had to ask the waiter about the possibility of Lamb Bhuna.  I was assured that as Chicken Bhuna is one the menu (now why have I not spotted that?) the Lamb version is there by default.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | Comments Off on Cafe Salma – an astonishing Curry

Yadgar! Hector is Home

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Hector

Curry in Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Crawley, yes Crawley. There will be more Dan Sath (sic) Adventures in September, meanwhile Hector has returned Home to refuel. Berlin and Prague will be visited again, soon.

If there was to be one Glasgow Curry in my brief Glasgow Stopover it would have to be to Yadgar (148  Calder St, Glasgow, G42 7QP), a modest Curry House on Glasgow’s Southside which just happens to sell the most wonderful food. For those who like numbers, one may notice that this meal makes Yadgar my most visited Curry House, anywhere, since the start of the Curry-Heute Website.

The order was sent by text last evening to Mein Host who acknowledged within minutes. Goshat Karahi, Boneless for a change, as Side of Vegetable Curry and two Chapattis. Enough for any man.

I arrived at the arranged time, 15.00 and was acknowledged by all the Staff, it is over a month since my last visit. My Soft Drink was brought and a Starter declined. This did not prevent the presentation of a Salad which made me smile. Chopped Tomatoes and Cucumbers, Onions and Black Olives, a Dip, where was the Falafel? I enjoyed a tasty Falafel in Budapest at the start of this very week.

It is now Ramazan, once again Hector was the Lone Diner. Two mature women sat and waited for a Takeaway, one mentioned Karela and described it to her friend in its natural state. Then she announced that she loves its dry, bitter flavour – Yadgar is one of only three Glasgow outlets which Hector knows supply Karela.

The Mains looked perfect. The Lamb had been cut small, there was virtually no Masala, the dish was seriously Spiced – a Curry prepared in the Bradford-style and presented in a quantity for for a King. The Side is also something very Special. A sample was given to me in a recent visit, it has changed how I eat Curry, now I always consider this as a means of guaranteeing the Interesting Vegetable. Potatoes, Carrots and Peas, once more in a Minimalist Masala, but packing the distinctive Yadgar flavours – a must. The two Chapattis now felt excessive, perhaps one should suffice given that they are full-sized versions.

 The Bill

 £12.00. A modest sum.

The Aftermath

As mentioned in earlier reports,the premises suffered a roof leak a few weeks back. Redecoration is under-way, new wall lights have been installed and a TV wall bracket, oh no… Some new Artwork adorns the walls, including Jerusalem, which happens also to be an excellent source of Falafel. That was an unexpected punchline.

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Crawley – SWAGAT at the Ram Sports & Social Club

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Hector

Once upon a times it was the Lal Akash, now it is SWAGAT at the Ram Sports and Social Club (West Green Pavillion, Ifield Avenue, Crawley, RH11 7LX). Either way it is a venue Lord Clive of Crawley has held in the highest regard for some time.

On Hector’s last visit I was told I was having a Starter as a Main – Mishkaki Lamb Kebab. The Menu said it was only available at weekends, fortunately this evening that was not the case and so Hector and Clive secured this. Marg decided a Starter would be too much, Maggie who was impressed by her Lamb Chops at Jai Ho last night had to have more.

We were joined this evening by Debs and Jim who shared a plate of Vegetable Samosa. Jim will be happy to appear in the same Curry-Heute report as his Dear Lady, no doubt his colleagues will be relieved too, they were concerned about Debs’ photo in the Downsman report last summer.

Who was the Scottish Guy that Debs was having a Curry with?

We each had to pay a £1.00 entry fee to enter the Ram Club, this was soon recovered as a round of drinks was decidedly less than on the High St. It also meant that The Bill would be food only. A Plate of Poppadoms were brought, but only five we were six. These were slightly limp. The quantity of Dips provided was the same for six as it would have been for two, why?

The wonderful Mishkaki Lamb was set before Lord Clive and myself – a truly wonderful experience. This is the only way to eat Lamb Tikka. The Lamb was slightly chewy but this is as expected given that it was cooked in the Tandoori Oven. Wonderful Flavours, dry, with the Lemon Juice adding a Citrus bight.

Maggie received five Lamb Chops, all to herself. She weighed in, Clive had to assist her, slightly. She felt they were not as wonderful as those served last night at Jai Ho, however this did not appear to impair her enjoyment. One can sense that Maggie will be having many more Lamb Chops in the months to come.

The Samosas were devoured without comment. The Junglee Bhaji made an appearance as it had on my last visit – Onion Rings and more in Batter. I only had a Soupçon, a significant Starter could limit the enjoyment of the Main.

The Mains

Lamb Karahi appeared twice on the Menu, we had to ask why. The Lamb Gosht Karahi was the Dry version, the straightforward Lamb Karahi was the Wet version. Jim and Hector went for the Gosht – dry, Marg the Masala version.

Clive ordered Chicken Dansak, I had to ask why he resorts to this less demanding dish. He feels he cannot have Lamb followed by more Lamb, why not? Maggie chose Butter Chicken and Debs the Chicken Maseladar.

Three Mushroom Rice, two Garlic Nan and two Roti (£1.25) were the Sides. One Nan was very late, Maggie insists I write that she feels the Garlic was waved over the Nan. The Roti were slightly crisp, the Mushroom Rice needed many more Mushrooms. On the positive side, the Rice portions were sufficient for two to share, as we all did.

The two versions of the Lamb Karahi were easy to tell apart. Both had big pieces of Onion – just to annoy Marg, and big pieces of Capsicum – just to annoy Hector. I should have asked.

There was a definite Kick, a very Dry Taste, I was trying to fathom out what it was that I was tasting and then I realised that was actually a Brand New Curry Taste. Jim concurred and also remarked on the quality of the Lamb. He too eats Karahi regularly and was well impressed by this dish. This was very much a standout experience.  (So much for having the Lamb Methi for comparison purposes.)

As expected, Marg left the big Onion Chunks and stated that she is coming round to my feelings on Capsicum – what are they doing in a Curry? – they do not belong!

Clive boasted that he has had Chicken Dansak hundreds of times and this one made him take note. If I thought his Dish looked like Lentil Soup.

Maggie’s Butter Chicken looked like Cream of Tomato Soup. She enjoyed the Chicken content and stated that she could actually taste a Chicken flavour, but realised herself how ridiculously Wet her meal was, Maggie left half a pot of Masala.

Debs assures me her Maseladar was Spicy, with a Kick and very palatable. There we are, six Curry reviews and the N-word avoided, Nice.

The Bill

£76.28. Between six, this is exactly what one normally pays per person without Starters, so very good value for money.

The Aftermath

The Swan was calling (Happy Birthday, Sophie) and so there were no Afters. Maggie made sure somebody received the Calling Card. The Chap on the door did tell me that they are planning a complete overhaul of the building.

And SWAGAT?  Welcome is the best translation I can find.

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