Tasty India (Metzer Straße 21, 10405 Berlin Deutschland) is located round the corner from the Ibis Mitte, our preferred place of residence when in Berlin. It has been in operation for about one year, Mein Host informed us.
We arrived at Tasty India just after the noon opening. On entering, it became immediately apparent that there was next to no space to dine inside. I pointed to the solitary table near the doorway, they would bring it outside. So, Tasty India is primarily a Takeaway, with a green carpet under the canopy outside, for those who wish to brave the elements. There is no toilet available for customers. It was 9ºC as we took our seats, coats were staying on.
Menus were provided, the usual Deutsche-Indian fayre. Then I spotted Fish Vindalu (€10.90) with inclusive Rice. Not often one sees this, it had to be. Marg was having Mix Pakora (Veg) (€7.90) along with Jogi Tea (€1.50). I asked for a litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.90), which would surely be the cheapest served in Berlin.
*
Normally, one takes in the ambience of a restaurant at this point, today it was watching the M2 trams running up and down from Prenzlauer Berg to Alexanderplatz.
The drinks arrived, Marg’s Tea was suitably hot and milky, yeuch. I was given a glass of Sparkling Water, so none for Marg. The Pakora and two Dips arrived moments before the Curry.
Mix Pakora (Veg)
I counted about fifteen pieces of Pakora, so the price feels justified. Unlike proper Vegetable Pakora where finely chopped Vegetables are mixed together, this was simply slices of Vegetable in batter. Aubergine, Paneer, Cauliflower and Potato were present, around three or four pieces of each.
Marg avoided the Chilli Dip, and concentrated on the Mint Raita.
Filling – she assured me – a good mixture.
Today, the quantity of Rice matched the Curry, so not totally ridiculous. I helped myself to a plateful, the remainder was hopefully bound for the bin.
Fish Vindalu
Tasty India is my fifteenth Berlin Curry House. I should trawl back through every review to establish how often I have not been given a Creamy Masala. India Club does tick that box, however, today’s blended Masala was typical of Berlin Curry.
I decanted eight good sized pieces of Fish and three large Potato Wedges, plenty of solids. The quantity certainly matched the price, good value. The Masala had a decent level of viscosity, this was far from being Shorva.
Vindaloo in Deutschland is not always associated with a big – Spice – level. Strictly speaking, it doesn’t have to, I have been served many a bland Vindaloo. Today, there was a definite – kick – nothing extreme, but enough to register as a Spicy Curry. The Seasoning was well pitched, and so there was a definite sense of this being a Fish Curry. The Fish retained its integrity until it was cut, no flaky mass here. Soft, tasty, I do enjoy a good Fish Curry, this was not too shabby. The Potato, also soft, did not have the time to absorb the Flavours from the Masala. It did provide the required Diversity.
Do you want more Rice? – asked Mein Host when he came out to check on our progress. How much Rice can Europeans eat?
I ate on, enjoying the Curry. Whilst it may not have been the best ever, the traditional fayre in Deutschland is what makes me persist. Inevitably, the food cooled, but only to 12ºC, there are signs that the end of spring is imminent.
*
The Bill
€22.80 (£19.05) Mein Host confirmed that the Sparkling Water was listed as – Naan – (€2.50).
The Aftermath
Our brief chat continued. The Real Taste of India – is the tag-line at Tasty India. Clearly, what I had been presented with today was not. I asked if there were any Desi/Apna Curry Houses in Berlin. This did not receive a response.
The search continues.
Menu extracts
Marg wanted to visit the Oberbaumbrücke, Hector – The Wall Museum – and so Curry across the River Spree felt logical. Sadhu Pakistani Restaurant (Falckensteinstraße 41, 10997 Berlin, Deutschland) has been visited twice previously. Sadhu, the namesake of 
Arriving at 13.45, I was surprised at how empty the place was, a handful of diners only. Previously, this venue was bustling, perhaps because it was Saturday? I attempted to consult a well known and reliable 
Throughout Lockdown, Marg’s Salads became legendary on a certain social medium. Today, here was a Bunte Salat fit for a Marg. The Chicken Tikka was covered by a mass of Lettuce, Rocket, Tomato and Green Peppers. Slices of Carrot and Cucumber formed the peripheral guard. Slices of Orange added another dimension. The swirl of Chilli Sauce and Yoghurt was a work of art. 
Last time this was 
I didn’t count the Meat as I decanted, it was easily into double figures. The Lamb proved to be so Tender-soft, minimal chewing was required. As ever, the Lamb was such that one concludes it had only recently met the Masala. 
My meal had cooled substantially, yet note the initial vapour rising. The temperature of the Rice was cooling the Curry. Eventually I had to record that this Curry needed more Spice and more Heat. 
We walked back across the Spree to The Wall Museum. How we could do with a Gorbachev today.
At the risk of repeating myself, as if : Curry in 
The 
Having arrived some ten minutes early, I told the waiter we would be two or three. This seemed to cause him a problem. Was it two, or three? He showed us to a small table in the area which connects the front of this spacious restaurant to the rear. Moments later he offered us a second, slightly larger table. Better. Time to study the menu, ah drinks first, he insisted. 
Ein Sprudel bitte.
Applying the same logic that led me to the 
Marg chose Mango Chicken (€5.90) from the Mittagsmenü. This would come with Rice, Salad and Dessert. Note: changes are not possible!
Drinks first for Steve, a 0.4l glass of Cola (€3.30) was ordered. I was intrigued by the cost of both the Sparkling Water and the Cola, the latter was certainly more than we have been paying for Bier in 
The Naan were served – halved. Thin, but with a degree of puffiness, not bad at all. The shape was consistent with having been cooked in a Tandoor. The Buttery sheen was not Garlic, another positive, for me at least. 
The steel – Thali -platter always reminds me of modern day school dinners, or even prison movies. There was more Rice than anything else. The Curry occupied the top right and middle slots, at Ganesha, they like their creamy swirl. Four pieces of Chicken in one, two in the other. Six pieces of Meat in a lunchtime menu, impressive. Ground Cashew Nuts had been sprinkled on top of the two Curry portions. The Salad appeared to be no more than Lettuce, not that I was paying much attention there. The top left slot contained the Dessert – Mango Lassi. I wonder how many people have mixed this in with the Rice? 
Marg cleared the lot, the manifestation of enjoyment:
I like the decorative Toppings: Coriander, Onion and another swirl of Cream. I counted at least eight pieces of Meat before I realised the rest of the solids were Button Mushrooms. The not excessive, blended Masala looked interesting. With the Coriander mixed through, this had the appearance of being a competent, Mainstream Curry. 
The Spice immediately impressed, two chilli rated, indeed. A Curry this Spicy in 
I knew what was coming, I’ve tried this often enough in Europe. The Bitter Mash that accompanies a Palak Gosht in the UK has not reached Europe. Here, Spinach means a Creamy Curry. Had Steve studied a well known and reliable Curry Blog, he would have been aware of what to expect. 
Having got over the Creaminess, Steve’s next remark was about the temperature of his meal: needs heating up. One wonders about the efficacy of the tea-light candles. 
A day in 
There was a point last night when I considered ordering both the Lamm Chettinad (€15.00) and the Fisch Chettinad (€13.00). Later in the day, I probably would have, I’ve done it before. This early, it had to be a one Curry model. Fish it would be, Marg was on board too, no messing about with snacks. Marg appreciates the wonder of the Curry served at 
The familiar pungent aromas spread from the open kitchen, the Fish and the Chettinad Spices. Scraping noises were aplenty, the Chettinad as served at 
Expectations are always high. This Fish Curry is the yardstick against which all others are measured. 
A Big Spice and Smoky Blast hit the palate. There is nothing like it served anywhere else that I have encountered in my extensive travels. Marg’s first comment related to the – smokiness. This was a classic South Indian Curry, taken to the extreme. 
The end game shows the Chettinad mixed through the Rice. It looks seriously – Dry, it works. Is this the ultimate Fish Kedgeree? 
With less Coriander on top, one can see the Meat protruding from what definitely looks more like a Masala. Maybe this Chettinad is closer to Curry? The Richness of the Masala was clear to see. 
It’s just as well Steve did not have the Fish. I was last finished by quite a bit. The Mango, in effect more Lassi, was duly served. Refreshing as this was, I was glad later when the Salty/Savoury sensation returned to my lips. 
The Aftermath
Having become aware of the opening of 
I arrived at 
A Glass of Tap Water was provided, no Sparkling Water was available. Mein Host then offered Coffee whilst I waited, gracefully declined. 
The counter, which took up much of the basement premises in the time of 
A substantial bowl of Raita was provided, in the end I did not need to touch it. Had I ordered from other parts of the menu, this would have been a useful accompaniment. Hector was here for Curry, not Street Food. 
Topped with Fried Onions, Tarka, I additionally found Aubergine, Green Beans, Cauliflower and a Green Cardamom. It may have taken a couple of weeks since I had my heart set on this at 
The portion was substantial, that I have just written these four words, reflects the level of satisfaction. I decanted as much Rice as I knew I could manage, sadly there would be waste. 
Topped with Ginger Strips and some Coriander, the Curry featured a mass of blended, Soupy Masala. This was very much expected, and distant from my usual Karahi Gosht. Today, I knew I was having – Curry – and so had chosen to wear my – Curry hat. 
Mein Host was still at the table when I announced:
With an audience of one, Hector was in his element. I asked if Mein Host had been to 
With the Meat taken care of, I returned to the remaining Masala, this was when the Vegetable components of the Biryani came into their own. Meat and Masala, not so exciting, Masala with an array of Vegetables, always a treat. It became a matter of eating until I decided to call it a day. Hector had been fed, and some. 
Chef had been made aware that a food critic was present. He emerged from the kitchen beaming, possibly having heard the positive words describing his creations. 
I have passed Roti of Edinburgh (42 South Bridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LL) on each of my visits to the other other Curry Houses clustered around Nicolson Square, it has always been closed. When in Edinburgh, I tend to eat earlier, Roti’s 15.00 opening time is therefore cutting it fine. Still, this is the best time of day to eat Curry, according to Curry-Heute. 
The presence of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone at £26.95 for the kilo had already convinced me that there was serious Curry available. However, £18.95 for the half kilo is simply not on. Nor is £3.95 for the – Popadom Tray. If one scans down to the previous posts, one can see that in the recent trip to 
As I waited, I took in the flurry of snow. As forecast, it’s chilly in the east. There’s a downstairs seating area, adjacent to the kitchen, which I did not visit. The ground floor décor is modern, casual, spacious. When I bring Marg, I’ll secure a comment on the ambiance. 
Roti of Edinburgh – is apparently one of three restaurants owned by Mohammed Din. He began in Corstorphine, wherever that is. Note how many years it has taken Hector to explore the Nicolson Square area. Much of Edinburgh remains a mystery, however, I already have my favourites. If anyone can identify the others, that would be appreciated.
The Naan had heaps of Coriander leaves and stems, no sign of Chilli, and thankfully no Garlic. What did I order? More round than a teardrop, there was but a hint of burnt extremities. If there was a Tandoor, maybe it hadn’t had time to fully warm up? The Naan had not risen as much as I would have liked, so nothing like the light and fluffy Naans I have recently enjoyed. It did the job. 
The Thickness of the Masala impressed, the Meat count did not. Four, come on, you’re charging eight quid for this? At least I can report the pieces of Lamb were a decent size. 
No Syboes, and perhaps a slightly paler Masala, were the distinguishing features here. Well, it was served in a karahi. Again I counted to four, I so wished I had reached five. I was impressed by the quantity of Bread I had eaten, or does that say something about the quantity of Curry served? The liberal Coriander was falling off the Naan, this would add something extra to the Karahi. 
The Masala had nothing like the – kick – of the Bhuna, however, the Bullet Chillies took it back up, also transforming the Flavour in the process. I had the Spice, but not the intensity of Flavour. Maybe the Seasoning was not what it might have been? To judge this Soupçon of Karahi Gosht after the wonderful Desi Bhuna may be unfair. Or does that simply tell us, it was nothing like as impressive? 
The area around Albert Drive, Pollokshields, could probably support more Desi Curry Houses, however, opening next door to 
Oh, you’re back, I remember you – was the greeting by the tall chap who famously 
The laminated menu was brought to the table, one orders at the counter, then pays at the end. It didn’t take long to digest the menu, Keema Aloo (£8.00) and Lamb Curry (£9.00) were the only Dishes of interest to the Hector. Opening at 09.00 daily, it became apparent that Desi Nashta is the main fayre on offer. Alas, Hector likes his Curry/Karahi. 
With no Rice or Naan on the menu, A Plain Paratha (£3.00) felt like the appropriate accompaniment. The Student Biryani (£6.00) aside, this must be the only Curry House I have encountered with no Rice. 
The Tamarind added the bite, there was probably as much Potato as Chickpea so the Chaat was certainly enjoyed. The couple who took the adjacent table were similarly welcomed, a nice touch. 
Lamb Curry
I counted eight pieces of Meat, some on-the-bone, sat in a Shorva. I later revised the count upwards to nine. Shorva, with Kofta fine, as a Curry, not what I would choose. I didn’t feel that I had £9.00 worth of Curry sitting before me. Another option would have been the Mix Thali (£15.00), a three Curry model. Why spend that much? For £15.00 I can get a veritable feast at 
The Paratha was huge, glistening, with a buttery sheen. Usually this tends to evaporate, not today, if anything, the Paratha was too greasy/buttery. However, it did have the layering, the swirl, the moistness prevented flaking. 
More food arrived, this time Dessert. It is some time since I have had Gajar ka Halwa, served warm as it was today, always appreciated. 
Zee (Zaytoun) was happy to have her photo taken with her brother. She too repeated the plan to rotate the Curry, Curry one day, maybe Karahi the next. But how does one know in advance? If Karahi Gosht is on, I would love to know when. I put it to Zee that they were brave opening beside the excellent 
15.00, a Saturday afternoon in Glasgow, time for Curry. Today was the day for what has become the monthly visit to 
The Coriander Naan was a work of art. With burnt extremities, and a big blister forming to one side, there was a combination of thicker edges and a slimmer centre. Plenty of Coriander had been mixed in with the dough. Light, fluffy, this Naan was so good I nearly managed the lot. 
One day, I'll count how many times I have had this Curry at 
Desi Curry in
As we entered 
We amassed quite a spread, again, check the Salad.
Vegetable Samosa
The Salad, superficially, resembled the – comedy – Salad served yesterday at 
How puffy is this? Risen, with burnt extremities, blisters, and a sprinkling of Herb, this Naan looked majestic. What’s more, it was not dripping in Garlic, Butter etc. The size was, well, – Hector size. I would manage every morsel. The Hector idyll? This could well be the Naan I have been describing, but not securing, in many posts over the last few months. 
The standard eight pieces of Meat, large and boneless, sat in a classic Shorva. This was Desi Curry, I could tell long before it hit the taste-buds. Time for an aside.
The first dip of the Naan revealed a killer Desi Shorva. We had Seasoning and a Peppery, Chilli blast. The back of the mouth instantly knew there was Curry coming its way. No Oil, no Flavour, here was the required intensity of Flavour. Mmmmm. Let’s dip more Bread in the wonderful Oily Shorva.
For this Karahi, it had to be Bread, though I am left to wonder how good the Vegetable Biryani (€5.50) would have been? 
As I paid at the counter, so I presented the Calling Card, which hopefully will find its way to the boss. Permission to photograph the counter was granted as a matter of course. 
The laminated menu was on the table, to say it was minimal would indeed be brief. No prices, is this legal, in the EU? Rua Sao Pedro Martir is not Rodeo Drive, I reckoned we would be alright. 
The Order was assembled, it became instantly apparent that the volume of Marg’s snack would mean that no assistance was coming my way. 
The volume of Mince that could have made four decent sized Chapli had been combined to make two! Marg managed to raise a smile for the photo. Remember, the three thick slices of Lime are in the foreground. This was the biggest plate of Mince ever set before the Lady. Then there was the Salad.
Chunky – does not even begin to describe this. (One ought to see Marg’s – coleslaw!) 
Despite their humongousness, the Chapli were cooked through, raw Mince would have unacceptable. I had to take a sample, I could have taken half, Marg would not have complained. Moistness had been maintained, a Spice Level which did not cause Marg to comment meant all was well here. An – earthy – Flavour emanated from the blend of Meat and Spices, and no doubt Herbs also. If one was going to face – death by Chapli – then today might as well be the day.
The same Topping of sliced Almonds, as featured two years ago, was a most welcomed sight, continuity. It was Marg who spotted that the Lamb was on-the-bone. A Sucky Bone was present here. There was no Meat count, two Dishes, a huge challenge. 
I would love to know what was sprinkled on top with the Coriander. The large cut Meat, again – on-the-bone – sat in the blended Masala. I decanted the contents of the karahi on top of about half of the Biryani. Hector, what were you up to? Marg’s little fingers stayed firmly across the table, absolutely no assistance was forthcoming. 
The Masala should have been had with Bread, I let it soak into the Rice. The Spice Level was not testing, the Seasoning developed as I ate. There definitely was Flavour here, and something quite familiar. The distinctiveness of the blend of Spices was comforting on the palate. This was the Desi Cuisine I seek, wherever I dine. 
The Meat, from both Karahi and Biryani, was generously giving of Flavour. This was beyond all Lamb had on this trip. Tender, with the right amount of chewing – was noted. 
€31.90 (£29.59) Card payment accepted. 
He was more handsome back then – our chap said of Chef. All were assembled, the updated staff photo for Taste of Pakistan. A backstreet Restaurant certainly worthy of a visit, however, moments after we departed,