My friend and I came on a quiet night and met the owner on the step, having a smoke. He invited us in and turned out to be the friendliest restaurateur I have ever met. By his account, his life was changed the moment subcontinental food touched his lips and he desperately wanted to share it with Germany.
We had a long discussion (he sat at our table with us before and after the meal for what may have come to half an hour) about what to eat, in which he recommended many things with equal enthusiasm. My friend, a German, was not at all familiar with the cuisine, so I wanted to show her the classics, and we went with papadams, naan, a mango lassi, a very good vegetable biryani, and a nice chicken tikka (not tikka masala, but a more traditional-looking variant) with basmati rice. It was prepared hot-for-Germany but not in any way crippling, and also came with a local garden salad.
The man was much taken with my American accent and my friend's laughter and our interaction, even though he didn't necessarily know what we were saying to each other, gave us a mango liqueur on the house, and talked to us long after the meal, mostly in German with my friend, who translated. He was so warm and gentle that we commented to each other walking back that we rarely feel so appreciated. I would like to think now that we are just highly exceptional people, but my suspicion is that the dude simply finds a great deal that delights him in life.
In any event, his enthusiasm is contagious. I highly recommend...
Read moreI recently dined at Dera and had a fantastic experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The ambiance was cozy and reflected the rich culture of India and Pakistan.
We ordered the Chicken Curry and Mutton Grill Tikka, and both were outstanding. The Chicken Curry was flavorful with tender chicken in a rich, aromatic sauce. The Mutton Grill Tikka was perfectly grilled, with a smoky, well-spiced taste that left us craving more. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every bite, and the naan bread was soft and delicious.
The service at Dera was top-notch—attentive and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed. The prices were reasonable, making the quality of food and service even more impressive.
In short, Dera offers delicious, authentic Indian/Pakistani cuisine with excellent service at a fair price. I highly recommend it and look forward to...
Read moreIt was two of us on a Monday evening and it was a very cosy atmosphere. The decoration was really good with a bit of Indian mixed with some Arabic touch, giving the place an exotic look.
The food was really delicious keeping in mind it is adapted to the western taste. And the best part about the experience was the employee. We've never came across someone who is so friendly that we sat down and chatted for almost an hour after the dinner. It was a wonderful experience and I'd recommend it...
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