Whilst out searching for breakfast yesterday, Hector happened upon Hot Chili (Mikolaskja 3, 31-027, Kraków, Polska). Interesting, had they moved or was this a second outlet? Before committing at noon today, the original venue as I perceive it near the Barbican at Pijarska 9, had to be checked. There are now two. Mikolaskja is located to the north east of Rynek behind the church where the Bugler performs the famous Kraków Ritual.
Two young staff were at the counter, one male, one female.
Yes? Said the Chap.
I could see four other diners to the rear of the long, comparatively narrow restaurant.
Are you open?
Yes, take any seat you want.
I was not immediately taken by – Yes? – what sort of greeting is this? Why else would someone walk in to a restaurant, to buy furniture? A table with four place settings was chosen mid room, from here Hector could observe the operation. There were two flights of stairs to the basement, one went to the kitchen, the other? The toilet I presumed, until I spotted this up three steps beside me. Where do the other stairs go?
The mystery of the layout deepened, a garden to the rear, for what purpose?
The Young Lady brought the Menu. I had to consult a well known and reliable Curry Website to compare the Menu just provided and the one from the other venue where Marg and Hector dined last April. The differences were the order of the dishes, the content the same. Speculation was out of control, where was the food cooked? Can they afford two Chefs. How consistent would the Curry be between the two venues? These things matter, to me. One would really have to take up residence in Kraków to find out. I was also reminded that I met The Chef – Surjit – last year.
I was asked if I was ready to order. Not yet. All of the above was my priority.
Lamb Kadhai would be an excellent choice so as to compare this venue with the Indus Tandoor. Sunday at the Indus Tandoor had disappointed. The venue which has won the Respect of Hector served up Duff Mutton and an unrecognisable Soup which is their – Specialty. At today’s venue the Lamb Kadhai contained the dreaded – Bell Peppers – as was written. The Waitress listed the Ingredients, when I asked if the Bell Peppers could be withheld. She then understood that I didn’t want them. This she thought would not be a problem.
Is it possible that another Vegetable, e.g. Potato, be added instead? She said she would ask The Chef. I was warming to this Young Lady in a way I had not to the Chap. Veg. Rice would accompany, and a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water.
She went downstairs after consulting her upstairs colleague. He brought me two glasses of Sparkling Water. Wtf? Pint glasses were on the shelf at the bar. I was going off this Chap rapidly.
The Waitress returned, all was well with the Substitute Potato. Some minutes later she approached again.
The Vegetable Rice has Bell Peppers too, Chef can put in Broccolli or Cauliflower instead.
Perfect! I liked her. I liked the thoughtfulness of service
The Trusty Samsung kept me amused whilst Chef worked his wonders. Little did The Hector know that two hours later the Samsung would be Trusty no more. It crashed, went into hibernation. My alarm clock? Fortunately I had a printout of my Boarding Card for tomorrow’s flight home.
This is Curry!
A soon as the Waitress placed the Curry Pot on the table I knew this was going to be Special. With Meat piled high, Potato inside and some Tomato extruding too, no false colouring, this looked like the Perfect Hector Curry. Ginger Strips and Fresh Green Chillies Toppings, yay! Has someone been studying Curry-Heute?
A plate covering of the Huge Portion of Veg. Rice was spooned across, then about three quarters of the Lamb Kadhai. One tends to describe Masala as being Thick and Minimal when Positive Observations are made. This was in a different league. There was hardly any residue of Masala or Oil at the base of the Pot. This was one Magnificently Dry Curry, as with the Best of Glasgow or Bradford, enough Masala to shroud the Meat. Surely it had to taste Wonderful too?
Under-seasoned is the only possible criticism. A bit more Salt would have enhanced the overall Flavour. Still, this Curry packed a Punch in both Spice and Flavour. A very distinctive Flavour – Earthy – is the category to describe it. On my previous visit to Hot Chili I had asked for – Spicy – and had nearly been blown away. I had dared to ask for –Spicy – again, this most certainly was, perhaps the Potato tempered the extremes.
The finely cut Broccoli and the Peas offered the variety of Textures I enjoy in Curry. Everything was going my way. This won hands down against the Indus Tandoor. Mr. Holden has been nagging me all week to come here, I shall never hear the end of it. Also, he thinks Buddha on Rynek serves Curry despite other sources saying otherwise. Hector may not have covered all of the Kraków Curry Houses after-all.
No way could all the Rice be eaten, the Curry Pot was scraped clean. This was a Mass of Curry at a very high Quality. I know where I shall be headed first, next time in Kraków.
The Bill
55.50 Zl (£9.40) I gave the Chap 60Zl, he never brought the change. I had intended to tip, I do not like the presumption. This Chap I had not warmed to.
The Aftermath
I had actually asked the Waitress for The Bill, when she brought it I showed the photo of Surjit and Hector.
He is downstairs, it was he who cooked your Curry.
I gave her the Calling Card immediately and asked her to pass it on. She took it to the counter, not downstairs. I never get to meet Surjit again. She wasn’t perfect, pity.
Update
Inspired by the description of the above Lamb Kadhai, Sir Howard sneaked away for Curry at Hot Chili, alas, he went to the the other venue…
2022
This branch of Hot Chili is no more.