Taj India (Wiankowa 3, Poznan, Polska ) is not in a location that could be described as Handy. Sited on the north east shore of Poznan’s Malta Lake, one has to make a deliberate effort – To Dine – here. Many as it turned out had made the decision to have their Wednesday Lunch at this locus, maybe this was Poznan’s Best Curry Source as reported elsewhere?
Marg took little persuasion to undertake the two kilometre Lakeside Walk, beyond Malta Lake lies Nowe Zoo. That Steve and Louise signed up for this afternoon’s extravaganza showed character beyond the anticipated. There was a 13.00 rendezvous. Halfway along the Lake an incoming text, the others had gone to The Citadel, the wrong direction. They went, but missed The Tanks. Taxi to Malta Lake.
Marg and Hector rounded the far end of Malta Lake and spotted Taj India above a Boat House. The concrete exterior gave way to an Extremely well Decorated Restaurant. The wooden carved chairs alone must have been a significant investment. Some attempts at making a Restaurant look – Indian – can be twee, this was quite a place.
The Waitress let us choose any table when I said we would be four. There was time to study The Menu before the arrival of our Co-diners. The Sides on The Menu at Tavaa yesterday had put Hector in the mood for an Aloo Gobi or similar, not to be. There was an Extensive Vegetarian Section on The Menu, but these were all Main Courses or Starters. I could have negotiated, as it turned out, not to would be the correct decision.
Marg was happy to order her usual Lunchtime Indian Delicacies – Poppadoms (4 Zl) and this time Chicken Samosas (15 Zl). For Hector, The Lamb Balti (37 Zl) and an Aloo Paratha (10 Zl) should be a good test of The Fayre. Meanwhile we ordered two Mango Lassis (9 Zl for 200ml) to keep us amused whist we waited.
The wait was not long, Steve and Louise arrived punctually and before the heavens opened. Time for them to read The Comprehensive Menu.
Steve considered the Bhuna Gosht before deciding upon Lamb Vindaloo. Louise ordered Chicken Tikka Masala – Yay! – they would share a Naan, all Main Dishes come with Basmati. Did Hector need the Paratha? I was almost having nothing, the order was taken and The Waitress was nearly on her way. Can I order please? Spicy and without Paprika – was the supplementary information supplied.
The Chicken Samosas came as a Pair.
Quite tasty, a wee kick. The Samosas were quite dry, the sauces were needed. The Poppadom was the Standard European version with embedded Cumin. Once again Marg had failed to secure Mango Chutney but this time did tackle the Tamarind Dip.
The Breads preceded delivery of The Curry. The Chef had decided that Quarters was how to present Indian Bread, sorry it isn’t, let the customer have the joy of tearing off pieces as required. The Paratha was Thick with Potato, Flaky in parts, Floppy in others. Not a bad attempt at all. No way could all of this be eaten, thankfully Steve would assist. The Naan, also quartered, look Thin and Peely Wally. Rather annoyingly, the Rice attracted every fly in the house.
The Balti stood out from the other Curry Dishes, it was served in the Tall Bucket. The Lamb was virtually spilling out the top of The Balti, just how much was there? I had to decant, no way could I eat directly from this. Fifteen Large Pieces of Lamb, this was close to The Half Kilo. The Quantity of Meat meant that this Dish was not all Masala. The Masala did look Rich but Red and pretty much the same as the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Vindaloo, the same Pot? We collectively decided later that the Masala in the Balti was Darker, Creamier.
There was a Modest Kick, the Seasoning was Fine, the Curry had a Pleasing Flavour, the Lamb as ever had only just been introduced to the Masala, a criticism of many a Mainstream Curry House. I’ve had a lot worse, and consequently way better. There was little to be negative about, this Curry worked for Hector. With Seven pieces of Lamb to go I tried to get rid of some across the table, the leftover Masala was accepted by Marg, but not the Lamb. This was a Feast, just a pity I had not arrived here mid-afternoon. Taj India is open from Noon to 23.00 everyday, next time I shall have the Appetite to match the Quantity.
Louise was first to make her feelings known. The right spiciness for me – was her take on the Chicken Tikka Masala, how would she cope with the Karahi version served at The New Karahi Palace? One day I shall have to try this. Hector eats Chicken Curry? I could sell tickets.
Night and Day – was Steve’s opening remark about his Lamb Vindaloo. He was comparing with the Very Disappointing RuBaRu in Bydgoszcz a few days ago. Taj India is definitely a Curry House.
Louise continued – Very good, reminds me of a jar of Rogan Josh. This was a remark that Steve would enforce. Satisfactory, it reminds me of a Curry from a jar.
Surely not? As ever, the Vindaloo was nowhere near as Spicy as it could have been served and did not come with Potatoes, the inclusion of which for Hector, is one of the attractions in ordering this Dish.
One always hopes that every Curry House on The Continent could be another Indian Mango, this was Mainstream when compared to the UK, but well above the European Average. We were four Contented Diners, all would consider a return, but the walk out?
The Bill
178.00 Zl. (£29.80) Have the Polish stopped using the subdivisions of the Zloty?
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left with the cash, but as the Waitress fetched it and brought it to the bar area before I had made my egress, I stopped to mention – Curry-Heute. The Card was quickly taken to the Mistress of The House who had emerged from the kitchen. The efficacy of Taj India was revealed in an instant.
Rainy Taxi
(A Porcupine Tree track from Staircase Infinities, for those who did not recognise the reference.
After the Blue Skies of Bydgoszcz and Torun, this was not a day to go to The Zoo. We were on the verge of a soaking. Stopping off at a Hotel on the opposite side of Malta Lake the staff arranged a Taxi in an instant to take us back to town. Much appreciated. A bit early for Bier, Piwna Stopa would become – Our Local.