Poznan – Taj India – Tram 8, or a Pleasant Lakeside Walk

Monday Lunch in Poznan, one may as well travel out to Malta Lake for Curry-Heute, Piwa o’clock is not an early event. Last October Marg and Hector walked the length of the Lake which lies East of Poznan, Steve and Louise arrived by taxi. We returned to town by taxi when the heavens opened – Rainy Taxi (Up the Downstair – Porcupine Tree), Hector is still buzzing after Steven Wilson last night, and a certain Football Score. Today, Hector was able to take Tram 8 from the bottom of his street at Sala Ziemi to the nearest tram stop, still a kilometre to walk.

Taj India (Wiankowa 3, Poznan, Polska ) is located above the Boat House at the far end of Malta Lake, to describe the Decor as Ornate would be understatement. This is a Classic Indian Restaurant, they also serve Large Portions.

It was 13.40 when I arrived, the Restaurant opens every day at Noon and stays open, as all Good Curry Houses should. I was shown to a table opposite the counter, from here I could see how busy the Waitress was, and how little help she received from the other Staff. The Maitre d’ was behind the counter, a Lady too, why not serve instead of just smiling? I had to wait for the Menu, and even longer to order. The Waitress kept acknowledging me, she was doing her best. Why did the others just stand there?

What to have?

Fish Vindaloo (29 Zl) and Achari Lamb (39 Zl) were considered. Fish cheaper than Lamb, not in the UK. Boiled Rice comes Gratis with each Main, still Subji Pilao (8 Zl) or Aloo Paratha (10 Zl) are on the Menu for a reason.

Bhuna Gosht (37 Zl) was the order having agreed no Paprika. The Subji Pilao was ordered too, I managed to convince the Waitress not to bring the Boiled Rice too. Mango Lassi (8 Zl) and Sparkling Water (5 Zl) both 200ml measures proved to be much needed distractions whilst I waited.

A Bollywood Movie was on the TV, the sound broadcast around the Restaurant. The Movie ended, the sound continued, another Movie started, seamless. In what are essentially Silent Movies dubbed with a Soundtrack, what difference did it make? The miming, the Wicked Uncle, adverts, and so it went on.

Subji Pilao

There was enough Rice to feed the 500. Peas, Carrots, Tinned Mushrooms – ugh! The Rice varied in Temperature, some was Warm enough, some decidedly not.

Bhuna Gosht

The Masala was Thick, Creamy and thankfully not to Excess. The Spice Level never really registered. The Slivers of Onion added to the Melange of Vegetables, as the Seasoning crept up so did the Experience. The Quantity of Lamb was well into Double Figures, Seriously Tender, I was enjoying this Curry. Not Perfect by any means, but providing the necessary enjoyment. There would be little need to eat again today.

The Bill

59.00 Zl (£10.50) The £ goes further in Polska.

The Aftermath

Another day to myself, the time to sample a few new Biers, and catch up with all this Blogging.