Katowice – Restauracja Indyjska Masala House – A Hidden Gem

As is written, there would be no Curry-Heute, Steve and Hector planned to have Traditional Polish Cuisine at Katowice’s Premier Restaurant – Krystalowa.

Had it gone? Hector stood outside to where the memory had taken me. Another block east, ah, it is closed. A premonition? This is a sad loss to this most humble of cities as previous visits relate.

Restauracja Indyjska Masala House (Mickiewicza 32, 40-085 Katowice, Polska) was the final piece in today’s jigsaw, it had to be. The sign confirmed the location, but where was the Restaurant? Choosing the most likely door, even after we entered I had to ask. With fixtures and fittings that would grace any UK Pub and staffed by Polish Chaps, there was still nothing to give away that this was an Indian Restaurant.

Where are the Indians?

In the kitchen.

I still didn’t see any. But that’s when you know they are there.

The Menu was brought, well leafed, falling apart, stable prices. The more I read the more I appreciated the efficacy of this establishment. The Main Courses were well described, the section on Indian Bread had me hooked. A Methi Paratha (6Zl), in Polska? Methi in Polska? I liked the three columns of prices on the right of the page showing the different prices for the choice of Meat. This is surely better than the UK system of – Lamb £1.00 extra.

Fish Curry came to mind once more, however, Keema Matar (39Zl) had to be Hector’s Choice. Again, Keema Mutter in Polska? Why am I surprised, I have been coming to Polska regularly in recent years, the Quality of Curry is generally sound.

Steve wanted Soup. After yesterday’s disappointment he was on his own. Masala Spicy Soup (11Zl) was discussed with our Waiter. Was it Thick? What does Thick mean? He assured us it was not Watery.

Lamb Keema Naan (20Zl) was interesting. Why so much? The Waiter advised that it came with a Sauce and Rice, a Main Course in its own right. Start again. Lamb Rogan Josh (39Zl) was chosen, a Garlic Naan to accompany. Now things become complicated. Every Main Course comes with Plain Rice or Naan. Steve wished both. I suggested to the Waiter that Steve have the Rice which I had declined, so that we don’t get charged the extra. He saw the logic.

A Litre Bottle (20Zl) of Sparkling Water felt like a decent interlude between the day’s main activity. Steve was having no break, A half Litre of Lomza Lager (8Zl) was ordered too. Sadly, it was a Small Bottle (4Zl) which came Hector’s way.

There was time to explore the premises. The Bar area had three tables, opposite was a smaller room. Beyond lay the main dining area, a few tables were occupied. Tuesday at 19.00, not a busy time of week.

The Soup had a very distinctive East Asian Aroma, it was Watery

It’s like Chinese hot and sour soup – remarked Steve. I knew the Kitchen Staff should have been wearing – Ties. Hector has written the – C – word. Very thin, alright, very spicy – continued Steve. There was no stopping him. Not the Indian flavours…. Minestrone without the noodles.

I was glad I had not ordered any.

If the Soup was this Thin, we wondered what the Masala in the Curry would be like. Keema Mutter should have none anyway. Here we go.

Keema Matar

The size of the Pot impressed, this was a lot of Mince. The Peas looked Large. There was a slight Wetness at the top of the Pot, this dissipated quickly. The Methi Paratha was small by UK Standards, but a sensible size in terms of being able to finish it. Dry Methi coated the surface, all was set.

The Spice was there, the Seasoning was not. Steve suggested I should add Salt. Hector has not added Salt to a Dish for nineteen years, this is how it came, this is how I would eat it. One usually expects Keema to have Methi in, not this Interpretation, the Methi Paratha was therefore the Perfect Accompaniment. Layered and Flaky, this was a most enjoyable Paratha.

Tomatoes were mixed through the Mince. There was an Aromatic After-taste, this I would place somewhere East of the Indian Subcontinent. I would describe the Kitchen Staff as being from the same area. Pleasant, by no means – Outstanding, certainly not a Disappointment.

Lamb Rogan Josh

For over a decade, this was my Staple Dish at the Akash in Helensburgh. A Tomato-rich Curry. A few years ago it turned into a Creamy Dish, who started this? The Rogan Josh had a Creamy Masala. It appeared Thin, but as Steve decanted the top half to his plate, so the Masala at the base of the Pot appeared to be much Thicker.

The Rice was Plain Basmati, the decoration was noteworthy The – Wed Wose – was made from Fresh Beetroot, the Leaves were Cucumber. Compare this to the Speedy Lunch I had at The Village (Glasgow) at the Start of the week. Somebody had taken a lot of time over this.

The Garlic Naan too was a Sensible Size and appeared Authentic. Steve had a mass of Food before him.

I tasted some of the Masala in the Rogan Josh, it was the same as I encountered in India last year, Creamy with a Kick.

The Meat is good, delicious – stated Steve. He too noted an Aromatic After-taste.

We appear to have found a Restaurant in Katowice serving Authentic Indian Cuisine. I wonder what the Lamb Keema Naan was all about?

The Bill

113.00Zl (£22.29) There was no charge for Steve’s Rice and Naan.

The Aftermath

Walking back through town heading towards Browariat, we passed another outlet for Masala House which has yet to be registered on other Media. One for the future.

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