Ganesh, Kraków – A Long Overdue Curry-Heute

After the lightest of Breakfasts at the impressive David Hotel, Kazimierz, Hector had a few choices of where to have the First Curry of this Trip. A walk, or even bike ride, across the Vistula would take Marg and Hector to an untried Venue, but it may not be open at lunchtime. This will be investigated next July/August on the Cycling Trip. To return to impressive Indus Tandoor, leave that for Friday afternoon when we return to Kraków from Katowice. Logic prevailed, and this may have had something to do with reading Wiliam Shatner’s autobiography – Up till now – somewhere untried.
Ganesh  (Tomasza, 18, 30-962, Kraków) was the First Kraków Curry House encountered by Hector in April 2013, Two Trips later and the List of Untried Venues dwindles. I did know Ganesh would be open at lunchtime, I have seen it so as we have walked along the same street for the 14.00 opening of House of Beer. Where is Rowing Jack? I had seen people sitting in the window, or so I thought.

The entrance gave way to a flight of stairs down to a basement, this I was not expecting. The stairwell gave way to a large Bar Area from which we were lead through Two Cavernous Basement Rooms to be sat at the far end adjacent to a raised Dias.

A Third Room lay off this. The setting was Magnificent, the wall decorations had Picture Frames without Pictures. The Illuminated Picture Frames were decidedly original. The low tables in the two rooms had benches with stools opposite. The Third room had traditional tables and chairs. Dear Reader, this may have been the most Architecturally Stunning Curry House I have ever set foot in. The Fittings were approaching Minimalist but are certainly effective.

The Young Polish Waiter brought the Menu. Marg had enjoyed the Extensive Breakfast available at Hotel David. Herbata Tea would suffice. She asked if it was Pink, in the style of the Peshwari Tea she loves, alas not, still. From the Menu on display at the door, Hector had already decided on Gosht Bhuna Masala. Fearing Bhuna may not be as Dry as Hector seeks, Jeera Rice looked like the best accompaniment.
The Waiter sang the praises of the food on offer and stated that he ate here every day. I commented on the splendour of the décor and mentioned I thought in the past I had seen people dining at street level. This area  is being converted into a hotel currently. On later examination I was even more puzzled. Marg by this time had managed to have Curry-Heute brought into the conversation. The Calling Card was handed over, no pressure then.

Herbata Tea

Marg was dancing in her chair such was the pleasure this Tea presented. How can people drink Tea with Milk? How can people drink Tea outside of Scotland?
Cinnamon, Spicy, and Sweet. The Aroma, that’s Lovely.
I think she enjoyed it then.

The Ganesh Curry
A Metal Bowl containing an Impressive Portion of Curry was accompanied by a Generous Portion of Rice. In the subdued light the colour could not be judged, however, the Photo does this Curry Justice. This was not Soup either. The Masala was Thick and Onion Rich, there was Potential.

Eating very slowly, the Spice Level grew on the Palate with each mouthful, not OTT in any way, but there was a Definite Kick. The Seasoning was such that it can only be described as Unremarkable. There was a Grittiness, The Jeera Rice was coming to the fore. The Chef had not held back on the Cumin Seeds, here lay the Source of the Grit, Stunning. This also added to the Overall Aromatic Flavour of the Combined Dishes. I became aware in time of a Slight Creaminess from the Masala, the further I progressed, the Greater the Pleasure.
It was evident the Lamb had just met the Masala moments before presentation. The Lamb gave no Spice and did not add to the Curry Experience. Ever so Slightly Chewy, this is preferred to Lamb Pulp. The Masala and the Jeera Rice had done enough to forgive the Lamb.

The Bill
Zl69, £13.05. This included the unmentioned Sparkling Water.  One can eat much more cheaply than this in Polska.

The Aftermath
I approached the Counter to pay. A Chap was sitting at the Bar doing the paperwork.

Are you the Owner?      No, the Manager.

I introduced myself and handed over another Calling Card. Ganesh I’m told is part of a Polish Curry Chain. There are branches in Warsaw, throughout Polska. I shall have to do more research before next summer. Meanwhile it is fair to say, Kraków has Two Curry Houses of Distinction.

Later that evening…
Polska 2 v 2 Scotland. Yay! Not since 1978 have I been in a Foreign Land hosting  Scotland. The match was in Warsaw and did not fit in with our plans for the week. Still, watching the game in Moment Resto and Bar, drinker Paulaner Weizen, where everyone wants the Home team to win….