Warszawa – Namaste – The Curry Improbability

Fahren de Polen – The Cycling Trip

Dr. Stan and Hector were off to Warszawa Centralna to purchase the train tickets for tomorrow’s journey to Katowice. Rasoi was spotted metres from the station, Achari Gosht and Keema were available. Once the tickets were negotiated Dr. Stan bade farewell and Hector found himself on the far side of the station facing one of the most hideous buildings in Europe – The Palace of Culture. Fortunately this meant there was an array of Curry Houses to choose from.

Namaste (ul. Nowogrodzka 15, Warszawa, Polska) was tracked down using the Trusty Samsung. The Young Waiter showed me to a corner table with one chair and two bench seats. Rather than face the window I chose a bench so as to see into the room. No sooner had the Menu been issued when in walked a familiar person – Sir Howard. This was total chance. Hector was travelling in a group of eight, Kenny, the most likely Co-diner was not eating much today. Howard had never mentioned the – C – word.

Bhuna Gosht or Achari Gosht. The Bhuna promised to be closer to the Hector Curry, Howard said he would have the Achari, he does this, in the field of research. A Methi Roti had to be tried. Howard asked for a Stuffed Aloo Paratha but the Waiter gave an emphatic – No. Garlic Naan it was, we never found out why Paratha was not possible. Meanwhile a plate of Vegetable Rice was paraded, I was almost tempted.
The entrance to Namaste has a wall of Curry Ingredients for sale, encouraging to think that this style of food is taking off in Poland. About six small tables were located on the ground floor with the kitchen off. Upstairs was a much grander room, presumably open in the evenings.

We were seven diners in total inside, with a few more outside, those who have that habit… The Chap beside us was a Lone Diner. His Curry was served in a large Cabbage Leaf, a Chicken Tikka variant he told us. This Chap was serious about his Curry and devoured the Curry, Rice and Bread.
Expectations were not particularly high, but then Hector has had only one really disappointing Curry in Polska. What was presented was similar to the Curry served in any Mainstream British Curry House, and better than many.

The Bhuna Gosht had a Thick Masala with chopped Green Chillies mixed through, Hector had asked for – Spicy. With Chopped Onion also in the Rich Masala, there was a Pleasant Gritty Texture. This was more than Meat and Sauce. Had I been served this in Paris a couple of weeks ago, I would have been a Happier Hector. The Lamb was plentiful and varied in Size and Texture. The more chewy pieces were the weakest link. The Kick was there and the visible Herb on the Roti provided a suitably Earthy Flavour overall.
This was an enjoyable Curry.

Howard’s Curry looked to be a Creamier Curry. At least they are not serving Soup as Curry at Namaste. The Naan was thin and pale, the Garlic covering gave a moist glow. Howard definitely had the lesser dish. He described a – creamy sauce, with a slight sweetness – and – no sense of pickle. He also found the portion size to be generous, all of his Lamb was Tender.
This was a perfectly acceptable curry.

The Bill
91.00ZL (£15.50). Nobody is going to complain about these prices.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left with the cash, however on spotting it, the Young Waiter expressed an interest. The Curry-Heute website was briefly shown.
Time to go and see what they have done to Warszawa since my last visit in 1992.