The existence of the Solitary Curry House across the Vistula has been known to Hector for the last couple of years. When checking sources, the location was not as remebered, nor the name as previously noted. Hindus – Indian Food (Lipowa, 30-702 Kraków, Polska) now shows as the only Curry Outlet south of Kazimierz. That it is on the same street as the infamous Schindler’s Factory intrigued. Hector certainly did not recall a Curry House here and the day is remembered well. It was a Curry-Heute Birthday and the briefest of texts was received from Howard as we sat in the Museum Cafe at the end of the tour – She’s dead.
Continuing the theme of Improbability, today is the day Howard was going to visit Schindler’s Factory. It was agreed I would meet up with Howard after he had seen the History of Poland, we would then dine together.
Approaching Lipowa, the Schindler Factory came into view as one passed under the railway. Behold – Hindus – Indian Food, a van selling Curry! Eh?
I spoke to the Young Lady who was – manning – the Wagon. I was expecting a restaurant.
Believing Howard to be ahead of me, I sat once more in the Museum Cafe and waited. No Howard.
It was Curry O’clock.
Three dishes were on offer – Chana Masala, Chicken Curry and Chicken Vindaloo. No Lamb. The Hector Premonition that a Chicken Curry was looming has come true. Chicken Vindaloo it would be.
Large or small? Asked the Young Lady. I asked the difference, the Curry was sold by weight – Excellent. 400g or 600g. The latter is more than a Half-kilo. Who could eat that much Curry? (!) The Standard Portion would do. As it was assembled into a Cardboard Container I then realised the weight included the Basmati. I should have gone – Large.
The Bill
10.00Zl (£1.70) A second portion would have been greedy. Did Hector just write this?
The Calling Card was handed across.
Where does one eat Street-food? In the Street!
Two folding tables and benches were located around the back of the Van. After the ritual photography the contents of the container were finally revealed. A Modest Portion of Chicken Curry and Rice, it did not look too bad.
The Curry was very impressive. The Masala very well Seasoned, the Spice level was at an adequate level not quite commensurate with Vindaloo, nor was there Potato. However, it was the Flavours that made this Curry memorable. This Curry was a joy to eat. Cardamom came through, what were the seeds? Little Black ones, Mustard, Onion? And the tiny Yellow ones…no idea. I would ask.
A text from Howard, he was metres away. I was hoping he would stumble across me, alas he, Kenny and Bernard were further away than stated. Plans delayed due to the saga of how to buy football tickets in Poland.
Waspaway!
The local insect population were becoming a nuisance as Hector finished the Curry. The analysis continued. The Masala was not the Thickest but did have well cooked pieces of Tomato throughout. The similarity to that presented in the Hector Curry Lesson was striking. That always went down well, past tense.
How does this place manage to operate in winter? In the rain? There are limitations.
The Aftermath
I went around to the front of the Wagon to congratulate The Chef, whoever, wherever, and identify the Seeds.
The Young Lady knew the Polish but could not translate. Perhaps those who know can inform The Hector.
Howard, Kenny and Bernard were at the far end of the underpass as I made my way back to Kazimierz.
I recommend the Five Star dining just ahead.