Poznan – Taj India – Five Go For Lakeside Curry

The Company have been in Poznan for some twenty four hours, Curry-Heute was overdue. We assembled at Rynek at 13.30, Tram 8 took The Five to the east side of the city, Malta Lake was the destination.

Taj India (Wiankowa 3, Poznan, Polska) may seem remote, but distance-wise no further than any other Curry Expedition. On this Dreich Friday afternoon a few Scullers were out on the Lake, as a setting for a Curry House, Taj India must be unique. The exterior of the building is functional, the Restaurant is essentially part of the Boathouse. The interior is Classic Indian Restaurant.

Today marked Hector’s #3 visit to Taj India. Back in April I was here alone, the day after having seen – Steven Wilson performing – Hand Cannot Erase – plus an Old Firm Match. Today Howard and Hector were accompanied by Marg, Mags and Eleanor, four were keen to have Curry, Marg would restrict her intake to a Starter, or two.

Mulligatwany (9.00 Zl), their spelling, was Marg’s #1 selection followed by Fish Amritsari (15.00 Zl), Marg enjoys Starters. Having previously tried the Bhuna Gosht (37.00 Zl) and Lamb Balti (37.00 Zl) I was able to offer advice. These became Mags’ and Howard’s selections respectively. Eleanor went for the exotic sounding Lamb Mughalai (37.00 Zl) while Hector for research purposes opted for Achari Lamb (39.00 Zl). All Curry Dishes at Taj India come with Basmati, though Rice Variations may also be ordered at the risk of ending up with a Mountain as happened in April.

The Waitress mentioned Cider whilst listing the Drinks on offer. Hector could not miss the Opperchancity to try Polish Cider, after the excesses of the last few days, a Drink without Hops. A good choice as it turned out.

A small Group of Chaps became our Fellow Diners, a Retirement Party. That they were sat at the adjacent table amused given the size of the premises and number of available tables.

Marg’s Mulligatawny, correct spelling, was a Creamy Chicken Soup. The Whiteness suggested this was not simply Soup with Curry Powder chucked in, as if… The Soup was not Spicy reported Marg, she did enjoy it.

That was lovely. Plenty of Chicken. And so the scene was set for The Mains.

A Large Metal Bowl of Basmati was placed on the table. Just in case we were in any doubt we were assured that this was for four. As Hector’s Achari Lamb arrived first so the Rice was decanted. There was more than enough for four with nobody having any fear of revisiting the Bowl for a top up.

The Fish Amritsari turned out to be Fish Pakora in a too Red Coating. There was a small refreshing salad to go with it – Marg also appreciated.

Bhuna Gosht

The Bhuna Gosht looked way better than what I recalled being served in April. The Karahi was almost overflowing with Plentiful Lamb in a Delightful looking Thick Masala.

They don’t skimp on the Lamb – was Mags’ observation. Quite mild. None of us had asked for – Spicy – which was an oversight, in Europe one should.

*

Lamb Mughalai

Eleanor’s Lamb Mughalai was topped with Cashew Nuts and was decidedly Creamy. Such a Curry is never going to be anything but Mild. Still, Hector could consider having this for a change, one day.

Delicious – was Eleanor’s considered opinion. She was also taken by the Rice – Lovely Basmati rice, dry, fluffy, it did not stick together.

*

Lamb Balti

Howard wasn’t saying much as he picked his way through the Bucket of Lamb Balti. I had warned him about the Sheer Quantity served when I had this last year. As with the Achari Lamb, the Masala was too Red and also Creamy. Eventually Howard broke his silence:

Very much a mainstream Curry. Lamb Tikka rather than Lamb which normally I don’t like, but was very soft and malleable. Difficult to ascertain a flavour other than the creamy background. The seasoning was at acceptable levels, but a very good 1970’s, 1980’s Curry. The portions were excellent, the rice was a suitable modicum.

Who invited Howard?

*

Achari Lamb

The Gingers Strips on top of the Red, Creamy Masala gave the impression that someone has been to the UK recently. The Ginger would be the only Textural Variant in the Achari Lamb. Three of four Curry Dishes were simple Meat and Masala. I feel a Vindaloo coming on soon. One expects an Achari to be Tangy, this interpretation was not. One suspects Chef forgot to add the Lime Pickle. So why I had to pay an extra 2 Zloty for what looked and tasted like Lamb Tikka Masala shall remain a mystery. Howard considered his Lamb to be Tikka, however, this was certainly not the impression in the Achari; this was the Tenderest of Lamb.

One concludes that there was Pleasure given by all the meals enjoyed today. Decidedly Mainstream Curry, the Interpretations were not what we would be served in the UK. If one enjoys a Creamy Curry then Taj India is most certainly worth a visit.

The Bill

221.00 Zl.  (£46.41) With each Curry served in a 400g Portion, this is good value.

The Aftermath

Marg and Eleanor decided to walk back to town, Tram 8 for the rest. There will be Curry-Heute tomorrow if that is not too much of a contradiction.