Hector was actually back in Glasgow for some forty hours between Bradford and Kraków. Four days in Polska, then that will be it for a while. The flight prices were irresistible, retirement.
Indus Tandoor (Slawkowska 13-15, 31-016 Kraków, Polska) is Hector’s favourite Curry House in Kraków, the Fish Kadhai having been the standout Curry served overs the years. Steve and Hector entered the near empty Restaurant around 18.00. A Waitress said we could sit here or there, I chose – there, a tight alcove in which I had never sat. A Young Waiter served us thereafter, no sign of Mein Host who has been good value on previous encounters. We were told that he is now at their new and larger premises – India Palace. Next time.
It was Steve who first encountered – Our Speciality Soup – (13Zl) some years back. Seriously Rich in Cream and with lots of Chicken, it was deemed to be almost a Meal in itself. In 2015 I ordered this, so disappointing. I showed the Waiter both versions, he assured me it would be served properly.
The Fish Kadhai (34Zl) and Vegetable Pilao Rice (12Zl) has proved to be a formidable combination. I was determined that the – Dreaded Capsicum – would not make an appearance and asked for it to be withheld from the Soup, the Curry and the Rice. The Waiter went to check and said that Green Peppers were part of the Kadhai Masala. I showed him a photo from October 2014 of Fish Kadhai without, (well, two small pieces were found) and insisted it could be done. He checked again, success.
For a change (!), Steve ordered Lamb Madras (38Zl) and a Garlik Naan (15Zl). Steve enjoys Meat and Sauce, as ever, Hector seeks – Interesting Vegetables.
We were offered Drinks. Tap Water was asked for, this did not go down well with the Waiter. We declined to pay 15Zl for a Bottle. Two free glasses were provided.
Having partaken of the Joys of Krakow this afternoon, both Steve and Hector had to use the Facilities. The single cubicle is outside the Restaurant and is shared with other premises. Bizarre, still. One has to keep track of which door is back to the Restaurant.
On my return, Steve was already tucking in to – Our Speciality Soup. It looked the part, but was nowhere near as Rich as before. Chicken is listed first in the Ingredients, there was very little Chicken. This was still a Pleasant, Spicy Soup. With no expectations, one might be impressed. Compared to how it once was, a poor imitation.
I had to tell the Waiter that if he consulted a well known and reliable Curry Website, he would discover the difference. By now he was intrigued, I gave him a Calling Card. Hector, the Restaurant Inspector.
Our Waiter had a look of confidence and self-satisfaction when he brought the Mains. This was a mass of Curry.
Fish Kadhai
The Karahi was filled to to its absolute maximum, as I tried to turn it, so some Masala slipped off. The Masala was Wonderfully Thick, Rich in appearance, and reflected everything that has been good about Indus Tandoor. The Menu stated the Fish was – Salmon. This Fish appeared White, perhaps it was the lighting. Whatever, there was lots of it, Large Chunks, magnificently spread thoughout the Masala.
The Vegetable Pilao Rice was decanted to the impressively warm plate. Paneer stood out, yes! Broccoli, Green Beans, Peas and Diced Carrots were all present. There was no sign of Capsicum anywhere. When the Waiter came to make the customary check, he informed me that Chef had made a new Masala from scratch. This is far cry from last time here when I questioned if a Chef was actually on the premises.
Topped with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander, Black Cardamoms and a Bay-leaf were encountered in the Masala, this was a Curry worthy of The Hector. The Spice Level was Perfect, the presence of Dark Red Chillies was another Treat, their – Smoky – Flavour adding even more. Surprisingly, for a Fish Curry, the Seasoning was slightly under, but this could be splitting hairs.
The Fish was Excellent, Firm, Tasty, and plenty of it. This made such a pleasant change from my Lamb Overdose last week, and definitely more impressive than the Fish Masala served to me in Bradford’s Karachi. That too was – Good – however.
There are few venues anywhere which match the Quality of the Fish Kadhai served at Kraków’s Indus Tandoor.
Lamb Madras
Topped with Fresh Coriander and – Something – , but what? It was grated and white, possibly Garlic. Salty – was Steve’s first remark. The irony. The Masala here too was Rich. The Naan was a Sensible Size, Steve was clearly enjoying his Lamb Madras.
That was a Curry! – said Steve as he wiped the last smears of Masala from his plate.
Tomatoey, but in a good way. Spicy, just the right heat.
What does India Palace have to offer that Indus Tandoor does not?
The Bill
122Zl. (£24.06) With the Starters, still very good value, even allowing for the drop in Sterling.
The Aftermath
And so the evening continued, a Tour of the Bier Houses of Stare Miasto and Kazimierz.
Next stop is Katowice from where there will be no Curry consumed. On a one night stopover, there is a Polish Restaurant which must be visited: Krystalova is Wonderful!