Three days in Wroclaw helping The Man from Bradford celebrate a significant birthday, an Opperchancity to visit the remaining Curry Houses. Mango Mama (Swietego Mikolaja 78, 50-126 Wroclaw, Polska) is one block away from Buddha Lounge which was visited last year, both venues are just off Rynek, the Main Square.
Arriving at 12.15, I took a small table as I expected to be dining alone. The Staff in front of house were all young girls which is rarely a good sign, what do they know about Indian Cuisine? Still, those encountered were all pleasant and helpful.
The Menu featured Standard Dishes and one standout – Punjabi Chole – (25.00 Zl). The Hector was not going to refuse a Punjabi Curry.
With Chicken or Lamb?
Lamb, please.
As is the custom in Europe, the Curry would come with Basmati which makes it very affordable. The first of two Bottles of Sparling Water (7.00 Zl) was ordered, Hector needed rehydrating.
A Lady sat at an adjacent table and ordered from the Lunchtime Menu. Her meal came in minutes, Chicken in the most Soupy of Masalas. I was hoping for better. With an equal portion of Curry and Rice but no plate, she had a bit of a struggle mixing the two.
Punjabi Chole
The Punjabi Chole looked – Superb – a Thick Masala, in no way Excessive and rich in Chickpeas (Chana/Chole). There was more Rice than I could ever eat. A Side of Grated Onion and Carrots accompanied. With Chunks of Tomato and Toppings of Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander, I was set for a memorable meal. I had been given what was no more than a Side Plate from which to eat my Curry.
The Spice level was Moderate, the Seasoning lacking, this was the very definition of – Bland. That I could taste the Ginger, Carrots and not much else means that it was not The Hector Palate that was at fault. The Lamb, some of which was decidedly – Chewy – also offered no Flavour. This Curry was simply lacking. How could something that looked so good offer so little?
Howard arrived and sat opposite, start again.
I suggested the Kofta Dehradun (45.00 Zl) might be worth trying. As ever, Howard was happy to oblige, He ordered Still Water.
With bubbles?
No.
Howard had the pleasure of watching me eat whilst he waited for his meal, then the roles were reversed.
Kofta Dehradun
The Kofta Dehradun arrived in a Large Karahi. It was accompanied by Rice, what appeared to be a Puri, and a Side of chopped Tomato and Cucumber. This was a lot of food, the significantly higher charge may have been justified.
The appearance was decidedly – Meatballs in Soup.
The Meatball is excellent – remarked Howard as soon as he started. A piece of one of five Koftas came in my direction plus a Soupçon of Masala. Although thinner than the Punjabi Chole, the Masala still had a Decent Consistency, and decidedly more Flavour. The Kofta had an Earthy Flavour, Herb-rich. Howard has helped Curry-Heute over the years by having the Lesser Curry, today he was on a winner.
Potato and Egg were uncovered in the Masala, this was a Worthy Curry. The Bread was surplus to requirements, it turned out to be a very pale Naan. As ever, Howard had a few, well chosen words:
That was good mainstream Curry. The sauce had the right level of spice and seasoning. The standout was the meatballs which had excellent flavour. All it needed was a change in the proportions between the sauce, meatballs and potato. The cucumber and tomato added little, the Naan was bland.
The Bill
46.00 Zl (£9.58) and 52.00 Zl (£10.83) Having ordered separately, we were presented with two Bills. There was a strange system employed itemising all the component parts of our meals. Somehow the Punjabi Chole was 32.00 Zl, so maybe the Rice was not inclusive.
The Aftermath
There was a short walk along the banks of the Oder towards Hala Targowa – Craft Beer and Food. The Rickmeister and Company were ensconced, the food here was rated too.
